Restoring Upper Lip Volume and Smoothness: Turning Back the Clock with Dr. E. Ronald Finger

As we age, one area that often betrays our youthful appearance is the upper lip and the skin around the mouth. Loss of volume, thinning lips, and fine lines—commonly referred to as “smoker’s lines” or vertical lip lines—can make the face look older and less vibrant. At Finger & Associates Plastic Surgery Center and New Youth Medical Spa, located on the south side of Savannah, Georgia, Dr. E. Ronald Finger brings decades of expertise and the latest advancements in aesthetic treatments to address these concerns.

Let’s explore why upper lip aging occurs and the treatments Dr. Finger recommends to restore smooth, youthful lips and rejuvenate the skin surrounding the mouth.

Why Does the Upper Lip Age?

As the years pass, several key factors contribute to the visible aging of the upper lip:

1. Loss of Collagen and Elastin: Starting in our 30s, our body produces less collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for keeping skin firm, smooth, and elastic. This causes thinning of the lips and fine lines around the mouth.

2. Repetitive Movements: Everyday actions like talking, eating, and drinking contribute to the development of vertical lip lines.

3. Bone and Fat Loss: As we age, facial bones and fat pads shrink and shift, reducing structural support for the lips and surrounding skin. This leads to a “longer” upper lip and a loss of volume.

4. Lifestyle and Environmental Factors: Sun damage, smoking, dehydration, and pollution all accelerate skin aging, worsening lines and wrinkles.

The result? Lips that appear flatter, thinner, and surrounded by fine lines that can make lipstick bleed and the face look tired or aged.

Dr. Finger’s Top Treatments for Upper Lip Rejuvenation

At Finger & Associates Plastic Surgery Center and New Youth Medical Spa, Dr. Finger offers a range of advanced treatments to address lip volume loss, wrinkles, and skin texture, all tailored to the unique needs of each patient.

1. The Bullhorn Lip Lift: A Minimally Invasive Lip Enhancement

For patients experiencing upper lip elongation and thinning, Dr. Finger specializes in the Bullhorn Lip Lift, a minimally invasive surgical procedure that restores youthful proportions to the lips.

   •   How it works: A small, discreet incision is made at the base of the nose in a “bullhorn” shape. Excess skin is removed, lifting and shortening the upper lip to reveal more of the natural pink lip tissue.

 Benefits:

      •   Shortens the upper lip, restoring youthful proportions.

      •   Enhances the natural lip curve and makes the lips more visible.

      •   Provides a long-lasting solution without fillers.

   •   Ideal Candidate: Patients with a longer upper lip or reduced lip visibility.

The Bullhorn Lip Lift offers beautiful, natural-looking results with minimal downtime, making it an excellent option for lasting lip rejuvenation.

2. PDO Threads: Subtle Volume and Wrinkle Reduction

For patients seeking a non-surgical solution, PDO (polydioxanone) threads are an innovative treatment that lifts, plumps, and stimulates collagen production in the lips and surrounding area.

 How it works:

      •   PDO threads are carefully placed into the upper lip to add subtle volume and encourage natural collagen production, creating a gentle, plumped effect.

      •   PDO threads can also be placed above the lips to smooth fine lines and wrinkles by providing structural support to the skin.

Benefits:

      •   Immediate subtle results with long-term collagen production.

      •   Reduces fine lines around the mouth.

      •   Non-surgical with minimal downtime.

PDO threads are a great option for patients who want a natural, lifted appearance without the use of fillers or invasive surgery.

3. Helix Laser and Virtue RF Microneedling: The Power Duo for Skin Rejuvenation

Combining the Helix Laser with Virtue RF Microneedling, Dr. Finger offers a powerful, non-surgical treatment to plump and smooth the lips and surrounding skin.

 How it works:

      •   Helix Laser: Resurfaces the skin above the lips, improving fine lines, skin tone, and texture.

      •   Virtue RF Microneedling: Tiny needles deliver radiofrequency energy deep into the skin, triggering the production of collagen and elastin for firmer, smoother skin.

Benefits:

      •   Smooths fine lines and wrinkles around the lips.

      •   Improves skin elasticity and texture.

      •   Provides long-lasting plumpness by stimulating collagen and elastin production.

   •   Treatment Plan: For optimal results, three treatments are recommended, spaced several weeks apart. Results continue to improve for months after treatment.

This dynamic duo is ideal for patients seeking non-surgical, long-lasting improvements in skin texture and firness.

4. Neurotoxins and HA Fillers: Immediate Results for Lines and Volume

For a quick and effective solution, Dr. Finger uses neurotoxins (like Botox) and hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers to rejuvenate the upper lip area.

   •   Botox for Fine Lines:

      •   Botox can be injected above the upper lip to relax the muscles responsible for vertical lip lines (smoker’s lines), softening their appearance.

      •   Results last approximately 3–4 months.

   •   HA Fillers for Lip Volume:

      •   Hyaluronic acid fillers (e.g., Juvederm, Restylane) restore lost volume, enhance lip shape, and add hydration for a plumper, more youthful look.

      •   Results last 6–12 months.

Benefits:

      •   Quick, natural-looking results with minimal downtime.

      •   Customizable treatments to address lines and volume loss.

This combination is perfect for patients looking for immediate rejuvenation with minimal commitment.

5. The Importance of Medical-Grade Skincare: New Youth Cosmeceuticals

In-office treatments provide incredible results to restore upper lip volume and smooth fine lines and wrinkles, but maintaining those results at home is essential. Dr. Finger recommends New Youth Cosmeceuticals, a medical-grade skincare line designed by Dr. Finger to support collagen production, skin cell renewal, skin hydration, and overall skin health.

Key Benefits:

      •   Promotes firmer, more elastic skin.

      •   Reduces fine lines and wrinkles.

      •   Keeps the lips and surrounding skin smooth and hydrated.

A proper skincare regimen ensures your skin remains healthy and youthful between treatments.

Combining Treatments for Best Results Restoring Upper Lip Volume isn’t that difficult

At Finger & Associates Plastic Surgery Center and New Youth Medical Spa, Dr. Finger takes a personalized approach to upper lip rejuvenation. By combining treatments like the Bullhorn Lip Lift, PDO threads, Helix Laser and RF Microneedling, and neurotoxins with fillers, patients achieve natural, long-lasting results tailored to their unique needs.

Schedule Your Upper Lip Rejuvenation Today

If you’re noticing thinning lips, volume loss, or fine lines around your mouth, you don’t have to settle for the signs of aging. With a range of surgical and non-surgical solutions, Dr. E. Ronald Finger and his team can help you restore smooth, plump, and youthful-looking lips. Contact Finger & Associates Plastic Surgery Center and New Youth Medical Spa located on the southside of Savannah, Georgia