Lip enhancement has become very popular in the past decade. Celebrities like the Kardashian family helped them popularize; nevertheless, since the time of Marilyn Monroe, plump lips have been associated with a sexy appearance.
In this day and age, it is easier than ever to modify the shape and size of lips. As early as 1970, unsafe products such as bovine collagen were used to make lips fuller. It was not until the 1990s that dermal fillers, HA products, and FDA-approved treatments were used for lip augmentation procedures, and they occurred when the problems caused by permanent and semi-permanent options such as injection of silicone or your own fat began to appear. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, lip augmentation began to become popular among the general population. Since then, the demand has continued to increase, and last year, the market value of lip enhancement surgery in the United States alone was estimated at US$2.3 billion. Nevertheless, by 2027, it is still expected to grow by 9.5%.
Out of all interest in lip augmentation, we invited Dr. Khaled Darawsha, a pioneer in the field of cosmetic enhancement and one of the leaders in non-surgical cosmetic procedures in Israel, to discuss with us lip filling techniques, best practices, and what should be avoided what.
“Lip augmentation is the gateway to aesthetics all over the world. Most of my clients come to treat their lips. Even if this is not the main treatment they seek, they all include it.”
During lip augmentation, doctors use FDA-approved dermal fillers made of hyaluronic acid to increase the volume of the lips. The last type is the natural protein found in the dermis, which helps maintain the volume of the skin. By using dermal fillers, medical professionals can define the boundaries of the lips and increase volume. They have an amazing benefit, the ability to provide immediate results. The clinician can sculpt the area to obtain the desired result and make adjustments as needed during treatment. In the words of Dr. Khaled, “When I do this treatment, I feel like an artist.”
In terms of technology, different types of dermal fillers can achieve different appearances. “I do use the best option approved by the FDA, and I use different dermal fillers. I choose it according to the patient.” Some focus on volume, which is very suitable for young customers. Other products have a thinner consistency and are therefore very suitable for elderly patients, helping to restore the shape of the lips and treat the surrounding lines without adding too much volume.
It is necessary to state that dermal fillers are not permanent. Because they are made of hyaluronic acid, the human body can metabolize hyaluronic acid naturally, and it will be broken down after a few months. This may seem frustrating, but it is beneficial. As history has proven, you never want to use permanent substances in your body. As the years go by, your face shape will change, so different areas need to be corrected. “Everyone’s metabolism determines the duration of treatment. On average, the duration of results varies from 6 to 12 months”-Darawsha points out. After that period of time, the dermal filler will slowly disappear; there is no sudden change, but it will naturally and slowly return to the original lip size and shape.
“In some cases, I will dissolve the fillings from the previous operation and inject the fillings again. Some patients seek to improve the lips they have already completed”-added. The dermal filler can be easily dissolved, and if the client is not satisfied with it, the person can quickly restore the way they were before the treatment.
In addition to dermal fillers, under very special circumstances, Dr. Khaled will definitely use other procedures to supplement them. For example, Botox is a muscle relaxant that is often used to treat fine lines and wrinkles on the face. “I use a micro-dose of Botox to treat a grungy smile or deep lines around the lips.”
In the words of Dr. Khaled, almost all of his clients are interested in treating their lips. Both young and old can benefit from it. Younger clients usually need fuller, more dimensional, and sexier lips. Older people tend to be more concerned about the loss of volume and the appearance of lines around the lips; it is often referred to as the smoker’s lines.
Dr. Khaled’s skills vary from patient to patient, and from person to person. However, he believes that the pillars of perfect lips are constant. “Maintaining facial harmony is my top priority and one of the reasons for my good results. Bigger is not always better. This is a common misunderstanding.”
Lips change with age; the loss of collagen and hyaluronic acid will cause the lips to become smaller and less contoured. Usually, for older clients, the focus is on restoring the appearance of the lips in the years before the operation. “Old customers work differently. I pursue natural size and shape. I give my lips a body to make them look plump, but I didn’t define them. They look too perfect, and grown-up customers seek more natural ones. result”. The big advantage of lip augmentation for the elderly is that it can delay the natural aging process and serve as a preventive treatment for some customers.
“I often meet women who have to stop using lipstick. What they are ashamed of is that their lipstick will flow out of the lines around the lips soon after application. Seeing how these women gain so much confidence after treatment , I am very pleased, they feel beautiful again”
The focus of most young clients’ lips is to increase volume and clarity for a more sexy look. These people usually want to look like their lips have been enhanced, but some of them may not care about the size and shape of their lips. Dr. Khaled’s expertise has played an important role in advising these clients. “When I see that my lips look good, they are too big, or the patient has injected permanent fillers, I will send them home.”
For younger customers, a thicker dermal filler is usually used to get a fuller appearance. Dr. Khaled uses his own personal technique to create naturally full lips. “In general, I like to get juicy lips while maintaining their shape. Most of the products I use are for the red areas, on the inside of the lips rather than on the outside. The combination of outside and inside is the key.” He is dedicated to defining the lips from the outside while also working on the mucous membrane of the lips. This great technique has helped him achieve what he calls an iconic appearance.
“When you see some lips, you will know if I have made them. I have my iconic lips. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and I create according to the way I look at beauty. In a way, I It can be said that I am an artist. I don’t want to change the faces of my patients; I respect their own beauty. I seek the best of myself while maintaining their identity.”
The person who administers the treatment plays the biggest role. As Dr. Khaled said, lip augmentation is an art, and you need a good artist to get out of the clinic with admirable works of art. “The important thing is that the doctor has the same aesthetic concepts that you expect him to have. Ask him what he thinks beautiful lips look like.” In addition, find someone who understands that every treatment needs to be tailored to each client A customized doctor is essential, and this is where Dr. Khaled’s strength lies. “I always evaluate my clients individually; my goal is to enhance their natural characteristics and tailor the treatment to their needs”
When we asked him for final advice, he emphasized the importance of choosing the best doctor for this treatment. “Always check the products they use and the number of years the doctor has used it. As far as I am concerned, I have a wealth of experience because I have worked in the field for several years and receive many patients every day.”
Post time: Jul-07-2021