Upper Lip and Smokers Lines

Our lips can age and wrinkle even faster, thanks to the constant assault of the sun and its accompanying UV radiation. However, at LSG we offer several solutions for wrinkled lips—solutions designed to give your lips a fuller, more youthful look. These solutions are all non-surgical in nature.

In many cases, wrinkled lips is simply a result of genetics. Your lips may be predisposed to looking a certain way. Or, you may be predisposed to developing more wrinkles as time goes by. As you get older, wrinkled lips can become worse. Every time you purse your lips or drink from a straw, your lips develop a slight bias towards that “wrinkled” look. In other words, the more you use your lips, the more wrinkles will develop. Unfortunately, using your lips is largely mandatory. Read on to find out more about upper lip wrinkles.

Before & After Photos

Frequently asked questions

Facts on upper lip lines / smokers lines

Premature upper lip wrinkles and lines are due to a combination of genetics, UV exposure and in some cases smoking
Laser resurfacing is the best method for rejuvenation of moderate to severe wrinkles
Laser has added advantages of removing sun damage and precancerous lesions
Combining erbium and/or picosecond lasers, we are able to achieve up to 10+ years rejuvenation with this technique
Mild wrinkling can be treated with filler and muscle relaxants
Fillers hydrate the skin and can improve skin texture, however repeat treatments are needed every 12 months- 18 months
Fillers have an advantage over laser as treatment downtime is not an issue with fillers
Lasers have other advantages over filler as the before and afters are more dramatic, and blending of the surrounding skin can be achieved
What is the best treatment for you will depend on the current state of your skin, as well as downtime
Looking after your skin after any laser procedure will give you long lasting results

What causes wrinkled lips?

You can avoid straws, sure, but any preventative measures you take will likely produce only a marginal effect. Additionally, as you age, you lose volume in your lips, further exacerbating the wrinkling that occurs through movement. Smoking and sun damage can also dversely affect the appearance of your lips. Quitting smoking and taking care to apply sunscreen will help keep your lips as smooth as possible. Good hydration and nutrition will also keep your lips healthy and pretty. In some cases, a potent combination of genetics and wear and tear will make your lips wrinkle and age more quickly than the rest of your face. This can cause some patients to feel uncomfortable with his or her appearance.

Are your wrinkles fine lines, furrows or folds?

Fine lines are typically surface level and develop because of irregular thickening of the dermis and loss of water in the epidermis. We’ve got sun damage and exposure to environmental toxins (particularly tobacco smoke) to thank for our fine lines. Fine lines become deeper as we age and eventually become furrows. An anti aging plan for someone with fine lines may include medical grade skin care to protect and strengthen the skin, chemical peels to keep skin looking fresh and clear and BBL Photofacial treatments to maintain and correct skin discolouration as well as other skin problems.

Furrows are deeper lines that form in places where we make repetitive facial expressions. Some of the most common areas that we develop furrows are:

Crow’s feet wrinkles: those lovely laugh lines that show around the eyes when we smile. Many of us are proud of our “laugh lines” and believe they are a sign of a happy life. Others find that these wrinkles make them look older than they are, or give away their true age.

The 11s: the 2 or sometimes 3 vertical lines

that form between our brows when we frown.
Worry lines: the horizontal lines in the top part of the forehead

Furrows start off as dynamic wrinkles, meaning they are only visible when we contract our facial muscles. Over time, dynamic furrows become static furrows, meaning they are there even at rest.

Dynamic furrows are often treated with neuromodulators (Botox or Dysport). Once they become static, a combination of neurotoxins and skin resurfacing is an option.

Folds are deep grooves in the face that are made worse by loss of facial volume. Most of us notice loss of volume in our late 30s in the form of deepening naso labial folds, flattening cheeks (facial volume loss) and an overall less youthful look to the face. Over the years folds become deeper and we see more shadowing in areas such as the mouth and jawline, with more noticeable marionette lines running from the corner of the mouth to the jawline. Folds are often treated with dermal fillers to add volume back. For patients desiring a total correction of sagging areas of the face such as jowls, surgical techniques such as a lower facelift are extremely effective. For patients looking for less downtime and more subtle improvement, skin tightening and dermal fillers may be considered.

