Can I repair my upper lip lines if I’m 60-80?
i am 67 years old and i have deep wrinkles in the upper lip area "smokers lines"--is there any hope for me to repair this? i really appreciate your article--thank you
The answer to this is yes but with some qualifications. The area will never be perfect again, but if you would be happy with 60-80% improvement, then that could be quite realistic.
It takes a 3 pronged approach. A tiny amount of Botox/Dysport, a filler like Restylane or Belotera and a laser like the fractionated CO2.
- The tiny amount of Botox/Dysport is important because it helps to keep the lines from coming right back after you have treated them with filler and laser. You may already be using some in other parts of your face and can just add this area without too much expense. Very common is 2-3 times a year for frequency.
- Fillers – These are injected to support under the lines and fill them in. When done well they shouldn’t show or make your upper lip look too full or “ducky.” Commonly used here are Belotero, Juvederm Ultra (not the Ultra Plus), and Restylane.
- A laser is also important. In my opinion, the fractionated CO2s like the DEKA Dot or the Affirm or the Lumenis Active/Deep Fx all work well but pick a doctor who specializes in laser work. You may need 3-4 treatments but will get improvement each time. Sometimes the whole face must be done as well, or there will be a blending problem. Your doctor will advise. More on these lasers.
Hope this helps, Dr. I
