What are thinning lips?
Changes in lip volume and shape may occur gradually over time or reflect an individual’s natural anatomy. Some people notice that their lips appear thinner, the lip border becomes less defined, or lipstick is more likely to feather into the surrounding skin. These changes are common and vary between individuals.
What causes thinning lips?
Thinning lips usually develop as a result of several factors working together, including:
The underlying cause varies from person to person, making an individual assessment an important part of the consultation.
Assessment
During your consultation, we’ll assess the lips in the context of your whole face. This includes lip shape, proportion, dental support, the surrounding skin and facial anatomy. We’ll also assess how changes in the lips relate to the surrounding facial structures. Understanding the underlying cause helps determine whether management is appropriate for you.
Why assessment is important
Changes in the lips are not always limited to the lips themselves. In some people, age-related changes in the surrounding tissues or lower face also contribute to their appearance. Without a comprehensive assessment, management may not address the underlying cause of the concern or achieve an outcome that meets your expectations. A careful assessment helps guide appropriate, individualised management.
Individualised management
During your consultation, we’ll discuss whether management is appropriate for your individual concerns. If so, we’ll explain the available options, together with the expected benefits, limitations and potential risks, so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Prepared by
Dr Simone Doreian
Specialist General Practitioner
AHPRA Registration: MED0001163462