2nd opinion - 30 years old with smoker lines around the upper lip.

Question

Query about upper lip wrinkles (skin above the lip). I am a fair skin woman that has smoked for a number of years, now 30 the lines are becoming more visible. I was advised by a dermatologist that derma fillers would be the best option. I have read many articles and forms and seen there are other treatments available with long term results, but now I am not sure if the articles were stating the truth. Is there a way to repair and reverse the damage to my skin. Can you provide any advice please?

Anna Avaliani, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions.  The fact that you are seeing lines at your early age tells me that it's genetics + lifestyle that are contributing to them forming so early.  Dermal fillers, if chosen correctly and injected right, definitely soften their appearance. The next best thing you should do is Ultherapy Skin tightening around the mouth or consider laser treatments like Fraxel or PicoSure and even Microneedling. You need all the modalities to combat loss of collagen and elasticity as well as volume in your face, and all the listed above modalities are aimed at helping prevent the signs of aging and slow them down.  Hope this helps.  Best, Dr.Avaliani

Daniel Butz, MD · Answer

Upper lip lines are common complaint in women of all ages. The muscle that wraps around the mouth and helps you use a straw, pucker or smoke creates these lines. I always recommend smoking cessation as this will not only improve your overall health but also improve your skin quality and decrease the likelihood of these lines getting worse. 
Options for treating these lines include fillers, botox or skin resurfacing (laser or chemical peels). For someone your age, I would try to eliminate the cause of the lines, the smoking, and treat the over active muscle with Botox. This requires a very small dose because there are risk of weakening the muscle too much and causing drooling. If botox doesn't completely resolve the issue, you could add filler to the deeper lines. 
Resurfacing is generally preserved for more advanced sun damage but that could be an option as well. 
Ultimately, you should seek a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon so you can be properly examined and the best option can be chosen for your needs

Anteneh Roba, MD · Answer

Another option that is harmless and fast acting is Botox, although it won't last too long and will need to be repeated every 4 to 6 months.

Munir Somji, BSc, MBBS · Answer

Dermal fillers will address the lack of volume that has occurred to give more support to the area. Fillers do not address damaged skin. Therefore my patients commonly have a combination of fillers and resurfacing lasers for optimal results in this area.

Jennifer Armstrong, MS, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Vertical lip lines can be treated with several different ways, often requiring multiple different treatment modalities.  Small amounts of Botox to stop the pursing lip movement, hyaluronic acid fillers like Volbella to fill in the lines, fractional CO2 laser resurfacing, and also microneedling with PRP treatments are all viable options for these pesky lines.  Stopping smoking should also be a must if you are serious about stopping these lines.

2nd opinion - 30 years old with smoker lines around the upper lip.

Answers (7)

Answer: Smoker lines

Answer: Smoker lines

Answer: Lip lines

Answer: Lip lines

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Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

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2nd opinion - 30 years old with smoker lines around the upper lip.

Answers (7)

Answer: Smoker lines

Answer: Smoker lines

Answer: Lip lines

Answer: Lip lines

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.