Why do my lips seem thinner than they used to be?

Ask the doctor

January 20, 2026

By Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch

Reviewed by Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing

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Close-up of a mature woman pointing to her lips with a finger; the image is cropped so only the lower part of her face is visible.

I’m in my 50s, and I’ve noticed lately that my once-full lips seem thinner. Why is this happening?

As we age, our bodies produce less collagen and elastin, proteins that provide plumpness to the skin. Fat pads and muscles in the lip area also diminish over time, leading to a loss of volume. Additionally, we make less hyaluronic acid — a substance that’s often injected into the lips during aesthetic procedures — which helps hydrate the skin. With less, lips can look drier and flatter. Other contributors include genes, smoking, and excessive sun exposure. Even the natural shifting of teeth can affect support for the lips, making them appear to “sink” inward.

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About the Author

Maureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women's Health Watch

Maureen Salamon is the executive editor of Harvard Women’s Health Watch. She also writes for the Harvard Health Letter, Harvard Heart Letter, and Harvard Men’s Health Watch, as well as for Harvard Health Publishing’s flagship website. … See Full Bio

View all posts by Maureen Salamon

About the Reviewer

Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing

Dr. Robert H. Shmerling is the former clinical chief of the division of rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), and is a current member of the corresponding faculty in medicine at Harvard Medical School. … See Full Bio

View all posts by Robert H. Shmerling, MD

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