The lips rival the eyes as a focal point of the face. Conveyor of thoughts and emotions, retainer of food and drink, creator of sound, and erogenous zone: the lips play a vital role in human daily function.

The lips are comprised of a sophisticated fibrous muscular structure that works independently, allowing extensive movement and manipulation. Called the orbicularis oris, this complex of muscle fibres surrounds the mouth and is responsible for all movement, from smiling, frowning, whistling, blowing and more. It is also connected to the muscles on the rest of the face. The orbicularis oris is considered a sphincter muscle (much like that one down there!).

The skin on the lips is quite different from what exists on the rest of the body. While it is comprised of the same layers (epidermis and subcutaneous tissue) the very top layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, is of a different proportion. The stratum corneum serves as protection against the harmful elements of our environment. Unfortunately, this protective barrier is extremely thin on the lips. Coupled with a poor ability to produce melanin, that pigment that protects the skin from ultraviolet light, the lips are easily prone to damage. As a result, one of the first places the signs of aging and damage appear is on our lips.

With a flimsy armour, it is common that they become chapped, itchy or cracked and peel or bleed easily.

Collagen plays a big role here. The lips are demarcated by what is known as the "Vermillion Border". The Vermillion Border is the very edge that defines the reddish/pinkish colour and different contour of the lips from the rest of the skin on the face. It is made of collagen.

Rows of collagen connect the top lip, also known as the Labium superioris,to the nose to form what is called the "Cupid's Bow", those two parts of the upper lip that rise to form a heart that slightly protrudes. There is slight dip in the middle of the bottom lip, known as the Labium inferioris, to provide a perfect fit for the top.

A natural result of the aging process is a disintegration of collagen, which is why the lips of an older person are not as full as a younger person.

All About The Face

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Permanent Makeup 
General Overview

Eyes
Dark Undereye Circles
Blepharoplasty
5 Nonsurgical Treatments That Can Help Rejuvenate Your Eyes

Lips
All About Lips 
What Makes Lips Beautiful
Lip Development 
Lip Care 
Lipstick History 
Lipstick Colours

Nose
Benefits of Cosmetic Nose Surgery

Cheeks
All About Cheek Implants

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Granulomas and Injectable Fillers