Integrating Orthognathic Surgery Into Lip Lift for Subnasal Aesthetics

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Facial Aesthetics

Background:

• Lip lift surgery is a popular facial rejuvenation technique, particularly desired by younger individuals in Asian countries for aesthetic reasons.
• Uncorrected skeletal deformities, like maxillary protrusion, can lead to unfavorable outcomes and excessive dental exposure after a lip lift.
• Addressing underlying skeletal issues is crucial for optimal lip lift results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the integration of orthognathic surgery with subnasal lip lift procedures.
• To harmonize the facial profile and achieve ideal dental show in conjunction with a lip lift.
• To present a staged surgical approach for comprehensive perioral aesthetic enhancement.

Main Methods:

• Orthognathic surgery was performed first to correct skeletal deformities.
• A staged subnasal lip lift with bull's horn skin excision and orbicularis oris muscle resection followed.
• Cupid's bow elevation and incisor show were precisely controlled by the amount of tissue excised and resected.

Main Results:

• Seventeen patients underwent the combined surgical approach.
• Successful upper lip shortening with improved proportions and appropriate dental show was achieved.
• High patient satisfaction and pleasing aesthetic outcomes were reported.

Conclusions:

• Integrating orthognathic surgery with lip lift surgery effectively enhances perioral aesthetics.
• Preoperative diagnosis and correction of skeletal deformities are essential for successful lip lift outcomes.
• This combined approach offers a reliable method for achieving harmonious facial profiles and ideal lip aesthetics.