Aging of the upper lip: a new treatment technique

The Interference of Age and Gender on Smile Characterization Analyzed on Six Parameters: A Clinical-Photographic Pilot Study

Background and Objective: This study aimed to evaluate six smile-esthetic parameters (deviation of the upper dental midline from the facial midline, upper lip curvature, smile line, smile arch, smile width, and shape of the maxillary central incisors), correlating them with age and gender. Materials and methods: Caucasian individuals (N = 114) were grouped by gender (male and female) and age (group I—18 to 30 years old; group II—31 to 50 years old; and group III—over 50 years old). Using a digital camera, extra and intraoral pictures were taken to analyze the variables above-mentioned. The data were statistically evaluated, considering a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Most participants found deviations of the upper dental midline, straight upper lip curvature, and the medium smile line coincided with the facial midline. The parallel smile arch exposing 9 to 11 upper teeth, the absence of exposure of lower teeth when smiling, and oval upper incisors were prevalent parameters. Regarding gender, significant results were found for the curvature of the upper lip (p = 0.049), the smile arch (p = 0.001), and the shape of the upper central incisors (p = 0.004). For age, the association with the curvature of the upper lip (p = 0.032), the smile line (p = 0.001), the smile arch (p = 0.007), the width of the smile exposing lower teeth (p = 0.002), and the shape of the upper central incisors (0.012) were significant. Conclusions: Within this study’s limitations, gender and age affect the anterior teeth shape and upper lip curves; gender and age did not influence the coincidence between dental and facial midlines.

Proposed Guide to Lip Treatment in Caucasian Women Using Objective and Measurable Parameters

BACKGROUND

The lips are a focal point of the face; however, their aesthetic proportions and effect on perceived facial beauty remain poorly defined. Perioral aging is highly individual, with several distinct and often simultaneous processes contributing to changes in lip contour and surface. These processes can affect lip volume and length, shape, and the degree of vermilion inversion.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to develop a treatment guide for Caucasian women that combined a complete analysis of the lips (including the effects of aging) with consideration of the rheological characteristics of the products used to assist practitioners in tailoring rejuvenation treatment to individual patients.

METHODS

We reviewed existing literature to analyze the parameters that make the lips of Caucasian women "attractive" and investigated the rheological characteristics of different hyaluronic fillers to provide guidance on the optimal treatment for each woman.

RESULTS

Our numerical definition of the lips is based on 4 specific parameters: philtrum height, upper vermillion height, ratio between philtrum and upper vermillion height, and golden ratio between upper and lower vermillion height. In our opinion, conserving the length of hyaluronic acid chains results in dynamic fillers that may provide better results with lower risk of asymmetry compared with conventional products.

CONCLUSIONS

This new classification and associated treatment guideline aims to allow accurate assessment and enable practitioners to customize treatment for individual patients.

[Upper lip lift]

The author revisits an old technique of shortening of the upper lip. He shows the interest of systematically analyzing the length of the upper lip in any consultation of face and especially of rejuvenation. He develops indications based on the visibility of the upper incisors at the half-open mouth rest. He details the technique and shows results.

Systematic review of "filling" procedures for lip augmentation regarding types of material, outcomes and complications

BACKGROUND

The ideal lip augmentation technique provides the longest period of efficacy, lowest complication rate, and best aesthetic results. A myriad of techniques have been described for lip augmentation, but the optimal approach has not yet been established. This systematic review with meta-regression will focus on the various filling procedures for lip augmentation (FPLA), with the goal of determining the optimal approach.

METHODS

A systematic search for all English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese and Dutch language studies involving FPLA was performed using these databases: Elsevier Science Direct, PubMed, Highwire Press, Springer Standard Collection, SAGE, DOAJ, Sweetswise, Free E-Journals, Ovid Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Willey Online Library Journals, and Cochrane Plus. The reference section of every study selected through this database search was subsequently examined to identify additional relevant studies.

