How Do You Describe Your Desired Lip Augmentation Shape?

Question

I've always gone to a female injector for my lip injection. I get one syringe of Juvederm in my top lip, and don't have to say anything but "[RS bleep] star-ish" and voila, perfect results. I will be going to a male injector for my next lip injection. I have no idea how to describe what my usual injector does so what can use to describe my desired outcome? Pouty and full are vague. Please share what descriptions satisfied patients gave to you that helped you to understand their expectations.

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

The ideal lip augmentation is generally an enhanced version of the patient's existing lips.  Often close communication between injector and patient to perfect the desired appearance.

	If we try to create a completely different shape the lip may appear sausage like or altered.

	When a patient has down going corners of the lip, these can be corrected by dividing the DAO (depressor anguli oris) muscle.

	Occasionally, it is beneficial to resect tissue above the lip to raise the corners as well.

	V-Y advancement flaps can augment lip volume and reduce gumminess of a smile.

	Long upper lips can be reduced by gull wing upper lip lifts.

	Marionette lines and lip volume can be augmented by placement of fat-fascial grafts.

	Depressed areas around the mouth can be augmented with fat- fascial grafts.

	Asymmetries can be compensated for with selective use of the above procedures.

	So there are numerous ways to alter lip shape.  Reducing wrinkles is another discussion as well!  An artistic surgeon can explain these procedures and how they would be best served to help you.

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

A picture is worth a thousand words. If you have a single photo, close up of YOUR lips taken when they had the look you like, show it to the injector. If you do not have such a photo, take one (or several).

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

A photograph taken post treatment with your previous injector will be sufficient to guide the surgeon in regards to your objectives.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is not a bad ida for you to bring in some pictures just so that the injector can have an idea what you are looking for.

Matthew Concannon, MD · Answer

Typically the highlights that should be augmented in lips (with HA injection) are pretty standard on most people-- these normal highlights should not vary much from person to person. In those people that have VERY thin lips, additional HA can be added along the length of the lip to restore fullness. In general, if your provider is relatively accomplished with doing lip augmentation, there is not a great deal that you need to explain to them.

How Do You Describe Your Desired Lip Augmentation Shape?

Answers (5)