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Surgeons should consider aesthetic, physiognomic perspective in upper lip surgery in Asian patients

Researchers recommend considering both the aesthetic and physiognomic perspectives of a central lip lift among the Asian population.

They conducted a retrospective chart review that included 202 Asian patients, to determine the effect of a central lip lift on the lower facial profile. Most of the cohort (90%) were female and the mean age was 30 years.

Sutures were removed on postoperative day 7 with philtrum length and the height of the visible upper vermillion were re-measured. Follow-up occurred at 2 and 6 months.

If the incisional scar developed poorly at 2-month follow-up, the incision site was resurfaced with a fractional CO₂ laser, three to five times in 2-month intervals, according to researchers.

Philtrum length was 25.61 mm preoperatively and 19.87 mm postoperatively.

Upper vermilion height was 3.93 mm preoperatively and 6.16 mm after surgery.

Mean ratio of philtrum to the visible upper vermilion was 3.84 preoperatively and 2.17 postoperatively.

The mean ratio of the visible upper vermilion to the visible lower vermilion was 0.63 preoperatively and 0.80 postoperatively.

A total of 186 patients (92.1%) were satisfied with the aesthetic results, and 175 patients (86.6%) were satisfied with the physiognomic results.

The mean duration of follow-up was 25.4 months.

There were no reports of infection, gummy smile, sad appearance deformity, hypertrophic scarring or keloid formation, according to researchers.

The researchers said the procedure makes the philtrum more distinct and the upper vermilion more everted, maintaining an attractive mouth with labral harmony and a more balanced facial profile. – by Abigail Sutton

Disclosure: The researchers reported no relevant financial disclosures.