How do I prevent wrinkles?

Your 50 year old self would like to tell your 20 year old self to wear sunscreen. You’ve heard this a million times before and we are going to say it again. If time is on your side, the best thing you can do at a young age to prevent wrinkles is to invest in a medical grade anti aging skin care program. While sunscreen won’t stop the aging process, it can slow down the process considerably. Medical grade skin care products introduce age appropriate combinations of skin protection, products to strengthen the skin’s barrier function, and growth factor serums to increase the body’s natural wound-healing response and produce collagen. In addition to a home skin care routine, patients who want to be really proactive about preventing wrinkles and the other signs of aging will love Forever Young BBL treatments, which are shown with Stanford University research studies to suppress the genes that cause aging and actually result in people looking younger after aging 10 years.

Hindsight is lovely, however the vast majority of us didn’t know about sun screen when we were young. For those of us with more mature skin, there are a myriad of options for improving the appearance of wrinkles. But no two faces are the same, and determining the types of wrinkles you have, is key.

How and Why Do Wrinkles Form?

Sun exposure, the natural loss of collagen as we age and repetitive facial expressions contribute to the development of wrinkles. Wrinkles begin as fine lines, and with repetitive facial movement and environmental exposure, develop into wrinkles. Proper diagnosis of the type and cause of your wrinkles is essential to developing an anti agin treatment plan that will be appropriate and effective.

Facial aging is often most noticeable in the upper third of the face, around the eyes, and on the forehead, with forehead wrinkles (or rows) being one of the most prominent signs of aging. There are four major factors that contribute to forehead wrinkles.

Aging: Not surprising, the most common cause of forehead wrinkles is aging. The natural effects of gravity combined with the loss of collagen causes the skin on your forehead to lose its natural elasticity over time. As this occurs, skin and underlying tissues sag resulting in undesirable wrinkles.

Sunlight/UV Rays: Sun damage to skin varies depending on factors, such as level of exposure, skin type, and age. Whether it’s from spending time in tanning beds or overexposure to sunlight, the effects of harmful UV rays are cumulative and cause changes to your skin including premature aging, discoloration, and wrinkles.

Genetics: A new study shows that genes from your mother’s side are more likely to affect the way your skin ages. Although genetics are not the sole determining factor, it’s a good bet that if your mom showed signs of early aging, so will you.

Lifestyle: Poor diet, excess sun exposure, and too much alcohol all negatively affect our skin’s appearance, but the most damaging lifestyle choice is smoking. This is because the nicotine contained in cigarettes causes the blood vessels in the outermost layers of your skin to narrow resulting in less blood flow to your skin. Less blood flow means less oxygen and nutrients like Vitamin A which inevitably leads to faster developing wrinkles.

Your wrinkle improvement plan should include prevention, correction and maintenance

Prevention, correction and maintenance are key to properly managing wrinkles. Medical grade skin care, resurfacing with laser or chemicals and camouflaging with dermal fillers are often used in conjunction to achieve the best results. The plan for someone in their 20s will be different to someone in their 50s, and there are many options to suit your lifestyle and work commitments. The plan for someone in their 30s with fine lines may include a skin care regime to protect and strengthen the skin, combined with Neuromodulators (Botox or Dysport) to prevent the deepening of dynamic wrinkles and a micro laser peel or laser toning to uncover smoother skin. The plan for someone in their 50s with pronounced wrinkles and folds may include deep laser skin resurfacing and dermal fillers to plump and fill. Patients of any age will benefit greatly from the scientifically proven age prevention properties of Forever Young BBL treatments.

What is microneedling and can this help with fine lines?

Yes, it can. Microneedling has become more popular as better devices are being developed. Microneedling resurfacing is not the same as some of our lasers, as they employ vertical needles.

