Lip enhancements have become extremely popular within the last decade. Celebrities like the Kardashians, have helped popularized them; still, from the days of Marilyn Monroe fuller lips have been associated with a sexier appearance.
In today's era, modifying the lips' shape and size is easier than ever. Back in 1970, unsafe products such as cow collagen were used to achieve fuller lips. It was not until the 90s when dermal fillers, a HA product, and an FDA-approved treatment, started to be used for lip enhancement procedures and spawned when problems resulting from injecting permanent and semi-permanent options like silicone or your own fat started to occur. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, lip enhancements started to gain popularity among the general population. Such has been the increase of the demand since then that by this last year, the market value of the Lip Augmentation in the USA alone was estimated at $ 2.3 Billion. Still, by 2027, it is expected to grow 9.5% more.
With all the interest in lip augmentations, we have asked a pioneer in the field of cosmetic enhancements, and one of the leading names in non-surgical cosmetic procedures in Israel Dr. Khaled Darawsha, to talk to us about lip fillers techniques, the best practices, and what to avoid.
"Lip enhancement is the door to aesthetics worldwide. Most of my clients come to get their lips treated. And even if it is not the main treatment they come seeking, all of them include it".
How is a Lip Enhancement made?
During a lip augmentation, the doctor will add volume to the lips using dermal fillers, FDA-approved products made out of hyaluronic acid. This last one is a natural protein present on the dermis that helps maintain the volume of the skin. By using dermal fillers, medical professionals can define the border of the lips and increase the volume. They have an amazing benefit, the ability to provide immediate results. Clinicians can sculpt the area to the desired results and make adjustments as needed while the treatment is being made. In Dr. Khaled words "I feel like an artist when I do this treatment"
As far as technique goes, different kinds of dermal fillers allow achieving different looks. "I do work with the best FDA-approved options and the dermal filler I use varies. I select it based on the patient" Some focus on volume and are ideal for younger clients. Others have a thinner consistency and therefore perfect for older patients, helping to restore the shape of the lips and treating lines around them without adding too much volume.
It is necessary to state that dermal fillers are not permanent. Because they are made out of hyaluronic acid, the human body can naturally metabolize HA, breaking it down after a few months. It can seem discouraging but it is all beneficial, as history already proved, you never want to use a permanent substance in your body. As years pass by, the shape of your face will change and with it, different areas will need to be corrected. "Each person's metabolism determines how long the treatment will last. Average, the duration of the results variate from six to 12 months" - noted Darawsha. After that period, dermal fillers fade away slowly; there is no abrupt change, simply a natural and slow regression to the original lips' size and shape.
"In some cases, I dissolve the filler from the previous procedure and inject filler again. Some patients come seeking an improvement to their already done lips" -adds. Dermal filler can be easily dissolved, and the person can quickly recover the look they had prior to the treatment in case the client is not happy with it.
Besides dermal filler, in very specific cases, Dr. Khaled affirms practicing other procedures to complement them. Botox, for example, is a muscle relaxer often used to treat fine lines and wrinkle on the face "I use microdoses of Botox to treat a gummy smile look or deep lines around the lips"
Harmony Is Key
In the words of Dr. Khaled, practically all of his clients are interested in treating their lips. Both younger and older people can beneficiate from it. Younger clients are often looking for a fuller, more defined, and sexier lips. While older people are often more concerned about the loss of volume and the appearance of lines around the lips; often referred to as smoker's lines.
Dr. Khaled technique varies from patient to patient and also his focus; yet, the pillars of what he considers a pair of perfect lips are invariable. " Maintaining the harmony of the face is my number one priority and one of the reasons for my good results. Bigger is not always better, this is a generalized misconception".
Lips change as we age; a loss of collagen and hyaluronic acid causes the lips to become smaller and less defined. Typically, for older clients, the focus is on restoring the appearance that the lips had years before the procedure was made. "Older clients work differently. I look after a natural size and shape. I give body to the lips so they look full but I do not define them. They would look too perfect and grown clients seek a more natural result". A great advantage of lip enhancements in older people is the possibility of retarding the natural aging process, acting as a preventative treatment for some clients.
"I often encounter women who have to stop using lipstick. They are ashamed that their lipstick bleeds through the lines around the lips soon after is applied. To me is very gratifying to see how these women gain so much confidence after the treatment, they feel beautiful again"
The focus for most young clients' lips is on the increment of the volume and definition for a sexier look. These usually want to look like they had their lips enhanced but some of them might not be quite self-conscious of their lips size and shape. Dr. Khaled expertise plays a huge role in advising these clients when they should stop. "When I see that the lips already look good, they are too big or the patient has injected permanent filler I send them home".
For younger clients, dermal fillers of thicker consistency are typically used to achieve a more voluminous look. Dr. Khaled uses his own personal techniques to achieve natural-looking full lips. "Generally, I like to achieve juicy lips while maintaining their shape. Most of the product I use goes to the red zone, inside the lip instead of the outside. The combination between outside and inside is the key". He works on defining the lips from the outside but also works on the lips' mucosa, and this great technique helps him achieve what he calls his signature look.
"When you see some lips, you can tell if I have done them. I have my signature lips. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and I create based on the way I see beauty. In some way, I could say I am an artist. I do not want to change the face of my patients; I respect their own beauty. I seek the best version of themselves while maintaining their identity".
Choosing the right health professional
The person that performs the treatment plays the biggest role. As Dr. Khaled states, lip enhancement is an art and you will need a good artist to get out of the clinic with an admirable piece of art. "It is important that the doctor has the same concept of aesthetics that you expect him to have. Ask him how he considers nice lips look like." Also, finding a doctor that understands that each treatment needs to be tailored to every client is essential, and this is where Dr. Khaled strength lies. "I always evaluate my clients individually; my goal is to enhance their natural features, tailoring the treatment to their needs"
When we ask him for a piece of final advice, he enhances the importance of choosing the best doctor to perform this treatment. "Always check the product they use and how many years the doctor is practicing it. In my case, I have a wide experience as I'm in the field for a couple of years receiving multiple patients per day".