RESULTS

The database search yielded 29 studies. Nine more studies were retrieved from the reference sections of these 29 studies. The level of evidence ratings of these 38 studies were as follows: level Ib, four studies; level IIb, four studies; level IIIb, one study; and level IV, 29 studies. Ten studies were prospective.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review sought to highlight all the quality data currently available regarding FPLA. Because of the considerable diversity of procedures, no definitive comparisons or conclusions were possible. Additional prospective studies and clinical trials are required to more conclusively determine the most appropriate approach for this procedure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Classification of the Aging Lips: A Foundation for an Integrated Approach to Perioral Rejuvenation

BACKGROUND

Although perioral aging is highly individual with several distinct processes taking part simultaneously, there is scarce systematic information which helps to indicate the right rejuvenation approach among the multitude of proposed procedures. Existing data about perioral aging has not yet been transformed into a consistent therapeutic concept. The intention of this study was to provide a simple, yet reproducible classification and to offer appropriate rejuvenation approaches.

METHODS

To identify reliable and constant landmarks of the ongoing process of perioral aging, 462 perioral photo documentations were morphometrically analyzed. Based upon the identified landmarks a two-dimensional classification was developed. The classification was validated by three plastic surgeons. Inter- and intra-rater reliability was calculated using Cohen's kappa coefficient.

RESULTS

Perioral aging can be broken down into changes of the lip shape and changes of the lip surface. Both processes can be classified into three stages each: Lip shape according to the shape in profile view, the lip length in relation to the frontal incisors, and the degree of vermilion inversion. Lip surface according to the presence and degree of radial wrinkles and the visibility of the structural elements Cupid's bow, philtrum, and white roll. Inter-observer reliability was rated very good (kappa values between 0.819 and 0.963) and perfect for intra-observer reliability (1.0).

CONCLUSION

A better understanding of perioral aging leads to a simple classification for the aging lips. Using the classification helps to tailor an appropriate treatment to the individual patient and aids to achieve a natural rejuvenation result.

The "Brazilian" bikini-shaped lip-reduction technique: new developments in cheiloplasty

BACKGROUND

The lips, one of the most illustrious facial features, have a key role in forming facial expressions. In the past, hypertrophic lips were an aesthetic issue among certain ethnic groups. Although full lips are a desirable feature sought by many people, the current world of fashion tends emphasize equilibrium and significant matching of features, encouraging people to seek refinement through cosmetic surgery. The purpose is to reach the standard level of perceived attractiveness in current society. This article aims to present a novel lip reduction technique that restores an attractive labial contour by shifting the shape toward a more "Brazilian way" and resulting in more aesthetically appealing lips.

METHODS

The technique described in this report was performed on more than 40 patients between 2008 and 2010. The major difference between this technique and others is that it transforms the shape of the bikini lines to a more "Brazilian" way. The upper resection is more conservative, whereas the lower resection is less triangular and more curved, displaying more of the bilateral "bands" on the lips. The reported patients did not present any infections or any other complications.

CONCLUSION

The nature of human beings urges them to seek routes of assimilation into their society. This also applies to the rules of perceived attractiveness. The technique presented in this article has recaptured specific attention to the resultant lip contour, altering the shape of the marks on the lower lip. The new technique yields a harmonious relationship between the upper and lower lips. The aesthetic results and patient satisfaction attained through this novel technique of lip reduction have been very satisfactory.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors at www.springer.com/00266.

The aging perioral region -- Do we really know what is happening?

OBJECTIVES

The perioral region is subject to a myriad of different treatments for rejuvenation, many of which are applied without a clear understanding of the underlying physiological processes of perioral aging. The results of these procedures are therefore sometimes not optimal and do not achieve a natural youthful appearance. The aim of this study was to put the results of three investigations into the perioral aging process into relation to clinical application in aesthetic medicine.

DESIGN

Three different investigations were performed to evaluate the complex 3-dimensional changes during the perioral aging process. Perioral proportions of 182 standardized subject photographs were measured in a photomorphometric study and correlated to age. In cranial MRI scans of 30 women aged 20-35 and 30 women aged 65-80 relevant anatomical dimensions were measured. Histological cross cuts of the upper lip complex of 20 individuals in two age groups, young (< 40 years, n = 10) and old (> 80 years, n = 10), were analysed. The results were then set into relation to today's lip rejuvenation procedures.

