Perioral mounds are a common cosmetic concern around the mouth, often contributing to an aged appearance. This article explores various methods to reduce them.
Understanding Perioral Mounds
Perioral mounds are chubby bulges of superficial fat and sagging skin. They can contribute to a heavier appearance in the lower face and are sometimes colloquially referred to as “sheep face” or “squirrel face.” Genetic predisposition, where individuals naturally have abundant fat in this area, can contribute to their development.
Aging is a primary factor in their formation. As collagen diminishes, connective tissues and fat pads lose support, causing skin to sag and fat pads to hang downwards. This process can lead to the appearance of perioral mounds, often alongside deflating cheeks and downturned mouth corners. Their presence can affect facial aesthetics and expressions, sometimes making individuals appear unhappy when their face is at rest.
Non-Surgical Approaches
Non-surgical methods are often the initial choice for addressing perioral mounds, offering less invasive options. Dermal fillers, often containing hyaluronic acid, can be strategically placed to add volume to surrounding areas. These injectable treatments help camouflage the mounds and improve facial contours by plumping the skin and restoring lost volume.
Neuromodulators, such as botulinum toxin injections, relax specific muscles around the mouth. By reducing muscle activity, these injections soften lines and contribute to a more relaxed appearance in the perioral area. Injections are typically superficial and placed carefully to avoid affecting natural facial expressions.
Energy-based devices offer another non-surgical avenue by stimulating collagen production and tightening the skin. Radiofrequency (RF) treatments, for example, heat the dermis to a controlled temperature, promoting collagen remodeling and skin tightening. Ultherapy, which uses ultrasound technology, also works by heating skin layers to trigger collagen and elastic fiber regrowth, leading to skin tightening and lifting. These methods can improve skin laxity and reduce the appearance of sagging.
Advanced Interventions
For more pronounced perioral mounds or when non-surgical options do not yield desired results, advanced interventions may be considered. Perioral mound liposuction is a targeted procedure that removes excess fat deposits from around the mouth. This technique involves using a tiny cannula, a slender tube, to precisely extract fat through small incisions, aiming to refine the lower face contour.
Subcision is another technique that can address perioral mounds, particularly when they are accompanied by tethering or indentations. This procedure involves using a needle to release fibrous bands that pull the skin downwards, allowing the skin to lift and smooth out. While less directly focused on fat removal, it can improve the overall contour.
In cases of significant skin laxity, specific lifting techniques may be employed. A thread lift, for instance, involves embedding absorbable threads into the dermis to lift and stimulate collagen production, which helps to restore the skin’s lifting ability. For more extensive aging concerns, a facelift, particularly a deep plane facelift, can address the lower face and jowls, which are often contiguous with perioral mounds. These surgical approaches are typically reserved for individuals seeking more dramatic and long-lasting improvements.
Long-Term Management
Maintaining the results of perioral mound treatments and minimizing future concerns involves consistent long-term strategies. A diligent skincare routine is foundational, focusing on products that support skin health and elasticity. Regular use of moisturizers, antioxidants like Vitamin C, and retinoids can help maintain skin health and stimulate collagen production.
Sun protection is paramount, as UV radiation contributes to collagen breakdown and accelerated skin aging. Daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is recommended, even around the lips. Avoiding excessive sun exposure, especially during peak hours, further helps protect the skin.
Lifestyle choices play a role in skin aging, influencing the perioral area. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, adequate hydration, and limiting factors like smoking can support overall skin integrity. While these habits do not directly eliminate existing mounds, they can help prevent their recurrence and maintain the efficacy of treatments. Periodic touch-up treatments, such as repeat filler injections or energy-based device sessions, may be necessary to sustain results over time.