Correction of Length in the Aging Lip

For many individuals, one of the most distressing signs of aging are those changes seen in the upper lip. The patients generally focus on two obvious of these changes: the presence of vertical wrinkles and the loss of volume. The third change, less obvious to most, the lengthening of the lip is becoming increasingly recognized an important component of the aging process.

Ramaut, L., et. al. (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: 143: 440-446, 2019) documented with aging an increase in length of the upper from 19.24% in woman to 18.24% in men. In a follow-up paper, Tonnard, PL, et. al. (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: 143: 1333-1342, 2019) described their experience with upper lip rejuvenation in 500 patients. Of this group, 393 underwent a surgical lip lift in conjunction with other procedures such as fat grafting and skin resurfacing. This procedure which can be done under a local anesthesia, leaves an imperceptible scar which is hidden along the fold of the outer part of the nostrils (alar crease) and inside the floor of the nostril itself.

This group from Belgium are innovators in the use of microfat and nanofat and use that in conjunction with the surgical procedure for restoration of the volume loss which accompanies the aging lip as well. The restoration of volume can of course be accomplished with the well-known hyaluronic fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm.

Attempting to compensate for all the aging changes in the lip by overfilling results in a distorted and fake appearance to the mouth. It makes sense that by restoring the normal relationship of the length of the lip to the rest of the facial anatomy accompanied with conservative volume replacement, a more natural rejuvenation can be achieved.

Learn more about getting more youthful looking lips. Contact Dr. Rothaus today to schedule a consultation.