There are three problems that occur with the aging lip:

• Lips become thin
• Upper lips become wrinkled
• The upper lip elongates or lengthens.

As we age, the vertical height of the red lip thins and the arch of the lip line flattens. Some are born with thin lips. Augmentation or enlarging lips can be permanent or temporary. A lip augmentation test allows Dr. Chi to create the size of the lips the patient wishes. Permanent augmentation is performed with the insertion of Gore-Tex or the use of a permanent injectable filler. For temporary augmentation, collagen or hylauronic acid fillers are used. Wrinkled lips are treated with the laser. (See Laser Resurfacing.) A long white upper lip is treated with a sub nasal lip lift where the scar is hidden under the nose.
 

Lip Reduction
Members of some ethnic groups as well as Caucasians have lips that are too full. Usually it is the lower lip, but it can be the upper lip. A small amount of the inner part of the lips is removed to reduce the vertical height of the red lip. Postoperatively, there is some swelling, but in two weeks most patients are able to resume their social activities.

Visit our plastic / cosmetic surgery offices located in Tracy, Dublin, and Walnut Creek, California (CA), conveniently near the San Francisco and Sacramento, CA area.