Lip enhancement: It’s come a long way, baby
Fashion trends in physical appearance change, much like they do in clothing or hairstyle, although at a slower pace. For a while the media adores slim hips; then it changes to voluptuous curves. The runway favors heroine chic facial thinness; then reverts to a healthy girl next door look. One thing, though, has remained fairly constant through history. As a focal point of the face, full, well-defined lips are attractive. Dr. Jeanine Downie helps female and male patients throughout the Essex Fells area achieve and maintain alluring lips with Restylane.
Why we love full lips
This can be summed up in one word – youth. Cultures, like the United States, that value a young appearance associate thin lips with age. Babies, children, teens, and young adults typically have rounded full lips. As the years go by facial volume, including the lips, atrophies. Lip enhancements restores youthful volume and reduces fine lines and wrinkles over the upper lip.
An evolving art
“Modern” lip enhancement dates back to about 1900, when paraffin was injected into lips, with little success. In the early 1960s we tried liquid silicone, and bovine (cow) collagen in about 1980. Each method had drawbacks related to results, safety, or potential allergic reaction. Fat transfer required general anesthetic, and methods like Autologen, Dermalogen, Alloderm, Radiance, and Artecoll had a number of other negative aspects. The late 1990s saw an increase in surgical intervention, including Gore-Tex implants and implantation of biocompatible materials.
And then came Restylane!
Today’s cosmetic dermatology patient is fortunate to have a better option, called Restylane. It is a clear gel formulated with a hyaluronic acid that mimics the HA found naturally in your body. Because Restylane is not derived from animals, there is no need for time-consuming allergy testing and no risk of reaction. HA has the unique ability to bind with water, so it adds volume immediately and continues to complement plumpness and definition for six months or longer.
Restylane earned FDA approval in 2003 for improvement of facial wrinkles and folds, and was approved for lip augmentation in 2011. Dr. Downie uses a very fine needle to place the product precisely along the lip line and into the body of the lips. Because this area is sensitive, every precaution is taken to ensure your comfort during treatment. We use topical numbing paste and ice.
Dr. Downie has a great deal of experience expertly injecting Restylane for natural looking lip enhancement. The procedure can be done “stand alone,” or as part of a customized makeover including Botox, dermal fillers, and skin rejuvenation techniques.
There’s no need to bite your lip with hesitation – schedule a consultation with Dr. Downie to find out if Restylane is right for you. Call image Dermatology ® P.C. today at (973) 509-6900.
