Noticing smoker’s lines forming around the mouth? Find out how to treat them!
What are they from?
These lines form as the skin starts to thin and our collagen and elastin starts to deteriorate. Non-smokers get these lines too, although some smokers can have more pronounced lines from repetitive movement and increased collagen loss from cigarette smoke. Either way, they can be annoying and can make you look older. Some can be genetic.
How to we treat them?
Well we can hide them with some fillers - which does work very well, but it’s more of a bandaid than an actual treatment. The same with trying to relax the muscles around the mouth - this can actually affect the way you talk and smile.
What we really need to do is build the collagen in this area then so that the skin can resist being pulled into these lines. Then we can also soften the lines. But just using filler is only a short term solution. In fact adding filler year after year, can make the lip look puffy and unattractive, instead of more youthful. So what does a treatment look like:
Step 1: Ultherapy around the lips to build collagen.
Collagen takes about 3 months to form and a single treatment of Ultherapy can boost collagen by 42% on average. It’s one treatment and only takes a few minutes. Ultherapy uses ultrasound guided heat to increase collagen, thereby smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. No needles involved. The collagen is heated to between 60- and 70 degrees to cause heat trauma in the area. The body responds by laying down more collagen, and in this way, strengthens the skin.
Step 2: Soften the lines with small amounts of filler
We can now move on to using little filler to soften and "airbrush" out the lines. This will help disguise deep lines while the collagen is growing. Filler can blend in the lines and soften them nicely. Filler can last up to 1 year in patients on average.
Step 3: Maintenance every 1-2 years.
I would repeat the Ultherapy and then place a bit more filler. You may notice over time, less and less filler is used as the collagen is built up.
Ideally I would start these treatments before the menopause, to take advantage of the time when your collagen is still being produced at full strength, but treatment after the menopause can still be effective, but may take more time and require some add ons. Add ons could include microneedling and skincare to further boost collagen.
Interested in finding out more? Email: drkimbooysen@gmail.com to book a consultation.
All treatments are for patients over 18 years of age. Treatment results vary between patients. Consultations needed prior to treatment.
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