The ageing mouth

The Aging Mouth and how we can turn back the clock…

Aging is synonomous with volume loss (deflation), sagging (ptosis or descent) and wrinkling. Unfortunately, our mouths and lips can also show signs of aging. Some of this aging is due to the natural aging process, facial animation and genetics whilst in some individuals, this can be accelerated by environmental factors such as sun exposure and smoking.

Our mouths can look sad as we age. With age, the upper lip lengthens, the lower lip loses volume, the tissue around the corners of our mouth deflate, the corners of our mouth turn down, lines and wrinkles form around our mouth, our chin pad sags (chin ptosis) and the nasolabial folds on each side of our mouth become more prominent.

So how can we rejuvenate the perioral region so we can enjoy more luscious plump lips with fewer lines and wrinkles around the mouth?

Depending on which areas need to be addressed, there are techniques to restore more youthful lips. The volume deflation of the upper and lower lips can be restored with fillers such as hyaluronic acid fillers, that may last 6-12 months. The downturned corners of the mouth can either be addressed with fillers or with a surgical technique to elevate the corners of the mouth.

The lines around the mouth (perioral rhytids) can be addressed with laser resurfacing such as Sciton Profractional laser or Fraxel laser. Alternatively, the lines can also be reduced using dermal fillers to soften those lines. If there are many strong dynamic lines around the mouth on animation, a small amount of wrinkle relaxants can also help improve the appearance of lines. Dermabrasion or chemical peels can also be used to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Combination treatments can effectively improve the quality of the skin and soft tissues around the mouth.

The long upper lip can be addressed with a lip lift which is a surgical maneouvre to lift the lip and reshape it. The deep nasolabial crease and prominent nasolabial folds may require a midface lift or fillers.

In any case, the area around the mouth ages with the rest of our face and when we address the other areas around our eyes, our forehead, face and neck, we should attempt to create harmony by not neglecting the perioral region. So who is for luscious kissable lips and a radiant smile?