Upper lip lift with a "T"-shaped resection of the orbicularis oris muscle for Asian perioral rejuvenation: A report of 84 patients.

BACKGROUND: An overlong upper lip or philtrum indicates aging. In the current study, a procedure for upper lip lift to alleviate this defect is illustrated and assessed for its esthetic effects and risks.

METHODS: A total of 84 Chinese patients with overlong upper lip underwent surgery for upper lip lift from 2012 to 2014. Skin excision height was designed on the basis of the golden proportion of the lower region of the face. The incision was made at the subnasal (inferior border of the columella-nostril-alar) region. After undermining the tissue between the subcutis and orbicularis oris, a "T"-shaped region of the muscle was resected. Both sides of the muscular flaps were developed and suspended upward to the columella base to lift the upper lip. The incision was then sutured delicately.

RESULTS: Of the 76 patients who were effectively followed up, recovery period, lift effect, visibility of the scar, vermilion shape, surgery-associated effects, any complications, and overall rejuvenation, among other outcomes, were evaluated at 1 week, 1 month, and 3-24 months postoperation. Assessment was performed by both objective measurements and subjective satisfaction: significant efficiency was achieved and high satisfaction, satisfaction, and dissatisfaction ratings were reported by 55 (72.4%), 18 (23.7%), and 3 (3.9%) patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Upper lip lift yields a significant esthetic effect with few complications. This surgical intervention merits further clinical development and application.