Lip Lift in Cincinnati

Have you wondered whether placement of hyaluronic acid filler such as Restylane© in the lips can impart a more voluminous and youthful appearance to your lips? Have you wondered how this compares with a surgical lip lift? The lip lift is a procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia or IV sedation to address specific aesthetic concerns of the lip that lip filler cannot. It is important to seek not only a fellowship-trained but also a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon if you have aesthetic concerns about your face and/or neck. The Lip Lift Can Address What Lip Filler Cannot The red portion of the upper lip loses height and volume as we age. Some individuals are born with thin, deflated lips. Lip filler can re-volumize deflated lips. However, lip filler cannot increase the height of the red lip without projecting it, potentially resulting in a "duck-lipped" appearance. In addition to the red lip, the area of the lip between the red lip and the base of the nose lengthens as we age. This can be worsened by overfilling the lip with hyaluronic acid. The lip lift can be an excellent option to improve the height of the red lip and restore a "pouty" appearance to the lip by reducing the overall length of the lip to a more youthful length. The incision is hidden in a natural crease at the base of the nose. Lip Lift Versus Lip Filler Deciding Between a Lip Lift and Lip Filler is a Decision Between Structural Change and Volume A surgical lip lift can restore more youthful proportions to the upper lip by excising skin in complex shapes based on precise measurements that are individually tailored. The procedure can improve facial balance by addressing lip proportion. In contrast, lip filler involves the placement of hyaluronic acid that is chemically cross-linked to have specific structural qualities, called rheology, in the space between the surface of the red lip mucosa and the deep muscle, called the orbicularis oris, for the purpose of adding volume to the red lip. The procedures are completely different. They address different problems. The following table lists some of the specific aesthetic issues each procedure is more appropriate to address: Lip Lift Lip Filler Lengthened, thinning upper lip skin Deflated upper lip Drooping of the outer edges of the upper lip Deflated lower lip A short, thin red upper lip Asymmetric red upper lip Loss of upper lip tooth show when lips are in repose Lip Filler Can Complement the Lip Lift There are a larger number of features in which lip lift surgery is more appropriate to address than lip filler. However, a lip lift and lip filler are not mutually exclusive, many patients can benefit from both procedures. While a lip lift addresses proportions, lip filler addresses deflation. It is common for a patient to undergo a lip lift followed by lip filler to maintain the volume of the red upper and lower lips. After all, the lip lift does not address age-related changes to the lower lip. It is important to note that while the lip lift can address aesthetic concerns that lip filler cannot, this does not prevent a patient from receiving hyaluronic acid filler in the future to re-volumize a deflated lip. In fact, hyaluronic acid filler can be a wonderful complement to the lip lift, as demonstrated in the before-and-after images below. The above patient underwent a lip lift followed by lip filler in order to balance her bottom lip volume with her top lip. Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon It is important to seek a double board-certified, fellowship-trained specialist in plastic surgery of the face and neck when you have concerns about your face or neck. Why Choose Dr. Harmon The mission of Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery is to help people along their journey towards self-confidence, to feel good about feeling good. Dr. Harmon is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Harmon values making patients feel welcomed, listened to, and respected. Dr. Harmon graduated with honors from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology. Dr. Harmon earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Harmon underwent five years of extensive training in head at neck surgery at the prestigious residency program at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Harmon then underwent focused fellowship training in cosmetic facial plastic surgery through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) with the world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Andrew Jacono, on Park Avenue in New York City. Request a Consultation Request a consultation with Dr. Harmon at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery in Cincinnati. Visit our clinic. You will learn more about Dr. Harmon's credentials, style and approach. Build a relationship with our dedicated team. Do not stop at searching "plastic surgery near me." Get in touch with us today to learn more! Contact Us

The lips consist of complex anatomy that includes more than simply the red portion of the lips. Each anatomic area of the lip ages and may benefit from interventions targeted to those changes. The following information is adapted from a presentation I have given to other medical professionals. It is important to seek not only a fellowship-trained but also a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon if you have aesthetic concerns about your face and/or neck. Youthful Peri-Oral Anatomy The upper red lip has a well-defined "M" shaped border – called the vermillion border – with the peaks of the "M" called the cupid's bows. The bottom lip is larger and more rounded than the upper lip with an ideal ration of size between the upper and lower lip at approximately 1:1.6, which is also known as the "Golden Ratio." When most individuals refer to the lips, they are referring to the red lips as described above. However, this does not encompass the entire lip anatomy. The skin between the red upper lip, the base of the nose, and the nasolabial folds and the skin between the red lower lip, chin, and marionette lines (pre-jowl sulci) are also components of the peri-oral region. The nasolabial folds of the upper lip and the pre-jowl sulci of the lower lip are