Lip Line Rejuvenation
Vertical lip lines can subtly—but unmistakably—add years to your appearance. At TLKM Plastic Surgery in Chicago, Dr. Thomas Mustoe offers a highly refined lip line rejuvenation procedure that goes beyond surface treatments to restore youthful smoothness and softness to the area around your mouth. By combining fat grafting with dermabrasion and 2 types of laser resurfacing, Dr. Mustoe addresses both volume loss and skin texture, while keeping downtime remarkably short.
This treatment can also be combined with a lip lift, which shortens a long upper lip for a more youthful-looking balance. While a lip lift improves lip length, it does not correct vertical wrinkles—making lip line rejuvenation the ideal complement.
What Is Lip Line Rejuvenation?
Lip line rejuvenation targets the fine vertical wrinkles that form around the lips as part of the natural aging process. These lip wrinkles, often called “smoker’s lines” or “lipstick lines,” can affect anyone, regardless of lifestyle. They typically develop due to repeated muscle movement, sun exposure, thinning skin, and a gradual loss of fat and collagen.
Instead of focusing on just one layer of the skin, Dr. Mustoe’s approach rejuvenates the area from the inside out, improving volume, smoothing texture, and restoring youthful balance in a single, carefully orchestrated procedure.
Dr. Mustoe’s Signature Technique: A Layered, Multi-Modal Approach
Dr. Mustoe’s method combines several advanced techniques to deliver comprehensive results with minimal recovery time:
- Fat grafting subtly restores natural volume and may support skin quality.
- Erbium YAG ablative laser gently resurfaces the skin with faster healing and no risk of lasting pigmentation changes (only temporary pinkness during recovery).
- Nonablative fractional ablative laser penetrates the deeper skin layers to stimulate collagen and further refine skin quality.
- Spot dermabrasion targets the deepest wrinkles that lasers may not reach effectively. Performed lightly and selectively, it smooths stubborn lines without the prolonged recovery or pigmentation risks associated with full-field dermabrasion.
This combination produces a smoother, firmer, and refreshed appearance, without a drawn-out recovery period.
The Treatment Process
This lip wrinkle treatment is typically completed in a single session performed in the office under local anesthesia, with or without oral sedation. If you’re also undergoing a facelift, Dr. Mustoe performs fat grafting during that procedure, with dermabrasion and laser treatment added as needed.
He begins by harvesting fat from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, or waist using a fine cannula and a gentle syringe technique—no incisions necessary. He uses “microfat,” handling it delicately to ensure high cell survival and a smooth result.
After harvesting and preparing the fat, Dr. Mustoe:
- Injects the fat in thin, even layers across the perioral area (around the mouth), not into individual lines, for a natural, lump-free look.
- Adds subtle volume to the lips and surrounding tissue as needed for harmony and balance.
- Loosens deeper attachments in the marionette lines or nasolabial folds for more precise fat placement when necessary.
- Follows with erbiumYAG laser, nonablative laser, and spot dermabrasion to refine the skin’s surface, stimulate collagen, and smooth stubborn wrinkles.
The result is a noticeable yet natural-looking improvement in volume, skin quality, and texture, without an overfilled or obvious look.
Recovery & Results
One of the most compelling benefits of Dr. Mustoe’s technique is its brief downtime.
- Recovery typically takes about a week.
- You can wear makeup by Day 6, which is ideal for those with busy lives.
- The fat grafted to the area typically has a survival rate of 30% to 40%, supporting long-lasting volume restoration.
- For patients with very deep wrinkles, a second treatment about a year later may provide additional refinement.
Because Dr. Mustoe places the fat so delicately and evenly, the results are smooth and subtle. Most patients enjoy predictably natural-looking and long-lasting improvements in both skin quality and volume.
Is Lip Line Rejuvenation Right for You?
You may be a good candidate if you’re bothered by:
- Vertical lines above the lips
- Wrinkles and skin laxity around the mouth or chin
- A loss of natural lip definition or volume
This procedure is ideal for individuals looking for comprehensive rejuvenation and a short recovery period. It can also be combined with a lip lift, facelift, neck lift, or other facial rejuvenation procedures for a more extensive transformation.
Why Choose Dr. Mustoe?
Dr. Mustoe is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of facial rejuvenation experience who has performed more than 3,500 perioral fat grafting procedures. His deep understanding of facial anatomy and commitment to nuanced, individualized care allow him to deliver subtle, sophisticated results that look like you, just more refreshed.
Patients also appreciate:
- His gentle fat harvesting technique, which minimizes bruising and avoids irregularities
- His conservative approach to laser resurfacing eliminates overly aggressive treatment
- His refined use of spot dermabrasion, which enhances results for deep wrinkles while still allowing a short recovery
- Significantly faster recovery compared to traditional CO₂ laser resurfacing
With his meticulous technique and emphasis on natural-looking results, Dr. Mustoe has earned a reputation as one of Chicago’s leading authorities in facial and lip line rejuvenation. His thoughtful, patient-centered approach ensures you’ll feel confident in every step of your journey.
Maintaining Your Results
To help preserve your smoother, more youthful look:
- Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to prevent UV damage.
- Follow a skincare routine with high-quality, medical-grade products.
- Consider touch-up treatments over time if desired. (Most patients don’t need them.)
With proper care, your results can stay fresh and natural-looking for years to come.
Take the Next Step
Are you ready to soften lip lines and restore confidence in your smile? Call our office today (312) 788-2560 or request a consultation.