Professionals
Published by Andrea Stearns
Last Updated On: March 29, 2024

How To Get Rid of Wrinkles on the Upper Lip

Published on: Jul 14, 2023

Wrinkles on the upper lip are a common cosmetic concern, which becomes very noticeable and significantly ages the face’s overall appearance. With a deep understanding of upper lip lines, the available treatment options, and a holistic approach, including patient education, personalized treatment plans, and continuous support, doctors can provide the best possible care and help patients regain confidence and satisfaction with their appearance. Thankfully there are filler products available for exactly the lip area, such as Fillmed.

What Causes Lip Wrinkles?

Understanding the underlying causes of upper lip wrinkles allows dermatologists to better educate patients on preventive measures and treatment options. By addressing these factors, doctors can help patients achieve smoother, more youthful-looking skin.

One of the primary causes of upper lip wrinkles is the natural aging process. As we age, the production of collagen and elastin (responsible for skin firmness and elasticity) decreases. This leads to the thinning and sagging of the skin around the upper lip, resulting in wrinkles.

Another significant contributor to upper lip wrinkles is sun damage. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation can break down collagen and elastin fibers, accelerating the aging process and promoting the development of wrinkles.

Repetitive facial expressions, such as pursing the lips, also contribute to the formation of wrinkles on the upper lip. Over time, these repeated movements cause creases in the skin that eventually become permanent wrinkles.

For individuals who smoke, the act of puckering the lips and the chemicals present in tobacco smoke can exacerbate the development of wrinkles on the upper lip. Smoking diminishes blood flow to the skin, reducing collagen production and leading to premature aging and more pronounced wrinkles.

Non-Invasive Treatment Options

Non-invasive treatments offer effective solutions for addressing upper lip wrinkles, catering to patients who prefer non-surgical interventions. Here are some commonly employed options:

• Topical retinoids, such as tretinoin, have demonstrated efficacy in reducing the appearance of wrinkles. These wrinkle-reducing lip products increase collagen production and promote skin cell turnover. Dermatologists can recommend appropriate retinoid formulations and develop personalized skincare routines that incorporate moisturizers, antioxidants, and sunscreens to optimize skin health and improve the appearance of upper lip wrinkles.
• Botulinum toxin injections, such as those using onabotulinumtoxinA, can effectively address dynamic wrinkles on the upper lip. By selectively relaxing the muscles responsible for lip movement, botulinum toxin injections smooth out the wrinkles and prevent further deepening. Dermatologists should thoroughly understand the anatomy and muscle dynamics of the upper lip to administer precise injections and achieve desirable outcomes.
• Dermal fillers, commonly hyaluronic acid-based, provide volume and structural support to the skin, reducing static wrinkles on the upper lip. By carefully injecting fillers into targeted areas, dermatologists can restore lost volume and improve the contours of the upper lip. The selection of appropriate filler products, injection techniques, and customization tailored to each patient’s anatomy are essential in achieving natural-looking results.

These non-invasive treatment options can be applied individually or in combination, depending on the wrinkles’ severity and patient preferences. When determining the most suitable approach, doctors should consider factors like the patient’s age, skin quality, and desired outcomes.

Devices-Based Treatments of Lip Lines

Energy-based devices and procedures offer dermatologists additional treatment modalities for addressing upper lip wrinkles, particularly for patients with more severe or resistant wrinkles. These techniques harness various forms of energy to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture.

Laser resurfacing treatments, such as ablative and non-ablative lasers, can improve upper lip wrinkles. Ablative lasers remove the outer layers of skin, stimulating collagen production and promoting the growth of new, smoother skin. Non-ablative lasers target deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen remodeling without causing visible damage. Doctors should carefully select the appropriate laser type and adjust treatment parameters based on patient needs and skin characteristics.

Radiofrequency (RF) devices and microneedling procedures are popular for treating upper lip wrinkles. RF energy delivers heat to the deeper skin layers, promoting collagen synthesis and remodeling.

Microneedling involves creating controlled micro-injuries with tiny needles, stimulating collagen production, and facilitating the absorption of topically applied products. Combining RF with microneedling can enhance collagen stimulation and improve treatment outcomes. Dermatologists should select the appropriate RF device or microneedling technique based on patient factors such as skin type, the severity of wrinkles, and downtime considerations.

These energy-based procedures offer dermatologists versatile tools to address upper lip wrinkles, providing practical options for patients seeking more intensive treatments. Careful patient selection, customized treatment plans, and adherence to appropriate safety guidelines are crucial to ensure optimal outcomes and minimize the risk of adverse effects.