created by ligaments extending from the bone to the skin that hold up fat pads sitting above them. These fat pads droop down and to the center of our face as we age, leading to more prominent nasolabial folds and pre-jowl sulci. Age-Related Changes to the Peri-Oral Region The aging process occurs in three dimensions. First, the skin develops wrinkles (rhytids) and age spots. The depth and number of rhytids depends on several factors, including genetics and environmental factors such as smoking history, alcohol use history, and sun exposure. Overall, soft tissue and bone shrink, and soft tissue thins and droops. Probably the most noticeable change that occurs is a lengthening of the upper lip, which can eliminate the naturally youthful upper tooth (central incisor) show when the lips are relaxed and imparting a simian appearance to the lip. This effect becomes exaggerated when too much filler is placed in the lips for many years. The upper and lower red lips also shrink and lose definition, which can result in a loss of naturally youthful lip pout. The corners of the mouth, called the oral commissure, droop due to thinning of tissue. Finally, as described previously, superficial fat pads in the cheeks and along the jawline fall to the center of the face, leading to an accentuation of the nasolabial folds and pre-jowl sulci, which leads to marionette lines. Deep Plane Facelift Surgery is the Best Method to Address Deepened Nasolabial Folds and Marionette Lines Deep plane facelift surgery and, specifically, the extended deep plane facelift, is the gold-standard in facelift techniques. Deep plane facelift surgery is the only facelift technique that can naturally address the anatomic changes that lead to a deepening of the nasolabial folds and marionette lines. As discussed in a previous post, deep plane facelift surgery is distinguished from other facelift approaches by the fact that a composite skin and deep tissue – composed of muscle and the fascial layer called the SMAS – flap is lifted in the middle of the face and the ligamentous attachments in the cheeks and the jawline are released for a comprehensive, tension-free lift of not only the jowls but also the cheeks. This is what allows the nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and drooping oral commissures to be treated. The extended deep plane facelift advances deep plane surgery by extending the deep plane approach into the lateral neck, which allows the jawline to be better contoured all the way to the back corner of the jawline and the central neck to be more effectively tightened. Hyaluronic acid filler such as Restylane© and Juvederm© products are commonly used in the nasolabial folds and marionette lines to "blunt" their appearance. These products are also used around the corners of the mouth to provide a "lift." While this non-surgical treatment can be appropriate in certain circumstances, the problem is they do not address the actual changes that occur with age, i.e. weakened ligaments, drooping fat, and loose muscle and skin. Attempts to eliminate the nasolabial folds and marionette lines with hyaluronic acid filler or other fillers including fat can overinflate the face and make patients look distorted by eliminating subtle transition points between the cheeks and lips. Skin Resurfacing and Nano-Fat Can Treat Peri-Oral Wrinkles Wrinkles around the mouth are treated primarily by resurfacing procedures, which fall under three categories: laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and mechanical resurfacing. All three approaches remove the top layers of the skin in a controlled fashion. The healing process after treatment results in the deposition of collagen in a more organized fashion that better reflects a youthful skin composition. Laser resurfacing devices include CO2 and Erb:YAG lasers. Resurfacing lasers target water molecules (H2O) in the skin, heating the tissue to a controlled depth. Most resurfacing lasers used today are fractional, which means the laser energy reaches the skin in organized columns with untreated skin in between. Fractional lasers heal faster and are less likely to result in complications than non-fractional lasers. Chemical peels are a diverse group of chemical mixtures (e.g., TCA peels, Hetter peels) which are applied to the skin for resurfacing. The depth of the peel is dependent on the mixture's active ingredients and their relative concentration as well as the number of passes used. Mechanical resurfacing, otherwise known as dermabrasion, involves the use of a hand piece with a spinning tip that is often diamond coated and which effectively serves as a sander for the skin. The tips come in many shapes and sizes for use on different areas of the face. The rate of spin and number of passes also contribute to the depth of the resurfacing procedure. A complementary approach to resurfacing procedures on the mouth wrinkles involves the use of nano-fat. Nano-fat is harvested from the patient's own body fat in the stomach, flank, or thighs just like fat augmentation procedures. The difference between nano-fat and the fat used to augment the face is that it is processed to be a thin liquid. Nano-fat is injected superficially into the wrinkles prior to the resurfacing procedure. The purpose of placing nano-fat in these wrinkles is primarily to improve healing after the resurfacing procedure and secondarily to soften the deeper wrinkles that may not be treated completely with the resurfacing procedure. The Lip Lift Can Treat Lip Lengthening and Thinning The lip lift procedure is the best approach to treat the lengthening of the upper lip skin as well as the loss of definition and projection of the red upper lip. Providers often try to address these changes with hyaluronic acid filler to poor effect. In fact, adding large volumes of filler to the upper lip can stretch the upper lip. Adding large volumes of filler to the upper lip can also over project the upper lip, leading to a "duck-lipped" appearance. The lip lift, which is also known as the sub nasal or bullhorn lip lift, involves the excision of skin and fat in a gullwing or bullhorn pattern at the base of the nose. This incision then hides in the creased of the base of the nose. This procedure can accomplish three