Dividing lip zones to be injected for augmentation may help increase patient satisfaction

Dividing the lips into zones based on structure may help cosmetic surgeons perform enhancement procedures with high patient satisfaction and few adverse effects, according to a report in the January issue of Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery.

“The lips are an essential component of facial symmetry and aesthetics,” according to background information in the article. Studies have found that wider and fuller lips are a mark of female attractiveness with a trend in fuller lips in models featured in magazines over the past century. “There has been a dramatic increase in cosmetic surgery in Western culture in the past few decades, with an increasing focus on achieving aesthetic ideals and maintaining a youthful appearance.”

Andrew A. Jacono, M.D., of The North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, and the New York Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, Great Neck, New York, performed 137 lip augmentation treatments on 66 patients from Jan. 1, 2004 to Jan. 1, 2006. The investigator used a new classification of 15 lip zones to direct the placement of non-animal-sourced stabilized hyaluronic acid (Restylane) injectable gel fillers used for lip enhancement. The average amount of time before lips returned to their original appearance and adverse effects were recorded. Patient satisfaction was measured on a scale of one to five.

“A total of 137 treatments were performed on lips of 66 patients [62 women and 4 men],” the author writes. The average age for treatment was 45.8 years with patients ranging in age from 20 to 76. Of those who underwent treatment, 53 patients (who had received 118 treatments in total) filled out a follow-up questionnaire to measure satisfaction with their procedures. The average score was 4.5, with 5 signifying the most satisfaction. The average amount of time it took for lips to return to their original state was 4.9 months, which is similar to that seen in other studies.

Using this new classification of lip zones to direct injection increased the “ability to better control lip shape and size in lip augmentation,” according to the author. “This technique was met with high patient satisfaction and no adverse effects.”

http://archfaci.ama-assn.org/