Fat pads near lip? What is this? And how do I get rid of it? (photos)

Dear LexiMilo1,

Thanks for sharing your photo! It illustrates the fold of skin along the corner of the lips which develop as the skin loses elasticity. The beginnings of facial skin laxity start at 30 years old when collagen skin repair diminishes and passive skin aging relaxes downward. The fibrous webs connecting each layer under the skin loses fat, stretches, separates and elongates forming 5 growing “waves” of skin at points of attachment, developing:
• hooding along the eyes,
• lower eyelid / cheek junction or tear trough / nasojugal fold
• nasolabial fold,
• lateral mouth commissure and marionette folds,
• jowls and neck.
The mainstays of current facial rejuvenation include:
• Filling
• Lifting
• Tightening
Without the opportunity for an in-person consultation, I would recommend that you:
1. Consult with a talented, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and his team regarding non-surgical and minimally invasive options.
2. Minimally invasive options including
• fillers of the folds;
• Facetite or ThermiTight of the face and neck.
• EuroThread / PDO / Silhouette FaceLift suspension sutures
I hope this is helpful. All the best!

Thank you for posting your photos with your interesting question. It appears that the small symmetrical areas of fullness around your mouth are the modiolus muscles. They become visible because you are thin and do not have as much subcutaneous fat in your face. You have an attractive face with excellent bone structure. I would recommend 4 vials of the facial volumizer Sculptra to be injected around that area and the face to restore and camouflage the muscle. This can can accomplished over 2 sessions 6 weeks apart. The results will be natural and last up to 2 years. I recommend that you have a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who is experienced with Sculptra injections and can show you their before and after results. Best wishes, Richard Wellington Swift, M.D., F.A.C.S.