How do the lips age?
The lips age in a variety of ways, because of the complex anatomy. This includes:
- Widening of cupid’s bow (U shaped area at the top of the upper lip)
- Thinner Vermilion (distinct line separating the coloured part of the lips from the surrounding facial skin, giving lips their defined shape and colour.
- Increased marionette lines (vertical creases that extend from the corners of the mouth down toward the chin, resembling the lines on a marionette puppet
- Drooping corners of the mouth
- Sagging of lip skin
- Faded lip colour
- Dry dehydrated lips
These changes increase with age, starting in the 30s, and are increased by lifestyle factors such as smoking and exposure to the sun.
Ageing is taking place at all layers of the body, including muscle, bone and fat layers
Why a different approach to lips is needed
- The skin of the lips is extremely thin and has a low water content which can make lips more vulnerable to becoming dry and tough.
- Lips also have lower levels of melanin which protects our cells from the sun.
- There is also repeated mechanical stress due to moving the mouth for talking and eating.
Enhancing lips without traditional fillers
A Regenerative Approach to Lip Health is taken at Crewe Hair and Skin Clinic. Safety and natural restoration is the core philosophy.
There is a range of filler-alternative treatments designed to revitalise the lip area and smooth fine lines without compromising your natural expression.
Prescriptive Home Care To maintain and enhance clinical results, evidence-based topical treatments are recommended:
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Neostrata Lip Wrinkle Repair: This topical line filler for the lip contour is formulated with NeoGlucosamine and NeoCitriate to target a plumped appearance and visible improvement in vertical lines above the lip and smile lines in 3 days!
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Obagi Medical Lip Therapy: A clinical duo of micro-peel and sunscreen for deep hydration and barrier restoration.(Obagi links are password protected for clients)
In-Clinic Aesthetic Treatments
The consultation process will help in choosing the most appropriate treatment for your needs.
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Botulinum Toxin: Precision injections to relax the muscles responsible for ‘smoker’s lines’ and provide a subtle, temporary non-surgical lift. This can also be used for downturned corners of the mouth
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Platelet Rich Plasma: Recent clinical studies (such as those published in Head & Face Medicine) show that PRP is a promising, safe, and effective option for lip rejuvenation to help with colour and hydration
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Polynucleotides: A bio-stimulatory treatment that works at a cellular level to repair aged or damaged tissue and improve elasticity.
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Sunekos: To help with the ‘scaffolding’ of the skin
What are lip fillers?
Lip fillers are dermal fillers used in the lips to enhance their appearance. This treatment is sought by younger adults as well as older adults who may have noticed age related changes. The treatment is injected into the skin to provide an instant correction. (However results are best assessed at 2 weeks)
Dermal fillers are natural or synthetic gels that are injected into the skin to volumise, lift and improve the appearance of lines. The vast majority of dermal fillers are completely biodegradable and temporary however there are some permanent fillers available as well.
Although the idea of a more permanent filler may seem more appealing to a patient, they are generally associated with more complications and longer term problems and rarely used in practice. In the UK, there are over 160 brands available on the market and the vast majority consist of hyaluronic acid although other products are also used including calcium hydroxyapatite, polycaprolactone, poly-L-lactic acid and agarose gel.
Traditional use of fillers in the mouth area can result in over correction, distortion of natural movement and a ‘perioral overfilled syndrome’
Evidence based skin care for the lip area
The key goals are to improve barrier function, protect from the sun, and provide structural support to the surrounding tissues.
Comprehensive lip care by Obagi Medical
This is a comprehensive kit to resurface, rehydrate and protect the lips with both a morning and evening protocol. Ideal for: Dry dehydrated lips, flaky, rough texture and dead skin buildup, fine lines on the lips, dull lips, volume loss.
In the morning the Soothe and protect SPF30 is a true broad spectrum SPF for the often neglected lip area .
Every other night apply the AHA+PHA Smoothing MicronPeel. This is an AHA and PHA smoothing peel. This helps to encourage cellular turnover on the lips whilst also hydrating. This surfaces, smooths, replumps and hydrates lips through the power of AHA, PHA and Hyaluronic acid for more youthful-looking lips.
Key ingredients: 3 resurfacers, glycolic acid (AHA), Lactic Acid (AHA) and GLuconolactone (PHA) along with sodium hyaluronate (HA).
Neostrata Lip Wrinkle Repair - Anti wrinkle topical line filler
This topical line filler for the lip contour is formulated with NeoGlucoasmin and NeoCitriate to target a plumped appearance and isible improvement in vertical lines above the lip in 3 days!
Twice daily. Glide cream directly on and above the lip line area twice daily. A temporary tingling sensation may occur.
Key ingredients. 5% NeoGlucosamine: a building block of Hyaluronic Acid, and clinically shown to promote visible plumping of the skin and smooth the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles. 3% NeoCitriate: supports skin’s natural collagen to plump the look of skin. Peptide Infusion: known to target fine lines & wrinkles.
