Background: With aging, the upper lip gradually loses its
youthful pout and slowly droops downwards.
Aim: In this study, we present a modification to the
subnasal lip lifting technique to improve scar quality and
aesthetic outcome.
Patients and Methods: This study included twenty-three
adult female patients. Elliptical subnasal excision including
skin and muscle was done. Assessment criteria included scar
quality, lip height, vermillion and incisor show. In some cases,
objective measurements of the lip was used.
Result: All patients had accepted hidden scar. Total lip
height and prolabium length were significantly decreased and
vermilion height increased. One case had minimal change in
the vermilion show, improved with filler injection. Finally,
all patients showed overall satisfactory outcome.
Conclusion: A wedge excision form the superficial part
of the orbicularis oris muscle with skin excision reduces
tension on the scar of subnasal upper lip lift. The excision
does not affect upper lip muscle function and it can improve
the aesthetic outcome and achieve a younger pleasant look.
Larger patient population studies are needed to confirm the
data. Our proposed preliminary objective assessment method
is a very interesting method that can validate future results.
Evidence based medicine: Level IV, case series.