RESULTS

All studies showed a statistically significant lengthening of the aging upper lip. The photomorphometric study further showed an increase of prolabium skin at the cost of a decreasing visible upper lip vermilion. The MRI scans showed a decrease in thickness and redistribution towards a length increase but no total volume loss. Histomorphometric analysis revealed statistically significant thinning of the cutis, thickening of the subcutis and a degeneration of elastic and collagen fibers. The orbicularis oris muscle becomes thinner and shows a decrease of the forward curve defining the vermilion border. The results show that the main processes of lip aging are redistribution from thickness to length without total volume loss and a decrease of structural components of the lip, which leads to the decrease of pouting, an inversion of the vermilion and a ptosis of the lip.

CONCLUSION

A new and better understanding of the underlying physiological changes of perioral aging is essential and will lead to a better and more specific implementation of perioral rejuvenation procedures which will lead to more natural results.

The no-scar lip-lift: upper lip suspension technique

BACKGROUND

Addressing the long upper lip has been a complex problem for some time. Methods such as the subnasal skin excision and the vermillion advancement technique have been described, but both leave a visible scar. A no-scar lip-lift technique is necessary for a subset of patients who have a long upper lip and will not accept a visible scar.

METHODS

The upper lip is shortened via an intranasal incision and suspension suture that elevates the upper lip and anchors it to the anterior nasal spine. A retrospective review of 92 patients who had undergone upper lip-lift with the no-scar suspension technique was performed. Three plastic surgeons assessed the pre- and postoperative results and determined the presence of improvement in four categories: lip shortening, lip projection, incisor show, and vermillion show.

RESULTS

The lip parameters improved, with 85% of the patients showing noticeable lip shortening, 79% showing increased sagittal projection, 74% exhibiting increased incisor show, and 25% exhibiting increased vermillion show. All the patients had improvement in at least one of the four categories. Complications were experienced by two patients with a suture abscess and one patient with an unraveled suture.

CONCLUSION

The overall lip contours improved after the lip suspension technique, most noticeably in terms of lip height and sagittal projection, and the scar was hidden intranasally.

3D stereophotogrammetry quantitative lip analysis

BACKGROUND

Reduction in lip volume is a stigmata of the aging face. There are many lip augmentation techniques but very few studies analyzing how these techniques change the three-dimensional structure of the lips. Furthermore, there is no consensus about whether the lip position should be standardized to either the lips closed or parted. The aim of this study was first to obtain a three-dimensional quantitative analysis of the lips in adults and to look for sexual dimorphism and, second, to compare whether more consistent measurements of the oral region can be obtained with the mouth open compared with it closed.

METHODS

Seventy young Caucasian volunteers underwent lip dimension analysis using 3D stereophotogrammetry with lips parted and closed. Parameters measured for consistency of results were linear distances (e.g., mouth width, total lip height, upper lip height), surface distances (e.g., upper vermilion), areas (e.g., vermilion upper and lower lip, total vermilion), and volumes (upper and lower lip volume, total lip volume). Analysis also compared lip dimensions between male and female subjects.

RESULTS

Consistent and reproducible results were seen with the lips closed compared with lips apart. All lip parameters (distances, areas, and volumes) were larger in men than in women. The following measurements had significant differences between males and females: mouth width, upper lip height median, upper white lip height median, upper white lip height lateral, lower vermilion surface distance, and area of vermilion (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

We present a novel technique for aesthetic assessment of the lips that is objective and achieves consistency with the lips in the closed position. Males have greater lip dimensions compared with females.

Changes in the aging upper lip--a photomorphometric and MRI-based study (on a quest to find the right rejuvenation approach)

BACKGROUND

A lack of scientific data about the complex three dimensional changes in relation to the rest of the face is the reason for the multitude of rejuvenation approaches to the aging upper lip. In this study the underlying anatomic changes and facial proportions of the senile upper lip are scientifically evaluated for the first time.

METHODS

(1) In 182 standardized subject photographs proportions of the upper lip were measured, compared to facial dimensions and correlated to age. (2) In cranial MRI scans of 30 women aged 20-35 and 30 women aged 65-80 relevant anatomical dimensions were measured.

RESULTS

Both studies showed a statistically significant lengthening of the aging upper lip. The photomorphometric study further shows an increase of prolabium skin at the cost of a decreasing visible upper lip vermilion. The MRI scans showed a decrease in thickness. A loss of volume could not be shown.

