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The Role Of The
Lips In Physical Attractiveness & Sensuality
Why are we, as a society, so
obsessed with a voluminous pair of lips? From Geishas to the Egyptians,
emphasis on soft, youthful, full lips has always been apparent. As we age,
the lips begin to thin and the area between the nose and the top lip elongates
giving the appearance of a stern, angry mouth.
Ideal Shape &
Size In Relation To The Face
Although I hesitate to use the term ideal
when describing what is thought to be most attractive, there are formulas or
guidelines when determining what size and shape the lips should be in creating
overall harmony with the rest of the face. Let's use the term targeted
proportions when attempting to create an attractive pair of lips for one's
face. The goal is to keep the lip size in the correct ratio relative to
one another and with the remainder of the rest of the face.
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The top lip, although smaller vertically,
normally protrudes a bit further than the bottom lip, but only very slightly.
This creates an attractive pout. When too much protrusion is created it
can give the appearance of an overbite, too little the appearance of an
underbite
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The bottom lip should be roughly 75% larger than
the top lip.
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The ideal lips should have defined borders
(called the vermillion border)
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A defined philtrum adds the appearance of youth
and attractiveness. It can also cause a lifting effect to the top lip, further
enhancing the top lip pout as well as affecting tooth show. When the philtrum is undefined it can create a flat, elongated appearance of the skin
between nose and the upper lip. This area normally flattens with age as well is
present in those with alcohol fetal syndrome. Defining this area can correct
these negative features.
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Slight upper tooth show is desirable, when the
lips are parted.
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The chin may also need to be enhanced to create
an attractive relationship to the lips. It is thought that a 4mm
depression between the lower lip and chin is attractive. Augmentation to
the chin using Radiesse may be a suitable option, an implant if more chin
augmentation is needed.
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