As a host beauty editor for On Magazine, Dr. Fiona Wright has published a series of Q & A articles in response to emailed questions, sometimes with collaborations by other medical colleagues in her network. She would now like to share the information with everyone!
Q: I was a smoker for 23 years and have deep lines around my lips. What is the best way to get rid of them?
-L. Cramer, Richardson
A: With aging, our lips lose volume and become narrower and less defined. To add to this problem, levels of oil and water – our natural lip balm – decrease, especially with smoking. With this volume loss and dehydration, the lips will develop deep lines. By avoiding sun exposure and smoking and not pursing the lips with straws and bottled drinks, you can however, slow down the aging process.
In my office, I utilize many treatments to help with the “barcode” lip lines and find that a four step approach works best.
1) Resurface the skin with microdermabrasion, chemical peels, or micro laser peels. This exfoliation process will “peel off” the aging skin and allow new skin to regenerate in its place. One of the newest technologies, the WrinkleLite will also aid in the reduction of wrinkles and the growth of collagen.
2) Recontour the lips with Botox. This will stop the wrinkle movement and prevent the lips from narrowing in.
3) Restore the volume loss and refill the lines with Facial Fillers.
4). Replenish the skin with advanced skin care products.
This multi-step approach to lip rejuvenation is an effective technique that creates natural, long-lasting results and satisfied smiles.
Fiona Wright MD, Skin M.D. & Beyond