At LSG we use two different forms of microneedling: non-energy based options (such as eDermastamp) or the preferred energy-based Endymed Intensif RF microneedling system. With the EndyMed system, we deliver controlled radiofrequency heat into the deeper dermal layers. Much like laser therapy, controlled heat contracts collagen and decreases fine lines and wrinkles. Over three to four months, it also stimulates cells to lay new collagen and elastin, which further reduces wrinkles.

What about laser treatments for wrinkles?

Treating and preventing wrinkles in younger patients is not a problem, however as one ages, getting the balance correct is very important- this is known as facial harmony. Facial harmony balances skin texture, tone and volume. Having a Specialist understand all aspects of ageing, including lifting skin, volume replacement, and of course wrinkle treatment is important for the very best, but natural results.

We have numerous laser devices at LSG, including the world’s most trusted fractionated laser system, Fraxel.

The Fraxel laser produces tiny, controlled skin resurfacing to the lower part of your skin. Loss of collagen within this area produces wrinkles, but with controlled heat treatments, more collagen is laid over time and wrinkles can be reduced. The amount of wrinkle removal is dependent on the number of passes, energy levels, and the amount of fractionated laser resurfacing procedures. Please review all our methods in the links below

What are reliable treatments for upper lip lines and wrinkles?

There are several options that reliably erase upper lip lines and wrinkles.

Our favoured treatment for moderate to severe lines and wrinkles is that of laser resurfacing. Laser works be ‘erasing’ the lines and stimulating new collagen. Results will come in a few weeks, but recovery times vary. We have several laser and energy devices to choose what the best treatment plan would be for you.

Laser resurfacing can be a better option than fillers for moderate to severe wrinkles due to the following reasons-

Treatment is permanent and does not need to be repeated every 6-12 months-unlike filler. This does not mean you will never get wrinkles again, but with laser resurfacing we can ‘take your skin back 10+ years’
Laser resurfacing gives a much better ‘blend.’ By blending we mean it can treat other areas apart from the lip. Most patients with lip wrinkles and lines will also have wrinkles on the cheeks, lower lip and around the eyes- laser can address all these areas.
Fillers ‘fill and hydrate the skin’ with a natural substance called HA or Hyaluronic Acid. Lasers on the other hand can also address sun damage and pre cancer cells, as well as stimulating HA and collagen by your immune system. If you have DYNAMIC wrinkles, the combination of fillers and muscle relaxants such as Botox is the better option.

Dermal Fillers:

Another method to treat mild to moderate lines and wrinkles is a combination of muscle relaxants and fillers. This method is temporary, and needs to be repeated every 3-8 months. The upside is that downtime is zero. This treatment is best for dynamic wrinkles- namely wrinkles that worsen with articulation and puckering! The term is called micro Botox and it refers to placement of tiny blebs of muscle relaxants in areas of your upper lip. This softens the muscles, and reduces dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles that move), and helps prevent static wrinkles (wrinkles at rest).

Everyone will have a different movement pattern of the upper lip. If you are extremely expressive and ‘recruit’ the superficial muscles of the lip, we often combine Botox and fillers to address both dynamic and static wrinkles. The same principle applies to treating forehead lines and smile lines. Treating smoker’s lines with Botox can be highly effective, however the down side is that it has to be repeated every 3-5 months. We do prefer dermal fillers in this area.

Facts on wrinkle treatment

Wrinkles and lines develop with age, and are made worse with UV exposure
Wrinkles can be classed as static- present at rest, or dynamic, present when muscles contract
Dynamic wrinkle are treated with muscle relaxants including Botox, Dysport or Xeomin
Static wrinkles are treated with fillers, laser resurfacing or lifting
Mild wrinkles can be improved with AHA chemical peels and skin laser toning
For perfect facial harmony with natural results, the balance between skin texture, tone and volume is essential

Can skin tightening devices help with wrinkles?

Yes, skin tightening can reduce wrinkles and tighten the skin – especially if you have loose, saggy patches. At LSG we have several devices to tighten skin, including well-known brands such as EndyMed 3DEEP and BBL Skin Tyte. We recommend a combination approach and to use skin tightening treatments as an adjunct to your laser resurfacing procedures for optimal results rather than just as a stand alone.