How to Prevent Wrinkles Around The Lips

Preventing wrinkles around the lips involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits and practicing good skincare routines. Here are some preventive measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of wrinkles forming around the lips:

• Sunscreen (SPF of 30 or higher) on the lips and the surrounding area must be reapplied regularly, especially when exposed to direct sunlight.
• Quitting smoking or avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke can help prevent the premature development of wrinkles in this area.
• Hydration by drinking adequate water throughout the day makes the skin appear plumper and more youthful, helping minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
• Regularly performing facial exercises targeting the muscles around the lips can help maintain muscle tone and improve blood circulation.
• Eating nutrient-rich foods to support skin health and provide essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, refraining from excessive alcohol consumption and managing stress levels, as these factors can contribute to skin aging.
• A gentle skincare routine that includes cleansing, moisturizing, sun protection, and applying a moisturizing lip balm or moisturizer on a regular basis will keep the skin around the lips hydrated. Recommend products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or ceramides to provide optimal hydration and nourishment together with retinoids or other anti-aging ingredients.

Consistency and long-term commitment to these practices are key to achieving the best results.

Conclusion

Treating upper lip wrinkles requires a comprehensive approach encompassing understanding the causes, a thorough patient assessment, and deep knowledge of the best treatments for lip wrinkles. 

Dermatologists can achieve optimal results by combining different approaches and customizing treatment plans based on patient characteristics and expectations. At the same time, ensuring proper skin care and observing preventive measures can help prevent lip wrinkles from appearing in the first place.

FAQ

How to get rid of wrinkles on the upper lip naturally?

Getting rid of lip wrinkles naturally can be challenging, as aging processes and external factors contribute to their development. However, here are some natural approaches that you can recommend to your patients:

• Moisturize regularly with a hydrating product specifically designed for the delicate skin around the lips. Look for hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and vitamin E in the ingredients list to boost hydration and improve skin elasticity.
• Protect the lips from harmful UV rays by applying a broad-spectrum lip balm with SPF to prevent collagen breakdown and minimize the formation of wrinkles.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: consider a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Include fruits, vegetables, and whole foods to nourish your skin from within. Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and limit exposure to environmental pollutants, as they can accelerate skin aging.
• Facial exercises may help strengthen the muscles around the upper lip and improve blood circulation. Consider exercises like lip puckering, smile stretching, and cheek lifting, which all contribute to the prevention of lip lines.
• Stay adequately hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day. Additionally, incorporate nutrient foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, as they support skin health and may reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
• Gently massaging the upper lip area with the fingertips in circular motions may improve blood circulation and promote skin rejuvenation. Use natural oils like almond or coconut to facilitate the massage and provide added hydration.

It’s crucial to note that natural remedies may have limited effectiveness in eliminating deep wrinkles or reversing the effects of significant skin aging. Additional treatment options may be beneficial for more pronounced wrinkles or if your patient is seeking more noticeable results.

Remind your patients that consistency is critical with natural remedies, and results may vary depending on individual factors.

How to get rid of wrinkles on the upper lip fast?

If your patient is looking for quick ways to reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the upper lip, there are a few treatment options you can consider, with few side effects. Still, these methods provide temporary results and may require ongoing maintenance. Here are some options to help diminish wrinkles on the upper lip quickly:

• Dermal fillers containing hyaluronic acid can plump up the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and achieving immediate results. The effects typically last several months and may require additional maintenance treatments.
• Botulinum toxin injections can temporarily relax the muscles around the upper lip, reducing the appearance of dynamic wrinkles, resulting in smoother-looking skin. The effects typically last for a few months and may require repeat treatments.
• Microdermabrasion treatment gently exfoliates the outer layer of skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It can be performed in-office and typically requires a series of treatments for optimal results.

Remember that individual results may vary, and these methods provide temporary improvements rather than permanent solutions.

References

Vardimon, A. D., Shpack, N., Wasserstein, A., Skyllouriotou, M., Strauss, M., Geron, S., Sadan, N., Levartovsky, S., & Sarig, R. (2020). Upper Lip Horizontal Line: Characteristics of a Dynamic Facial Line. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(18), 6672. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186672.

Hilton, L. An alternative approach to vertical lip lines. Dermatology Times, January 2020 (Vol. 41, No. 1). Volume 41. Issue 1. https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/alternative-approach-vertical-lip-lines.

Ibrahim, O., Ionta, S., Depina, J., Petrell, K., Arndt, K. A., & Dover, J. S. (2019). Safety of Laser-Assisted Delivery of Topical Poly-L-Lactic Acid in the Treatment of Upper Lip Rhytides: A Prospective, Rater-Blinded Study. Dermatologic surgery: official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.], 45(7), 968–974. https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000001743.

Rkein, A., Ozog, D., & Waibel, J. S. (2014). Treatment of atrophic scars with fractionated CO2 laser facilitating delivery of topically applied poly-L-lactic acid. Dermatologic surgery: official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.], 40(6), 624–631. https://doi.org/10.1111/dsu.0000000000000010.

Pascali, M., Quarato, D., & Carinci, F. (2018). Filling procedures for lip and perioral rejuvenation: a systematic review. Rejuvenation Research, 21(6), 553–559. doi:10.1089/rej.2017.1941. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29911505/.

Kim, B. J., Choi, J. H., & Lee, Y. (2015). Development of facial rejuvenation procedures: thirty years of clinical experience with facelifts. Archives of Plastic Surgery, 42(5), 521–531. doi:10.5999/aps.2015.42.5.521.