Dimensional Changes of the Upper Lip Using Dermis Fat Graft for Lip Augmentation.

[PURPOSE] Lip augmentation is a facial cosmetic procedure used to augment a thin upper lip or correct a lip deficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate dimensional changes 12 months after dermis fat grafting along the centerpiece of the upper lip.

[MATERIALS AND METHODS] In this prospective cohort study, a strip dermis fat graft was harvested from various sites, namely the presacral, pre-abdominal, and suprapubic regions, and used for augmentation of the upper lip. Then, it was placed in a pocket prepared in the center of the upper lip near the border between the wet and dry areas using a cannula. Upper lip vermilion show and lip projection were evaluated before and 12 months after augmentation using preoperative and postoperative photographs and digital imaging software. Age and gender were variable factors of the study. Changes of vermilion show and lip projection were considered outcomes of the study. Paired t test was used to compare vermilion show and lip projection before and 12 months after grafting.

[RESULTS] Fifteen patients were studied. No serious complication arose during the study and all patients were satisfied. The mean change for vermilion show was 1.73 ± 0.74 mm and that for lip projection was 2.33 ± 0.68 mm. Quantitative analysis showed that vermilion show and projection of the upper lip improved significantly (P < .001).

[CONCLUSION] Augmentation of the lip with dermis fat grafting can be a safe and reliable method to treat thin lips.