Cheiloplasty

Surgical methods of cheiloplasty

It is necessary to mention "Bullhorn," V-Y technique, "Paris," Corner lift, DAO resection and reduction cheiloplasty among surgical techniques.

1. Bullhorn Technique

Directed towards correcting the upper lip. In English language this name sounds like “horns of a bull” as only a small area of skin is dissected resembling horns of a bull by its shape.

This method provides for a stable aesthetic effect as it makes it possible to reduce the distance from red stripe of upper lip to external nasal septum. After removal of skin flap, soft tissues are fixed in the direction of periosteum and edges of incision made are stitched to each other.

Due to reduction in volume of skin above the upper lip, the red stripe is lifted upwards and is slightly everted. This provides for a visual effect of a larger volume of the mouth as it becomes wider and lips become pudgy and tempting.

The incision can be made in two places depending on individual specificities of appearance of the patient. The first technique presumes an incision on the edge of red stripe of the upper lip. However, the final scar can be noticeable in this variant. Therefore, in most cases, surgeons prefer to apply the second technique – making an incision straight under the nose. In this case, the scar remains practically unnoticeable.

2. V-Y Technique

Presumes making several V-shaped incisions on mucosa of internal surface of lips. All incisions are then stitched together in the shape of letter “Y”. Their number and length determine the effect – lip is increased only in the middle or on the entire length.

3. Paris Technique

Similar to above described one. The only difference is making both vertical and horizontal incisions. Middle part of the lip is corrected with the help of this method as it acquires the shape of a heart.

4. "Corner Lift"

The "Corner lift" technique raises the drooping corners of the mouth. The positive effect is achieved by removing fragments of skin from the area above the corners of the lips and from the inside of the mouth. As a result, the lip line is leveled, and the outer corners of the mouth are lifted. The face looks younger, more cheerful, and attractive.

Over the years, it is characteristic for the corners of our lips to droop. This feature is also evident at a fairly young age due to the anatomical features of human structure.

5. "DAO Resection"

This method is performed to lift the corners of the mouth and correct marionette wrinkles (two long, deep folds from the corners of the mouth to the chin). Its essence lies in trimming the muscles (from the inside of the cheek) that control the movement of the corners of the mouth. Their drooping is associated with congenital features of muscle structure or age-related changes in the muscle that depresses the corner of the mouth (musculus Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO). In youth, this muscle is flexible, elastic, and long. Over time, due to constant participation in facial expressions, DAO becomes denser, thicker, less stretchable, and longer.

6. Reduction Cheiloplasty

Performed to reduce the lips by removing part of the skin cover. The incision is made along the Vermilion line - the line dividing the outer part of the lip and the inner, mucous membrane. After the surgical site heals, there are no traces of the operation, and the lips become thinner.

Indications for using this method of surgical intervention include: excessively voluminous lips; consequences of injuries; unsuccessful lip augmentation surgery in the past; lip asymmetry; patient dissatisfaction with the appearance of the lips and face in general.

Injection Methods

The second variant of no surgery cheiloplasty is referred to as lipofilling. Here, own fat cells of the patient are injected into the lips of a patient as they are taken from other parts of the body. This procedure provides for a more stable effect. From my own experience, I can tell that correction of lips with hyaluronic acid gives a better result compared to lipofilling.

Contraindications