Lips come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own unique aesthetic. While beauty is subjective and individual preferences vary, there are some general categories that describe common lip shapes:

1. Full Lips: Characterised by a plump and well-rounded appearance, full lips are often seen as a symbol of youth and vitality. Celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Scarlett Johansson are famous for their full lips.
2. Thin Lips: Thin lips have less volume and appear more delicate. Although not typically the standard of modern beauty ideals, they can still be elegant and attractive, especially when paired with the right makeup.
3. Round Lips: These lips have a more circular shape with a pronounced cupid’s bow. Celebrities like Emma Stone are known for their round lips, which give a youthful and innocent appearance.
4. Heart-Shaped Lips: This shape features a pronounced cupid’s bow and a fuller lower lip, forming a heart-like appearance. Taylor Swift is an example of someone with heart-shaped lips, which are often seen as very feminine and desirable.
5. Bow-Shaped Lips: A more pronounced cupid’s bow with well-defined peaks. Marilyn Monroe had bow-shaped lips, contributing to her iconic look.
6. Wide Lips: These lips extend further towards the cheeks, giving a broad smile. Julia Roberts is known for her wide lips, which complement her large, radiant smile.

The Most Desirable or “Perfect” Lip Shape

The concept of a “perfect” lip shape is highly subjective and varies across different cultures and time periods. However, a commonly sought-after aesthetic is the golden ratio, which suggests that the lower lip should be about 1.6 times the height of the upper lip. A slightly fuller lower lip with a well-defined cupid’s bow is often considered ideal. Symmetry, balance, and proportion play significant roles in what is perceived as attractive.

Many people strive for lips that appear natural yet plump, with a smooth contour and no harsh lines. Celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Scarlett Johansson often serve as benchmarks for this ideal, with their naturally full and symmetrical lips frequently cited as examples of perfection.

Changes in the Lips with Ageing

As we age, several changes occur in the lip and mouth area:

1. Loss of Volume: One of the most noticeable changes is the loss of volume in the lips, making them appear thinner. This is due to a reduction in collagen production, which is essential for maintaining the plumpness and elasticity of the skin.
2. Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Over time, vertical lines, often referred to as “smoker’s lines,” can form around the mouth due to repetitive movements like speaking, eating, and smoking. The skin loses its elasticity, making these lines more prominent.
3. Flattening of the Cupid’s Bow: The cupid’s bow, which is the double curve of the upper lip, tends to flatten with age, resulting in a less defined lip shape.
4. Drooping Corners: The corners of the mouth can start to droop, giving a sad or downturned appearance. This is often a result of the loss of volume in the cheeks and the natural gravitational pull.
5. Increased Distance Between the Nose and Upper Lip: As part of the ageing process, the length between the base of the nose and the upper lip tends to increase. This happens because the skin loses its elasticity and the underlying structures, such as the muscles and fat pads, begin to sag. This elongation can make the lips appear thinner and the face less youthful.

Non-Surgical Options for Enhancing Lip Shape

For those looking to achieve fuller or more defined lips without undergoing surgery, there are several non-surgical options available:

1. Dermal Fillers: Hyaluronic acid-based fillers, such as Juvederm, Maili or Restylane, are injected into the lips to add volume, enhance shape, and smooth out fine lines. The results are temporary, lasting anywhere from six months to a year, depending on the product used.
2. Lip Plumpers: These are topical products that temporarily increase blood flow to the lips, making them appear fuller. While the effects are short-lived, they can be a quick fix for a night out or special occasion.
3. Microneedling with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): This procedure involves using tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the lips, stimulating collagen production. PRP, derived from the patient’s blood, is often applied to enhance the healing process and promote natural fullness.
4. Laser Treatments: Fractional laser treatments can help stimulate collagen production around the mouth, reducing fine lines and enhancing the overall appearance of the lips.
5. Topical Creams and Serums: Retinoids and peptides can be used to promote collagen production and improve the texture of the lips, though the results are typically subtle.
6. Tattooing: Tattoo can be used to enhance the colour of the lips or define the borders.

Lip Lift: Surgical Enhancement of the Lips

A lip lift is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the lips, particularly the upper lip, by shortening the distance between the nose and the upper lip (also known as the philtrum). This lip lift procedure can create a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing lip shape.

How a Lip Lift Improves the Mouth and Lip Area

A lip lift enhances the mouth and lip area in several ways:

1. Shortening the Philtrum: By reducing the distance between the nose and the upper lip, a lip lift can make the lips appear fuller and more pronounced. This creates a more balanced and youthful facial appearance.
2. Enhancing the Cupid’s Bow: A lip lift can help redefine the cupid’s bow, making the lips appear more youthful and aesthetically pleasing.
3. Increasing Lip Exposure: The procedure can increase the amount of pink lip tissue that is visible, giving the illusion of fuller lips without adding volume through fillers.
4. Improving Lip Symmetry: The procedure can address asymmetry in the upper lip, leading to a more harmonious facial appearance.

How is a Lip Lift Performed?

The most common type of lip lift is the bullhorn or subnasal lip lift. This procedure involves making an incision just beneath the nostrils, in the natural crease where the nose meets the face. A small strip of skin is then removed, and the remaining skin is lifted and sutured in place, shortening the distance between the nose and the upper lip.

The surgery is typically performed under local anaesthesia, although sedation or general anaesthesia may be used depending on the patient’s comfort level or if the procedure is performed in combination with a facelift. The procedure usually takes about one hour, and the recovery period is relatively short, with most patients returning to normal activities within a week or two.

Cost of a Lip Lift in the UK

The cost of a lip lift in the UK can vary depending on several factors, including the surgeon’s experience, the clinic’s location, and the specifics of the procedure such as local or general anaesthetic. The cost of the lip lift at CLNQ in Manchester and Cheshire is £3500 when performed under local anaesthetic. The price of the lip lift includes the clinic fee, surgeon fee and postop appointments. The consultation fee is £100.

Conclusion

Lips are a central feature of the face, and their shape and fullness play a significant role in overall facial aesthetics. While the ideal lip shape is subjective and varies from person to person, certain features like symmetry, a well-defined cupid’s bow, and a balanced proportion between the upper and lower lips are commonly sought after. Ageing leads to changes in the lips, such as thinning and increased distance between the nose and upper lip, but there are both non-surgical and surgical options to address these concerns.

A lip lift is an effective surgical option for those looking to permanently enhance their lip shape by shortening the philtrum and increasing the visible height of the upper lip. This procedure offers a long-lasting solution to achieving a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

For anyone considering a lip enhancement, whether through fillers, a lip lift, or another procedure, it’s essential to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who can provide personalised advice and ensure the best possible outcome. At CLNQ, we offer the full range of treatments for lip enhancement from lip fillers, lip flip to the lip lift.