Lip thinning is a common concern as we age. The loss of collagen, the protein that provides structure to our skin, is a major contributor to volume loss throughout the face, including the lips.
This article will explore the reasons behind thinning lips, what you can do to prevent them, and how to treat them if you’re already noticing a change.
We’ll look at both filler and filler-free options, including exercises and medical procedures.
What causes thinning lips, and can you prevent it?
Causes of lip thinning
One of the biggest causes of thinning lips is the natural aging process. As you age, your body produces less collagen, which can lead to volume loss in your lips. Collagen is a protein that makes up a large part of your body, including your skin.
Environmental factors can also contribute to thinning lips. For example, sun exposure and smoking can speed up the breakdown of collagen and cause premature aging. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays accounts for a high percentage of visible aging in skin.
Can you prevent volume loss in your lips?
You can take steps to protect your lips from sun damage by using lip balm with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher. You can also avoid smoking.
Adopting healthy habits, such as managing stress and eating a nutritious diet, may also help keep your lips looking their best.
Lip Fillers: Restoring Volume with Injectables
One of the most common ways to address thinning lips is with injectable dermal fillers.
How Dermal Fillers Work
Typically made from hyaluronic acid, these fillers can temporarily plump up the lips, replacing some of the collagen that’s been lost over time. You’ll probably want to repeat the treatments every 12 to 18 months.
Choosing a Practitioner
If you’re considering fillers, find a medically qualified professional who has experience working with lips. The skill of the person doing the injections is key to a natural look.
Whatever you do, don’t try to inject fillers yourself or buy fillers online! That can be dangerous.
Filler-Free Options for Lip Enhancement
If you’re looking for ways to plump up your lips without fillers, you do have some options.
Lip Exercises: Benefits and Limitations
Lip exercises work the muscles in your lips and the area immediately surrounding them.
These exercises boost blood flow, which could stimulate collagen production and build muscle. Some popular examples include tongue twisters, kissing motions, mouth stretches, and puckering.
Be aware that there’s not a lot of long-term evidence to show that lip exercises make a noticeable difference in lip size or shape. In fact, pursing and puckering your lips too much could actually increase the fine lines around your mouth.
Other Non-Invasive Treatments
There are a few other treatments that may give you a plumper pout.
Skin boosters can hydrate your skin and boost its elasticity, making your lips look fuller.
A Botox lip flip relaxes the muscles around your mouth, which can create the illusion of fuller lips.
What about lip implants and surgery?
If you want a longer-term solution, you might consider lip implants. Implants last for five years or more, but they’re more expensive than fillers, and they come with more risks.
Plastic surgery offers the most dramatic and permanent changes to lip size and shape. However, it’s also the riskiest and most expensive option.
Closing Thoughts
Thinning lips are common with age, but you don’t have to live with them. Fillers, exercises, and surgical procedures can restore volume to your lips.
When deciding on a treatment, be sure to weigh the pros and cons. The best way to plump up your lips is to talk with a qualified professional about your unique needs and goals.