The Ideal Lip Shape in Plastic Surgery

Beautiful lips (and faces) come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Lip enhancement with improved volume, definition, and/or skin are common requests among lip augmentation patients in Washington, DC. A plump lip is generally considered more attractive by many individuals, but there other features that can make the lip be more beautiful.

The most attractive lip shape, according to science

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and not defined by simple proportions or metrics alone. However, according to scientific literature, an attractive lip has certain preferred characteristics. In addition to a full lip, symmetry is the other key factor in a beautiful lip.

Plastic surgeons in a 2018 article published in the Journal of Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery surveyed over 9000 individuals, which included plastic surgeons and the general public from 35 countries. 1011 of this group responded to the survey. The majority of survey respondents (60%) chose an upper lip to lower lip ratio of 1:1 as most attractive. Lips where the lower lip is relatively fuller was considered the next most attractive. Read the full article.

What other lip features are considered attractive? Every person will have their own preferences. Generally, a contoured cupid’s bow of the upper lip, soft phitral columns, moderate upper lip length, and smooth skin around the lips are other features that plastic surgeons will review with their cosmetic patients.

Lip injections with filler

Cosmetic improvement of the lips and area around the mouth (smile lines) can be achieved with a variety of nonsurgical and surgical treatments. One treatment is not applicable for all patients.

Facial filler injections to plump and contour the lips are available in every plastic surgeon’s office. Some of the filler brands include JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, and BELOTERO®. These “lipstick in a syringe” fillers have essentially replaced collagen as the primarily method to enhance lips. Fillers are also used to augment cheeks, reduce wrinkles, and improving dark circles.

Fillers are soft gels that gradually dissolve over time after injection, with results that last several months to a year or so. Those looking for more permanent lip augmentation may consider fat transfer or an upper lip lift.

Best method to get ideal lips

Before getting your first lip injection with fillers, consider a few things. First, prevention is the key to look your best. Don’t smoke, practice safe sun safety, maintain hydration to help your lips be naturally full. Read more about healthy skin.

Second, all lip fillers are very similar with only slight variations. Most are last several months to a year or so and have similar aesthetic results. In a blind test, patients and physicians would likely have a very difficult time determining what was injected into the lips. Plastic surgeons and patients will have, however, their own personal preferences.

Plastic surgeons customize lip injections, but can’t necessarily sculpt “perfect” lips. Many may need just one treatment session, while other patients need a few treatments until they achieve their personal ideal lip. Cosmetic treatments are tailored to patient preference and lip anatomy. Many patients want both upper and lower lips treated, while some just the one or the other.

Have you considered enhancing your lips? Dr. Chaboki, an advanced injector and cosmetic surgeon, performs both nonsurgical and surgical lip procedures.

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