things. First, it increases the height and improves the definition of the red lip. Second, it balances the length of the upper lip skin with the red lip height. Third, it improves the pout of the red lip. The lip lift is a complementary procedure to cosmetic dentistry procedures, because the lip lift can restore some of the youthful central tooth show that occurs when the lips are relaxed apart. Some providers perform lip flip procedures using botulinum toxin to the muscle surrounding the mouth, called the orbicularis oris. This procedure is not recommended, because it is generally not effective and can cause problems with speaking and drinking through straws for weeks-to-months after the procedure. Multiple Techniques Can Re-Volumize the Lips Some patients with deflated lips can benefit from procedures that restore their volume. In fact, many patients who undergo a lip lift also undergo lip volumizing procedures. Temporary options for lip volumizing include hyaluronic acid filler. Permanent options for lip volumizing include fat and SMAS, which is the strong fascia that lies over the fat and deep muscles of the face. The fat is removed from the stomach, flank, or thighs, processed, and injected using blunt-tipped cannulas into the upper and lower lips. SMAS is removed from immediately in front of the ear during the extended deep plane facelift procedure and inserted into the upper and lower lips through incisions hidden at the corners of the mouth. The patient above is an excellent example of how multiple procedures work simultaneously to rejuvenate the peri-oral region. This patient underwent a lip lift, fractional CO2 laser resurfacing with nano-fat grafting of the wrinkles around the mouth, and lip enhancement with hyaluronic acid filler to balance the bottom lip with the top lip. Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon It is important to seek a fellowship-trained specialist in plastic surgery of the face and neck when you have concerns about your face or neck. Why Choose Dr. Harmon The mission of Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery is to help people along their journey towards self-confidence, to feel good about feeling good. Dr. Harmon is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Harmon values making patients feel welcomed, listened to, and respected. Dr. Harmon graduated with honors from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology. Dr. Harmon earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Harmon underwent five years of extensive training in head at neck surgery at the prestigious residency program at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Harmon then underwent focused fellowship training in cosmetic facial plastic surgery through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) with the world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Andrew Jacono, on Park Avenue in New York City. Request a Consultation Request a consultation with Dr. Harmon at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery in Cincinnati. Visit our clinic. You will learn more about Dr. Harmon's credentials, style, and approach. Build a relationship with our dedicated team. Do not stop at searching "plastic surgery near me." Get in touch with us to learn more! Contact Us

People generally know their body better than anyone else, including their physician. However, people do not always have the medical language to explain what they see when they look in a mirror. For example, you may have heard and understand the term "jowling" but do not quite feel like that fully explains what you see. It is important to seek not only a fellowship-trained but also a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon if you have aesthetic concerns about your face and/or neck. As explained in a previous blog post (4 Benefits of the Extended Deep Plane Facelift), the extended deep plane facelift can address multiple signs of aging of the lower two-thirds of the face as well as the neck in a manner that other facelift approaches cannot. However, the upper one-third of the face and the upper lip also undergo age-related changes, which no facelift approach can address. The lateral temporal lift and lip lift are complementary procedures to the extended deep plane facelift and neck lift. The red portion of the upper lip thins and loses definition. The skin between the red portion of the upper lip and the base of the nose lengthens. The lip lift can address these changes. The sides of the brow droop, hanging over the edge of the eyes. The lateral temporal lift can address these changes. In summary, the extended deep plane facelift, neck lift, lateral temporal lift, and lip lift can address the signs of facial aging comprehensively. Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon It is important to seek a double board-certified, fellowship-trained specialist in plastic surgery of the face and neck when you have concerns about your face or neck. Why Choose Dr. Harmon The mission of Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery is to help people along their journey towards self-confidence, to feel good about feeling good. Dr. Harmon is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Harmon values making patients feel welcomed, listened to, and respected. Dr. Harmon graduated with honors from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology. Dr. Harmon earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Harmon underwent five years of extensive training in head at neck surgery at the prestigious residency program at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Harmon then underwent focused fellowship training in cosmetic facial plastic surgery through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) with the world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Andrew Jacono, on Park Avenue in New York City. Request a Consultation Request a consultation with Dr. Harmon at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery in Cincinnati. Visit our clinic. You will learn more about Dr. Harmon's credentials, style and approach. Build a relationship with our dedicated team. Do not stop at searching "plastic surgery near me." Get in touch with us today to learn more! Contact Us