Upper Lip Lines
These lines are often called ‘smokers lines’ though they are very common in non-smokers too due to ageing and repeated pursing of the lips over time. It can make people feel a lot older than they are. Treatment with dermal filler is highly effective and is a great confidence booster for a lot of women who also notice that their lipstick will often bleed into the lines. For best results it is very important to not allow the upper lip lines to become deeply embedded within the skin as this becomes more difficult to treat especially as the goal of treatment is for the area treated to remain looking natural.
As well as dermal filler, wrinkle-relaxing injections can also be used here to target the muscle which causes the lines to appear. This results in a softening of the lines when the mouth purses.
Other skin rejuvenation treatments that improve skin quality are also important to consider especially as the development of these lines are a sign of collagen loss. There are a variety of ways to improve skin quality including the use of targeted skincare, microneedling and injectable moisturisers.
During your consultation, you will be advised on the approach best suited to you.
How is this achieved?
Before a treatment the area is first numbed using local anaesthetic cream. Deeper lines are treated with a hyaluronic acid dermal filler. This works by plumping up the wrinkle thereby softening it. A thin filler is used in this area to ensure the result looks completely natural.
If having wrinkle-relaxing injections, these are carefully placed in the muscle that contributes towards the pursing of the mouth.
The use of targeted skincare, microneedling and injectable moisturisers will also be discussed according to patient need.
How long does the treatment take
For dermal filler, one hour is allocated to the procedure. Time is spent in the appointment carefully cleaning and disinfecting the skin and for clinical photographs to be taken.
Anti-Wrinkle injections take less time and most patients require just two injections above the upper lip on each side.
Does it hurt?
The area around the lips can be one of the more sensitive areas of the face and this is why numbing cream is applied prior to the procedure. The filler itself also contains a local anaesthetic making this a well tolerated procedure.
Wrinkle-relaxing injections may sting a little but any discomfort is very short-lived as the treatment is quick and well tolerated.
When will I see results?
Results are instant with dermal filler. It is important to note that there will be swelling and in some cases, this can take a week or two to settle completely. Swelling is usually more apparent the following day and so you should bear this in mind when planning a treatment.
With anti-wrinkle injections, most patients start to see results by Day 5 and it takes two weeks for the final results to appear.
How long does the treatment last?
With dermal fillers results usually last 1 year if not longer. Over time the filler gradually breaks down and the result will fade. At this point the treatment can be repeated. A targeted skin care routine can help the results last longer.
The results with anti-wrinkle injections last on average 3-4 months. In some patients it could be sooner and in others longer.
What are the side-effects?
Swelling is the most common which is usually short-lived but in some can take 1-2 weeks to settle. There is also a risk of bruising. Arnica tablets or gel can speed up the healing time. If you are prone to cold-sores there is a risk of an eruption and you will be advised to take some prophylactic anti-viral medication at your consultation. When working with dermal fillers there are also some very rare complications such as vascular occlusion and this is something which is discussed in detail at your consultation.
Will I need a check-up?
Aftercare is very important to Dr Sabba so a four-week follow-up is arranged for all patients who have had a dermal filler procedure in order to review the final result. If more filler is needed this can be undertaken at the follow-up appointment.
For wrinkle-relaxation procedures, a follow-up appointment is always organised for patients two to three weeks after the initial treatment. This is especially important for new patients where some adjustment may be needed in order to achieve the best result possible. Some patients however may not feel the need to return so this is discussed on a case by case basis.
What is the cost?
Treatment with dermal filler starts from £550
Wrinkle-relaxing injections start from £280