We use the EndyMed PRO shaper for tightening skin and smoothing wrinkles. Much like Thermage, this wrinkle removal system also produces radiofrequency, but at a lower energy setting. This is an ideal wrinkle removal system for the body, but it can also be used on the face. Usually five to six treatments are needed over four to six months for optimal wrinkle removal results

With BBL Skin Tyte This dual-bulb technology divides light energy between two lamps, so the light emissions are less intense, safer and more effective than traditional laser skin tightening systems. SkinTyte BBL is completely adjustable and can be customized for each person’s skin, the placement of wrinkles, depth of wrinkles and the desired results. The light pulses can be controlled for both accuracy and temperature for optimized results without damage to the surrounding areas of skin. The same type of laser is a trusted treatment for skin imperfections and uneven skin tone.

Methods we use to treat

Skin Care

The key to optimal skin health is a skincare professional. By combining a customized at-home regimen with powerful in-office treatments and targeted skincare solutions, the result is healthier skin with visible improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of premature aging. At LSG we offer SkinCeuticals skincare products. SkinCeuticals is an advanced clinical skincare line that offers comprehensive formulas to correct signs of aging, promote healthy skin, and prevent skin damage. Ranging from anti-aging moisturizers and eye creams to acne cleansers, vitamin C serums, and retinol products, our advanced skincare products are backed by science. Physicians and skincare professionals define cosmeceuticals as products on the cutting-edge between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Active ingredients in cosmeceuticals are expected to be clinically proven to enhance skincare efficacy.

Microneedling

During this procedure, tiny needles are used to create controlled micro-injuries to the skin in order to produce collagen and elastin, the cornerstones of healthy, firm, smooth skin. eDermastamp also creates superficial micro-channels which allow topical serums to be absorbed more effectively into the skin. The benefits of microneedling are a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as younger-looking skin with fewer signs of aging. eDermastamp also has a positive effect on hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, acne scars, traumatic scars, and stretch marks and generally creates a fresher appearance or glow to the skin.

Fraxel

Fraxel laser is one of the best lasers in the World. This laser can be used to treat skin pigmentation, wrinkles, acne scars and sun damage. It will give your skin a whole new texture and brilliance to it. Fraxel laser is gentle on your skin, with a recovery rate of 4-6 days. We recommend 1-5 treatments depending on your skin condition. Fraxel is considered a ‘fractional treatment’, meaning that it creates hundreds of deep columns through the skin called microscopic treatment zones. This means only a percentage of the skin is affected during each laser pass, reducing healing time, promoting natural regeneration of collagen, and rejuvenating skin cells. Due to the fact that Fraxel laser works through non-ablative resurfacing, the epidermis, or top layer of skin, is not directly impacted. As a result, patients can expect faster healing after treatment.

EndyMed FSR

Resurfacing refers to the ablation or removal of skin tissue so new healthy tissue can be formed. Fractional skin resurfacing means that specific small areas, a fraction of the skin’s surface, are removed in a precise pattern leaving the surrounding healthy skin intact. The small sections of untreated healthy skin that are left intact facilitate rapid healing of the treated areas, resulting in very high patient satisfaction. EndyMed’s unique 3DEEP® technology signifies a new era in anti-wrinkle and skin tightening technology. It is clinically proven to deliver tighter, firmer, lifted skin, safely and effectively with little to no downtime.

PicoWay Resolve

A celeb-fave, PicoWay Resolve has quickly become a go-to treatment for correcting fine lines and wrinkles, and improving skin’s texture and tone. The precise heat of the laser stimulates collagen production without damaging surrounding tissues. With virtually no downtime, it’s also more comfortable than more ablative lasers. If you struggle with hard-to-treat melasma, you know this pesky condition cannot be prevented. PicoWay Resolve is one of the fastest and most effective melasma treatments available, often boasting results in just a few treatments.

