It is a surprising fact that wrinkles around the mouth, sometimes called lip lines or perioral wrinkles, can develop after the age of 30. The causes of these wrinkles are a combination of genetic influences, smoking or sun exposure. To treat deep lines and wrinkles around the mouth, many people today choose to undergo perioral dermabrasion, which achieves permanent results.
During the procedure, the doctor uses a dermabrader instrument to renew the skin’s surface to the desired level of skin treatment. The results are immediately visible; however, the treatment also stimulates the remodeling of the skin’s collagen, which will take place over the next six months. This leads to firmer, smoother, and younger-looking skin.
The procedure takes approximately one hour to complete and can be performed in an office procedure room or in an operating room under local anesthesia. Other procedures, such as a facelift, eyelid surgery, or laser skin treatment, can be combined with perioral dermabrasion.
When a patient receives a perioral dermabrasion as an isolated procedure, they can go home immediately after it is completed. The area around the mouth will heal for seven to 10 days after the procedure. Patients receive detailed instructions on how to care for the area. Most patients do not complain of any pain after the procedure. However, any discomfort can be treated with over-the-counter Tylenol.
Approximately one week after the procedure, the skin will be completely healed and patients will usually notice an improvement in their appearance. The appearance around the mouth continues to gradually improve as the body generates new collagen, stimulated by the procedure. The redness fades over the next few weeks or months, but makeup can cover it up if necessary.
It is important to note that perioral dermabrasion is not the same as microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion does not help with lines around the mouth; It is performed by a beautician to remove the most superficial layer of dead skin cells from the face. On the other hand, dermabrasion is performed by a doctor experienced in the procedure, who removes many layers of skin to penetrate its deeper layers.
Patients commonly ask if they can use dermal fillers for lines around the mouth. Unfortunately, currently available fillers do not adequately treat these types of lines in all but a few cases. Also, the fillers used to treat the area can distort the lip and smile, creating a very unnatural appearance.
However, in less severe cases, Botox or Dysport neurotoxins may be helpful in improving the appearance of the mouth. Care must be taken when doing so to avoid distortion of the smile.
As with any plastic surgery procedure, it is very important to choose a doctor who is highly experienced and knowledgeable about perioral dermabrasion and perioral wrinkle treatment to ensure the best and safest possible results.