In recent years, dermal fillers have become one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments for women of all ages. Between smoothing wrinkles to creating the perfect pout, its easy to overlook another common use for cosmetic fillers – treating chapped lips. At ICLS Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, more patients are coming in to take advantage of this little-known benefit of dermal fillers. See for yourself by scheduling a visit to our Oakville specialists.
The Culprit Behind Chapped Lips
Skin is made up of pores, which produce natural oils that help keep moisture inside skin cells and skin hydrated. In addition to being much thinner than skin elsewhere on your body, lips lack these important glands. This makes lips especially susceptible to drying out and becoming chapped.
While most patients blame winter weather for chapped lips, that’s not the only culprit behind dry, flaking lips. Excessive licking of the lips, certain medications and sun exposure can also dry out delicate lip tissue and cause the skin to dry out and even crack. In some instances, a more severe form of chapped lips known as cheilitis can occur, creating cracked skin at the corner of the mouth.
Hyaluronic Acid – The Secret to a Perfect Pout
There are a few different ways to prevent lips from chapping but healing them after they’ve already started to dry can be challenging. Enter cosmetic fillers.
When most people think of dermal fillers for lips, they often think of Instagrammers with full-looking pouts. In truth, the same compound that adds volume to lips also helps skin cells on lips retain moisture. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance our bodies produce that can attract and retain moisture. Most notably, hyaluronic acid can hold several times its weight in water – making it ideal for helping restore areas where collagen loss and sun damage have created wrinkles.
The same concept for smoothing wrinkles with hyaluronic acid fillers applies to chapped lip treatment. As the filler gel is injected in small increments to specific areas of the lips, the treatment helps replenish diminishing levels of hyaluronic acid and bring hydration back to the skin. By the end of their treatment session, patients are able to enjoy smooth, hydrated and full looking lips.
Finding the Right Filler
The key to naturally full, hydrated lips is choosing the right filler for your needs. While there are many filler options available to patients, not all are made for lips. Lighter weight formulas like Juvéderm® and Restylane® are the ideal texture for creating the appearance of naturally full lips without looking comical.
At ICLS Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, our experts offer these and several other leading hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. Our wide array of options ensures patients receive treatment that enhances their natural appearance and addresses their concerns. To learn more about the ways dermal fillers can prevent chapped lips while improving your looks, call 905-842-2262 today and schedule a consultation with our specialists in Oakville.