PicoWay Toning

Brought to you by Syneron Candela, PicoWay uses ultra-short, picosecond (trillionths of a second) pulses of energy to target a broad range of skin concerns, while leaving surrounding skin untouched. Because it emits less heat than traditional lasers, PicoWay provides a more comfortable treatment with fast results and virtually no downtime; after treatment, patients may experience temporary discolouration or reddening of the skin surrounding the treatment site.

Filler

The active ingredient in the Filler family of products is hyaluronic acid. The flexibility, texture, and resilience of youthful skin exist because of the high amount of water it contains. Also known as hyaluronan, hyaluronic acid is a sticky substance that our body naturally produces. The skin, eyes, and connective tissue are the sites where maximum amounts of hyaluronic acid are found. Its capacity to retain water up to almost a thousand times its weight is the key reason why it is used in cosmetic fillers. Apart from hydration, hyaluronic acid is also linked to tissue repair, rejuvenation, and has anti-inflammatory action. Hyaluronic acid also facilitates new cell growth and promotes tightness and volume of the skin.

RHA 1 Fillers

Teosyal RHA 1 is a filler treatment specialized and targeted to treat surface lines and fine lines. Typically, this product is recommended for wrinkles in the perioral zone, forehead, on the neck, and around the eyes. Resilient hyaluronic acid (RHA) fillers differ from traditional fillers, as they are able to recoil and spring back to their original shape after being altered, stretched, bent, or compressed. Resilience is an important quality for fillers placed in dynamic areas of the face, including the cheeks, around the eyes, and around the mouth. The resilience in RHA dynamic fillers not only provides a more natural result as you move your face, the hyaluronic acid also takes longer to metabolize. Because the RHA products move with your face and more closely resemble the hyaluronic acid that naturally exists in your body, it will take longer for this product to break down, producing results that last longer than traditional fillers. We carry the complete RHA line 1, 2, 3 and 4

V2 Beauty Booster

As we age and our skin matures, fine lines, wrinkles, uneven textures and tone bring about dull, discoloured looking skin that lacks vibrancy. However, advancements in dermal filler products and micro-needling applicators are making preventing premature aging and addressing the signs that already exist an affordable, quick and easy process. At LSG we take microneedling to a whole new level with our innovative Beauty Booster treatment. Our Beauty Booster procedure is designed to improve hydration, revitalize the skin, reduce laxity and provide the patient with skin that has a radiant glow. We accomplish this using the revolutionary Vital Injector 2 (V2) device. The Beauty Booster treatment provides patients with two treatments in one: A Microneedling procedure in conjunction with a Dermal Filler treatment. During this procedure, our Cosmetic Specialists use the V2 injector device to perform multiple micro injections across the areas that are being treated at the same time.

Plexr Plasma Rejuvenation

EndyMed Intensif RF Microneedling

INTENSIF combines the deep skin tightening benefits of radio frequency and the collagen-producing technique of microneedling. This patented technology delivers thermal energy deep within the dermis to stimulate collagen without damaging the surrounding tissue. The radio-frequency thermal energy is delivered in multiple passes through tiny needles at varying depths to provide a 3-dimensional coverage to lift and tighten the skin from within. INTENSIF is the latest advancement in tightening skin and reducing wrinkles on the face and sensitive neck area. If you’re looking for serious results, without the downtime and risk of surgery or aggressive CO2 lasers that leave you embarrassed to leave the house, INTENSIF is the treatment for you. After INTENSIF radio-frequency treatment, there is no need to hide in the house for weeks. Over time, your skin will begin to look more youthful as wrinkles diminish.

PRP Hair Restoration

Plasma-rich protein or PRP has been used to accelerate healing in different parts of the body. It is also used widely to restore hair growth – especially when hair loss results from what is known as androgenetic alopecia that results in shrunken hair follicles. When used for hair loss, PRP can produce results that last for as long as a year from the time of the treatment. The treatment involves the extraction of a small sample of your blood, which is then placed in a centrifuge to separate your red blood cells from your plasma. Using our U225 meso-gun, the concentrated Platelet-Rich Plasma is injected into the areas being treated.

Upper Lip and Smokers Lines