Gabrielle B. Davis, MD is a practicing Plastic Surgeon in Beverly Hills. Dr. Davis redefines aesthetic medicine by implementing her unique research background in tissue regeneration into her medical practice to reduce the effects of aging on the body. Dr. Davis’s mission is to create natural-appearing results implementing scientific principles of aging with the sound surgical technique. Her philosophy is that while aging is a normal process of life and scientifically we can not stop the process, we can definitely redefine the concept of “aging gracefully." Haute Beauty expert Dr. Gabrielle Davis explains the process of lip fillers for lip volumizing and contouring while maintaining a natural-appearing look.
Photo Credit: ShutterstockThe lips and peri-oral region is the central area of attraction in daily interactions. With recommended mask requirements now, first-time patients are now feeling comfortable “testing the waters” with lip fillers as they may not know what to expect. Rejuvenating the lips and the peri-oral area is a very popular cosmetic procedure that can create a more youthful appearance as well as improve genetically predetermined “ thin” lips. With respect to age, as one ages, the lips tend to lose volume as well as the sharpness in the outer lining and contour. Descent of the outer corners of the mouth can create a melancholy appearance. In addition, constant contraction of the peri-oral musculature over the years or smoking can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. Volumizing the lips with filler injection requires a proper understanding of the nature of the problem such as age-related volume loss, the appropriate technique, and the right product to use to create a natural-appearing result and avoid the “duck-look”.
Filler with hyaluronic acid is the most commonly used filler to enhance the volume of the lip as well as improve the shape and structure. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance in the body that can attract water and maintain the moisture of the tissue. However hyaluronic acid filler is definitely not “one size fits all” as there are particular properties of fillers that make them more appropriate for different areas of the body. For the lips and peri-oral regions, small particle filler and those with special cross-linking technology allow for volumizing while maintaining the natural softness without creating bulky lumps or clumps. Juvederm Volbella® XC, Restylane® Silk, and a newer product Restylane® Kysse are fillers that are indicated for lip volumizing.
Photo Credit: ShutterstockThe procedure time is typically 30-60 minutes, adding in an appropriate time for pre-treatment numbing if needed. After the treatment, you can experience swelling and bruising that typically last anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks. Ice can be used to minimize swelling after treatment and results typically last for 6-8 months. You should notice an improvement immediately! However, numbing medication as well as the injections needed for treatment can cause initial swelling and may overestimate the actual enhancement of your lips. I encourage first-timers to start conservatively as you can come back in a couple of weeks once the swelling resolves to add more filler until your desired volume is reached. If you would like to know more about lip volumizing, please do not hesitate to contact our office or schedule a consultation!
For more information, visit Dr. Gabrielle Davis's social media:
