lips

[Debser]

What is the best way to get rid of vertical lines above lips and up to nose, my mouth looks like a drawstring purse and I am young, 42, its too much!!
Any suggestions?

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

There are a multitude of techniques for treatment of upper lip lines.  Each has advantages and problems associated with the particular technique used.  These range from injection of fillers (hyaluronic acids or collagen) to laser resurfacing to dermabrasion to chemical peels.  Fillers work immediately but have limited duration.  Laser resurfacing and dermabrasion may result in limited improvement depending on the depth and severity of the lines.  Deep chemical peel can eliminate most lines but can result in depigmentation of the skin.

[syph2005]

I had really deep vertical lines above lips also and had juvederm injections 2 months ago.  It worked but is already wearing off.  However, I had very bad bruising and now have some discoloration.  Be sure to get your fillers done at a doctors office and not a cosmetic clinic if you decide to get it done.  Its worth a try but is very expensive for such a short period of time.  Juvederm is supposed to last up to a year but I don't believe it.