CONCLUSION

Isolated volume augmentation is not a causal method of upper lip rejuvenation and it may therefore rather lead to an unnatural 'blown up' look.

Lifting of the upper lip: personal technique

The authors illustrate a personal technique for lifting of the upper lip with augmentation of the lower lip. With this procedure, a shortening of the "prolabium," an increase of the vermilion, and a natural, nicer mouth are obtained, with the possibility of increasing the volume of the lower lip simultaneously. The operation is carried out as outpatient surgery using local anesthesia, with intravenous sedation if requested. Incisions are made bilaterally beginning at the alar fold of the nose; they then enter the nostrils and rise medially on the skin below the lower margin of the medial crura of the alar cartilage. In this way, the columella is safe, and there are no scars. Then, the two pieces of excess skin and a small, whole strip of orbicular muscle can be cut away, just under the nose. If the goal is to better extrude the vermilion, the skin as far as the Cupid's bow also has to be undermined; if the goal is to shorten the prolabium, a slightly wider amount of orbicular muscle can be removed. The muscle is suspended to the base of the nose with interrupted stitches (absorbable 4-0 suture), the subcutaneous tissue is sutured, and finally the skin is closed with a running suture. The removed muscle is a good graft for increasing the size of the lower lip.

Quantitative Analysis of Lip Appearance After V-Y Lip Augmentation

OBJECTIVE

To quantitatively analyze the changes in the 3-dimensional appearance of the lips after V-Y lip advancement for lip augmentation.

DESIGN

A retrospective single-blinded study of patients who had a V-Y lip augmentation from January 1999 to December 2001. Standardized anterior and lateral preoperative and postoperative digital photographs of patients were analyzed using digital imaging software to quantify postoperative changes.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant increases in the vertical height of the upper red lip (75%) and in the area of the upper red lip (66%). The upper and lower lip projection increased by approximately 40%. The vertical distance from the apex to the trough of Cupid's bow increased by 56.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

The V-Y lip advancement for lip augmentation increases the parameters that characterize the fullness of the upper lip and enhances the vermilion "pout" and projection of the upper and lower lip. It also increases the curvature of Cupid's bow.

Lip enhancement: surgical alternatives and histologic aspects

This study included 66 consecutive patients, 58 women and 8 men, who underwent 86 surgical procedures on the lips during 1989-1998. Lip enlargement was performed in 59 patients, and lip reduction was performed in 7 patients. Indications were purely aesthetic in 61 cases and reconstructive in 5 cases. The following surgical techniques were used for lip augmentation: implantation of crystal silicone, polyacrylamide hydrogel, Gore-Tex tubes, autologous fat, and dermis-fat graft. A new instrument originally designed by the author, the dermis-fat graft passer, significantly speeded up and facilitated execution of the latter procedure. Other operations included V-Y plasty, lip lifting by buffalo horn excision, lip lengthening by frenulum plasty, and lip reduction by wavy tangential excision. Eighty-six percent of patients could be followed up; the mean length of follow-up was 4.2 years. Use of silicone microparticles (Bioplastique) was abandoned because of the tendency for lumping. Polyacrylamide gel is promising because of its ease of use, and Gore-Tex tubes are promising because of their ability to create and accentuate the Cupid's bow form for the upper lip. However, these products are new, and follow-up studies with longer observation times are needed to reach definite conclusions. Of these studied methods, autologous fat transplant was found to be particularly useful for enlargement and restoration in cases of age-related atrophy of the lips and perioral tissues. Dermis-fat grafting was the most efficient, versatile, and reliable method of lip enlargement. Long-term survival of transplanted autologous tissues was confirmed by histologic studies of biopsy specimens.

Lip augmentation using an alloderm graft

A wide variety of surgical procedures and implant materials have been used to satisfy the growing demand of patients for lip augmentation. The authors describe our experience with Alloderm (LifeCell Corp, The Woodlands, TX). It has proven to be a safe and effective means of offering mild to moderate augmentation of the lips.

Rejuvenation of the perioral area

Lip aging is characterized by a relaxation of the skin with creation of wrinkles and vermilion involution. Surgical techniques include skin excisions and vermilion reposition.