Plastic and cosmetic surgery of the lips can be divided into two major categories: reconstructive surgery to correct lip deformities (such as cleft lip and palate), and cosmetic surgery to eliminate signs of aging in the lips. This article will mainly provide an introduction to cosmetic surgery aimed at eliminating lip aging, while the repair of cleft lip and palate will be discussed in another article.
As age increases, lip tissue gradually ages, manifesting as reduced volume in the upper lip, drooping corners of the mouth, formation of wrinkles around the mouth, and blurring or disappearance of the lip contour line. The purpose of lip cosmetic surgery is to try to eliminate these age-induced changes, thereby improving the quality of life for those seeking beauty enhancement.
For thinning of the upper lip caused by a reduction in tissue volume, lip augmentation can be selected as a corrective measure. Lip augmentation involves surgically or via injection implanting tissue into the lips to achieve fuller and more youthful lips. The implanted tissue can be either autologous material or artificially synthesized material.
The normal length of the upper lip skin is 20-24.5mm; if it exceeds this length, it is considered too long, giving an aged appearance. Treatment methods include: excision of upper lip skin tissue, excision of white lip skin muscle tissue, and excision of oral mucosal tissue. Since a long upper lip often coexists with thin lips, comprehensive treatment is usually required.
Lip wrinkles are an important sign of facial aging. There are many options available for addressing lip wrinkles, including soft tissue filling around the mouth, dermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser skin rejuvenation.
Aging of the lips primarily manifests in the lip bow and cupid's bow as the disappearance of the lip bow and lack of prominence in the cupid's bow. The lip bow forms a curved line that connects the slightly raised corners of the mouth, giving a sense of dynamic beauty that is expansive and light. The cupid's bow is crucial for maintaining the static beauty of the lips, creating a trembling impression. If missing, it significantly reduces the vitality of the lips. Surgical techniques to restore the lip bow and cupid's bow have now become quite mature.