Guest Post by Joshua Rosenberg, MD, Assistant Professor and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. To make an appointment with Dr. Rosenberg, call 212-241-9410 or visit www.mountsinai.org/ent and complete the Make an Appointment form.
“My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand
To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss.”
– William Shakespeare; Romeo and Juliet
The lips are an essential part of the human face. Their shape and proportion are important arbiters of beauty and a youthful appearance. These characteristics, widely recognized throughout art and literature, often place lips in a central position in matters of attraction and love. As Valentine’s Day approaches, recent trends in full, well-defined lips, coupled with increased interest in plastic surgery procedures by younger patients, is driving interest in all forms of lip enhancement.
Lip Symmetry
Full, natural lips are characterized by certain attributes. The classic female lip should be in proportion with the eyes and the nose; other defining features of the face. The upper lip should project slightly further out than the lower and have a subtle pout. The corner of lips should align with each pupil, being full in the center and tapering toward the corners. They should be symmetrical with the upper lip having a well-defined dimple in the center. Appropriate for Valentine’s Day, the anatomical name for this central depression in the upper lip is the “Cupids Bow.”
Pout Plumping
For patients interested in lip enhancement, there are numerous options. Soft tissue fillers are by far the most popular, with Juvaderm™ and Restylane™ both gaining approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration for lip enhancement in 2015. These fillers are gel-like substances made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring compound found in our bodies. They can be used to fully enhance the lips or target specific areas where a patient might seek improvement. The body absorbs hyaluronic acid fillers over time, so lip enhancement with them is temporary. Patients should expect results to last between 6 months to one year.
Lip Lifts
Surgical lip enhancements or “lip lifts” represent another option. These have the benefit of being permanent changes but carry risks inherent in surgery including possible scarring. Fat injections, where the patient’s own fat is harvested via liposuction and re-injected into the lips, are also popular. Fat injections are intended to be permanent and often are. Sometimes not all the fat takes hold, risking possible asymmetries.
Facial plastic surgeries and treatments, including lip enhancements, are often considered tools for rejuvenation as we age. Interestingly, younger patient are increasingly seeking cosmetic treatments, not for rejuvenation, but to enhance their beauty. According to a new survey by The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), 64 percent of members saw an increase in cosmetic surgery or injectable treatments in patients under age 30 last year. Lip enhancements, possibly driven by high profile celebrities (i.e. Kylie Jenner), are an important part of this trend.
If you are unsure of what treatment is optimal for your pout (if any), the best place to start is a consultation.