Philtral Columns and Mouth Rejuvenation

At Celibre Medical, when it comes to using filler in the lips and mouth, we believe that less is definitely more. Technique and knowledge of optimal lip structure and anatomy trumps “plumping and filling” the lips. This is one area of the face that takes finesse and skill to inject well. When done right, the results are amazing!

First, we want to ensure that any lip filler treatment leaves you with a symmetrical and natural-appearing mouth and lips. To accomplish this, we pay special attention to the philtral columns, the raised, vertical ridges that connect the bottom of the nose to the lips. They are different for everyone—some people have more pronounced philtral columns and others less so. The key is adding just the right amount of structure to this important area with small amounts of filler to get the most natural, youthful appearance.

As we age, the area between the nose and upper lip elongates and flattens. This accentuates a natural flattening of the upper lip that happens over time (double whammy). By using a small touch of dermal filler such as Restylane or Juvederm, we carefully recreate youthful philtral columns that accentuate the border of the upper lip. Building these columns accentuates the natural “V” of the upper lip known as the cupid’s bow. This gives your lips more shape and helps to lift and evert the upper lip (turn outward and upward).

Note that these techniques don’t involve filler in the actual lip itself, but still change the shape and appearance of it.  When an injector doesn’t understand these principles and techniques and just “fills” the lips, the duck-bill or trout-pout results.

If you’re considering lip or mouth injections with dermal filler, we encourage you to discuss what techniques your injector will use. Understand how dermal filler injections can accentuate or enhance your natural beauty—not just give you big lips! Remember it’s quality, not quantity that makes all the difference between being “treated” with dermal filler injections for the lips and mouth and being “filled”.