Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Volume 61, Issue 10 , Pages 1170-1176, October 2008

Changes in the aging upper lip – a photomorphometric and MRI-based study (on a quest to find the right rejuvenation approach)☆

  • Niklas Iblher

      Affiliations

    • Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Department of Hand and Plastic Surgery, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Hugstetterstrasse 55, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany. Tel.: +49 761 270 2401; fax: +49 761 270 2501.
    • ,
  • Jonas Kloepper

      Affiliations

    • Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany
    • ,
  • Vincenzo Penna

      Affiliations

    • Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany
    • ,
  • Jean-Paul Bartholomae

      Affiliations

    • Department of Radiology, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany
    • ,
  • G. Bjoern Stark

      Affiliations

    • Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany

Received 23 April 2008; accepted 4 June 2008. published online 22 July 2008.

Summary 

Background

A lack of scientific data about the complex three dimensional changes in relation to the rest of the face is the reason for the multitude of rejuvenation approaches to the aging upper lip. In this study the underlying anatomic changes and facial proportions of the senile upper lip are scientifically evaluated for the first time.

Methods

(1) In 182 standardized subject photographs proportions of the upper lip were measured, compared to facial dimensions and correlated to age. (2) In cranial MRI scans of 30 women aged 20–35 and 30 women aged 65–80 relevant anatomical dimensions were measured.

Results

Both studies showed a statistically significant lengthening of the aging upper lip. The photomorphometric study further shows an increase of prolabium skin at the cost of a decreasing visible upper lip vermilion. The MRI scans showed a decrease in thickness. A loss of volume could not be shown.

Conclusion

Isolated volume augmentation is not a causal method of upper lip rejuvenation and it may therefore rather lead to an unnatural ‘blown up’ look.

Keywords: Aging, Upper lip, Rejuvenation, Perioral

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☆ Part of the published material was presented at the Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress, April 4th-6th, 2008 in Paris.

PII: S1748-6815(08)00490-7

doi:10.1016/j.bjps.2008.06.001

Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Volume 61, Issue 10 , Pages 1170-1176, October 2008

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