ZO Skin Health Firming Serum
A clinically advanced formula designed to reinforce the skin’s structural proteins. For clients who have previously had dermal fillers or are currently maintaining them, the ZO Firming Serum is an essential part of a maintenance protocol.
Extend the Benefit: By improving the skin’s internal “scaffold,” this serum helps to support the weight of dermal fillers, preventing the sagging appearance that can occur when the skin loses its natural elasticity.
Define the Contour: It works to visibly tighten and firm the jawline and mouth area, adding the contour and “snap-back” that fillers alone cannot provide.
The main concern around fillers is the risk of blocking a blood vessel (vascular occlusion) leading to permanent damage to the tissue supplied. This is complicated by the fact that the course of the important blood vessels varies in where it lies e.g in depth and position.
Clinic treatments for the lips and around the mouth
Polynucleotides for the lip area and around the mouth
Unlike traditional fillers that rely on artificial volume, NEWEST® uses a synergistic blend of Polynucleotides HPT® and Hyaluronic Acid to repair your skin at a cellular level. It doesn’t just “fill” a gap; it encourages your skin to behave like a younger version of itself.
The Science of Synergistic Repair
NEWEST® is powered by patented technology from the Italian pharmaceutical experts at Mastelli, utilizing highly purified DNA fractions (Polynucleotides HPT®) sourced through a stringent sterilization process.
Dual-Action Hydration: The combination of 10mg/ml Polynucleotides and 10mg/ml Hyaluronic Acid provides an immediate moisture boost while laying the groundwork for long-term tissue regeneration.
Antioxidant Protection: Infused with Mannitol, a powerful antioxidant, the treatment helps protect the Hyaluronic Acid from breaking down too quickly, extending the life of your results.
Natural Architecture: This product was specifically selected by our clinic for its ability to deliver a refreshed appearance without volumizing distortion. It supports your skin’s scaffolding, smoothing fine lines while maintaining your authentic facial expressions.
To achieve the best results, a foundational course of two treatments spaced four weeks apart is recommended. This timeline allows your skin’s regenerative processes to synchronize with the polynucleotide technology, resulting in a glow that comes from improved health. To see before and after results from a study of 20 patients please click here.
Lip Lift using Botulinum Toxin
There is a muscle around the mouth called the Orbicularis Oris.
Injection of Botulinum Toxin (Botox) to certain areas helps to lead to an increase in lip visibility. Results can be very subtle and lead to no more than 1-2mm increase in pink lip visibility.
This treatment is not ideal for people who sing or use musical instruments as this can be compromised. Pronouncing certain letters may be difficult, especially ‘p’ and ‘b’.
Results will be seen. Within 2 weeks
Expected to last . 6 -10 weeks
Mouth frown treatment using Botulinum Toxin
As the face ages, the frowning expression caused by the corners of the mouth turning downward can convey a bitter and disapproving appearance.
A small amount of Botulinum into the muscles that pull down the corners of the mouth can diminish the downward pull on the corners of the mouth and allow the muscles that elevate the corners to take over hence subtly lifting the corners of the mouth.
Theroretical complications are those affecting the lower lip mainly affecting speaking, eating and drinking.
Results will be seen. Within 2 weeks
Expected to last. 8-12 weeks
Sunekos
Sunekos works with your skin’s own natural processes.Sunekos isn’t a traditional filler; it is a sophisticated “bioregenerator.” Using a patented blend of Hyaluronic Acid and six essential amino acids, it targets the “Extracellular Matrix”—the underlying scaffolding of your skin that the 2025 Sun study identifies as critical for perioral anti-agieng.
Restoring the Foundation: It triggers your own fibroblasts to produce new collagen and elastin, rebuilding the tissue from within.
Deep Hydration: Because the lip vermilion (the red part of the lip) lacks the sebaceous glands found elsewhere, Sunekos provides the essential internal moisture needed to restore a soft, natural suppleness.
Subtle & Authentic: By inhibiting the degradation of your skin’s natural support system, Sunekos smooths “smoker’s lines” and restores lost volume without changing the actual shape or “swing” of your smile.
Newest or Sunekos for rejuvenating the mouth area?
| Feature | Sunekos | NEWEST® |
| Key ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid + 6 Amino Acids | Hyaluronic Acid + Polynucleotides + Mannitol |
| Primary Goal | Direct Stimulation: Triggers collagen and elastin production to firm and smooth. | Cellular Repair: Heals and regenerates damaged DNA and tissue from within. |
| Best For… | Fine lines, “crepey” texture, and restoring a soft, hydrated “swing” to the lips. | Sun-damaged, “weathered,” or thinning skin that needs a stronger foundation. |
| The Scientific Focus | The Extracellular Matrix (the skin’s scaffolding). | Dermal Conditioning (the skin’s repair & defense system). |
| Immediate Benefit | Gentle hydration and a visible “refresh” of the skin surface. | Deep, long-lasting moisture and powerful antioxidant protection. |
| Typical Protocol | 3–4 sessions, spaced 7–14 days apart. | 2 sessions, spaced 4 weeks apart. |