Effects of open rhinoplasty on upper lip position in profile and frontal views

Examining the upper lip position is a key indicator of facial beauty. This study aimed to examine the upper lip position following cosmetic rhinoplasty at the frontal and profile views. The medical records of 67 patients who underwent rhinoplasty with no history of any facial skeletal surgery were obtained from archives. Complete preoperative and postoperative photos including the profile view at rest and the frontal view at rest, were prepared and analysed using Adobe Photoshop CC 2015 software. Interpupillary distances of two eyes in frontal views and Glabella to Pogonion (POG) distance in profile views were considered as fixed landmarks to calibrate the preoperative and postoperative photos. Upper lip length, subnasal area, and vermilion points were marked and compared between preoperative and postoperative photos. Data analysis was carried out using one-sample t-test and p<0.05% was considered as the significant level. Lip length (frontal view) was increased in 46 subjects. There were changes in the profile view of vermilion and subnasal positions in 56 patients and 53 patients, respectively. In surgical procedures on columella strut, maxillary augment, alar resection, spreader graft, columella retraction, and depressor septi muscle release, vermilion and subnasal protrusion in the profile view was statistically significant and lip length increased significantly in the frontal view. In tip rotation surgery techniques, the vermilion and subnasal position showed also significant protrusion. The depressor septi muscle cutting methods had only led to a significant protrusion of the vermilion position and upper lip length. Despite all covariants interfering in rhinoplasty, this cosmetic surgery most often may increases maxillary lip length and helps that maxilla look more protruded.