Lip Enhancement and Mouth Rejuvenation

Lip enhancement and mouth rejuvenation are two very popular treatments in our practice. As we age it is common for the lips to disappear as the lips lose volume. It is also common for the lines to appear around the mouth like spokes on a wheel. We call these lines radial lip lines. It is interesting to note that the majority of patients who develop these radial lip lines, also called smoker’s lines, have never smoked. 

These lines develop because the pucker muscle, orbicularis oris, encircles the mouth and cinches the mouth closed like a purse string.  Over time and from sun exposure,  the skin loses collagen and elastin resulting in permanent wrinkles or etchings as the skin can no longer snap back from the pucker.

Botox is a muscle relaxant. When strategically placed, Botox can soften the muscle contraction that causes the radial lip lines, produce a soft enhancement of the lip, called the “lip flip,” correct a gummy smile, and turn a frown upside down.

Just like the face, the lips also lose volume with age. Lip enhancement is one of our most popular procedures. There are two types of lip filler treatments, one that enhances the lips, making them visibly larger, and one that fills in the radial lip lines, but does not increase the size of the lips. Some patients need both. When done correctly, the lips are enhanced, but natural in appearance and proportional to the face. The type and amount of filler needed for the correction will depend on the patient’s goals. Most enhancements require 1-2 syringes of filler and typically last 6-9+months. Click here for more information on Dermal Fillers.

Our VirtueRF Platform is the only microneedling RF platform available. It combines three great treatments into one amazing treatment for optimal collagen stimulation. There are two treatment options for the mouth area SMART RF AND EXACT RF.

The SMART RF has 36-gold tipped needles, radiofrequency, and red or blue light. The SMART RF is indicated for the face, neck, eyes, and around the mouth. The EXACT RF handpiece is recommended for radial lines around the mouth.  

Patients tolerate the procedure well after topical numbing for the SMART RF. For mouth treatments with the EXACT RF, an injection anesthetic may be used for improved comfort. Downtime for the EXACT RF treatments is 1-2 weeks of possible swelling, redness,  and tiny dots.  Multiple treatments may be necessary.  Click here for more information about the Virtue RF.

For more enhanced results, PLATELET RICH PLASMA(PRP) can be applied to the treated area after microneedling RF. PRP is isolated from the patient’s blood, which is drawn at the time of treatment. The PRP contains growth factors that allow the skin to respond to the treatment faster and better.

The Coolpeel is not a peel, but a specially designed “light” CO2 laser that is great for rejuvenating the skin and stimulating collagen without the typical 2 week downtime.  It is ideal for early fine lines and for stimulating collagen. For more information on CoolPeel click here.

TRL is the most aggressive laser treatment performed in the office. It functions similarly to a CO2 laser. It is great for deep wrinkles around the lips. It can remove years of wrinkles and its results are dramatic. It requires local anesthetic injections for numbing and 2 weeks of intense recovery. In plastic surgery offices, this treatment is often paired with facelifts because of the extensive recovery period. A driver may be needed after the treatment.

Red Light Therapy, or low-level red light therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive anti-aging treatment that involves exposing the skin to red light. Red Light Therapy activates a series of cellular processes that stimulate fibroblasts to make collagen. Treatments are quick, painless, and have no downtime. It is a great add-on after laser or microneedling treatments because it speeds up the healing process.

We call using products “Protecting Your Investment.” We carry several skincare products that are clinically proven to stimulate collagen and elastin. We highly recommend incorporating these products into your skincare routine. They will help you get to your results faster and keep them longer. Aging never stops. Let our knowledgeable staff help you find the perfect product for you.

Not all treatments are suitable for everyone. Sometimes, a combination of these methods may provide the best results. During your consultation, Dr. Noll will make recommendations based on your specific needs and goals.