In our modern culture, where such a socially important role is given to personal image, the wish to present no evidence of real chronological age is widespread. Apart from being altered by intrinsic ageing, our physical aspect is also negatively affected by external aggressors like UV rays or pollution that damage cells. The face is a special target due to its higher exposure to the environment. For this reason, young and aged skins are clearly distinguishable.
As we age, this cellular damage accumulates and leads to macroscopic unwanted signs that include dehydration, volume loss, sagginess, fine lines and wrinkles. Some areas, like the lips, are particularly delicate and susceptible to alterations. As lips are a major focus of attention upon first visual contact (only preceded by the eyes), it is a key area when talking about improving the look of the face. The appearance of smoking lines for example (wrinkles etching vertically from the upper lip to the nose) is more frequent with ageing, but sometimes they already appear on individuals in their 30s. Lip volume is also naturally altered with the passing of the years which may be coupled with a genetic predisposition to less voluminous lips. Therefore, improving the appearance of the lips can boost facial beauty.
This natural ageing process combined with personal dissatisfaction with one’s own features results in the need to improve facial appearance, and there are existing beauty treatments which fulfil this consumer desire. Surgery, nonsurgical procedures (including injectables) and topical cosmetics are popular choices that act on different levels, each of them with their own pros and cons.
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