Thin Lips
Thin lips refer to lips that appear less full relative to the other facial features. This can be a natural characteristic or develop over time due to factors such as ageing. As we age, our skin loses its natural elasticity, and the amount of our own natural hyaluronic acid reduces which gives our skin and lips their youthful ‘plumpness.’
Thinning or deflated lips can occur naturally over time due to a decrease in collagen production and hydration, leading to a loss of volume and structure in the lips. While thin lips are not a medical concern, many people seek to enhance their appearance for cosmetic reasons.
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WHAT CAUSES THIN LIPS?
There are various treatments available to enhance the appearance of thin lips. Here is an overview of common treatments:
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Dermal Fillers: Injectable fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, can add volume and shape to the lips. Common brands include Juvederm and Restylane. Lip fillers provide immediate enlargement. There is immediate swelling and bruising which settles after several days, revealing the final results. The results often last up to 12 months or more.
- Botox or other neuromodulator injections: these injections can be used to make the upper lip in particular look more full by relaxing the muscle that encircles the mouth. This also prevents the upper lip from curling in and becoming thinner on extreme smiling. Using neuromodulator injections for this indication is called a “lip flip”. The other indication for neuromodulator injections around the lips includes vertical lines around the mouth – also known as smoker’s lines, which do not necessarily occur as a result of smoking but are age-related changes.
Surgical Treatments
- Surgical Lip Lift: A surgery performed that shortens the space between the nose and the upper lip to enhance the lips’ appearance by positioning them in a more youthful (higher), and by reflecting the upper lip outward – making them look fuller without adding volume. This option is typically useful in patients who have lengthening of the upper lip skin (philtrum). Oftentimes this is related to ageing however, this is can be a feature in younger patients who naturally have a longer philtrum.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THIN LIPS:
- Less Fullness: Thin lips lack volume throughout the lip or in certain areas, appear less plump and may not fit with the rest of the facial features.
- Loss of definition: In patients with lips that have thinned with age, the border around the lips often also loses volume and fine lines appear here. This means there is less definition of the lips and application of lipstick or lip liner will often “bleed” out onto the skin around the lips.
- Natural Variation: Some individuals naturally have thinner lips due to genetic factors.
- Age-Related Changes: With ageing, lips can lose volume and elasticity, becoming thinner. Thin upper lip on smiling: Some patients have a thin upper lip, which is especially noticeable on smiling. This is a variation of normal and is because of the anatomy of the lips and the muscle that encircles the lips – the orbicularis oris. This specific concern can be managed using Botox or an equivalent neuromodulator injection. Colloquially, this procedure is called a “lip flip”.
HOW CAN YOU TREAT THIN LIPS?
There are various treatments available to enhance the appearance of thin lips. Here is an overview of common treatments:
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Dermal Fillers: Injectable fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, can add volume and shape to the lips. Common brands include Juvederm and Restylane. Lip fillers provide immediate enlargement. There is immediate swelling and bruising which settles after several days, revealing the final results. The results often last up to 12 months or more.
- Botox or other neuromodulator injections: these injections can be used to make the upper lip in particular look more full by relaxing the muscle that encircles the mouth. This also prevents the upper lip from curling in and becoming thinner on extreme smiling. Using neuromodulator injections for this indication is called a “lip flip”. The other indication for neuromodulator injections around the lips includes vertical lines around the mouth – also known as smoker’s lines, which do not necessarily occur as a result of smoking but are age-related changes.
Surgical Treatments
- Surgical Lip Lift: A surgery performed that shortens the space between the nose and the upper lip to enhance the lips’ appearance by positioning them in a more youthful (higher), and by reflecting the upper lip outward – making them look fuller without adding volume. This option is typically useful in patients who have lengthening of the upper lip skin (philtrum). Oftentimes this is related to ageing however, this is can be a feature in younger patients who naturally have a longer philtrum.
What to expect
- 30-minute consultation with a Plastic Surgeon
- Proprietary triage system guaranteeing referral to the most suitable practitioner
- Treatment carried out at Montrose London, a leading specialist skin aesthetics and plastic surgery clinic
- Dedicated Patient Co-ordinator as a personal point of contact throughout your journey at Montrose London
- Comprehensive post-treatment aftercare with our expert doctors and aestheticians
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Overall a disappointing experience, sterile and cold enough environment made bearable only by the maximalist decor. No serenity as portrayed in marketing features ie. Lack of music As a director within a private healthcare setting, very poor customer experience and not one I will be recommending to our own clientele.
I was advised if unhappy with results in 2 weeks to come back for a top up but work restrictions meant I did not attend for 4 weeks but was told that this was chargeable: disappointing again with lack of appreciation or flexibility for working professionals. No follow up provided or courtesy call as is often given at alternative aesthetic clinics.
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Dr. Noy has been incredible from start to finish. It is a joy to go to this beautiful clinic, and care is second to none.
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