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Facial Plast Surg
DOI: 10.1055/a-2624-8605
Original Article

Lip Augmentation with Autografts and Allografts

Jeffrey Mella
1   Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Minnesota, Edina, Minnesota
,
Jenna Van Beck
1   Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Minnesota, Edina, Minnesota
,
Peter Hilger
1   Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Minnesota, Edina, Minnesota
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Abstract

Aims and Backgrounds

Lip augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure aimed at enhancing lip volume, symmetry, and contour, which significantly influences overall facial aesthetics.

Historical Aspects

Historically, lip enhancement dates back centuries, with various cultures emphasizing the allure of fuller lips. Lip Augmentation with alloplastic implants like silicone and Gore-Tex was favored for a time for their versatility and consistency, but modern practice has increasingly favored biologically derived implants due to their natural integration, reduced complications, and desirable texture. Autologous tissues, such as superficial muscular aponeurotic system grafts, offer additional benefits including minimal immune response, high compatibility, and lasting enhancement.

Techniques

The technique is consistent across most implants which includes making vertical stab incisions just medial to the oral commissure, dissecting in an intramuscular plane within the orbicularis marginalis just under the white roll, and then tunneling the implant to the other side with a tendon passer. The lips are stretched to incorporate the implant and inspected for irregularities prior to closing the incisions.

Conclusion

Augmentation with implants offers the appeal of a more permanent augmentation minimizing the need for repeated interventions. Successful lip augmentation enhances lip volume and contour while preserving facial aesthetic harmony and respecting the dynamic anatomical function of the lips.

Keywords

allograft - autograft - implant - lip - augmentation

Declaration of GenAI Use

During the writing process of this paper, the authors used ChatGPT 4.0 for article editing. The authors reviewed and edited the text and take full responsibility for the content of the article.




Publication History

Accepted Manuscript online:
05 June 2025

Article published online:
23 June 2025

© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA

 

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