A Prospective Examination of the Efficacy of 2 Noninvasive Devices for Treatment of the Aging Face

Probably because the thrust of the pathology of the aging face has been attributed to the effects of gravity (skin and muscle loosening and falling), treatment of such is generally directed toward lifting procedures. Indeed, results from such procedures are generally beneficial, but in many cases the patient appears unnaturally skeletonized. A brow-lift may eliminate some wrinkles and frown lines, but does anyone (naturally youthful) really have eyebrows a centimeter above the orbital rim? Our goal has been, and continues to be, to strive for excellence, and in the case of the aging face, this would be an improved and more youthful appearance. This paper will discuss the main pathology of the appearance of aging, which is the general dissipation of facial fat over time. It will also provide discussion as to thoughtful correction of the problem not only with lifting techniques but also with consideration to filling procedures. The judicial use of fat-grafting and various synthetic implants serve as the principal tools for volume correction. It is acknowledged that the skin undergoes photo-damage, which also contributes to the appearance of aging, but this is treated by treating the skin in a multitude of ways.

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Vermilion Border Cheiloplasty

The American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery ◽

10.1177/074880689601300112 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 47-54 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Scott E. Gilbert

Keyword(s):

Surgical Procedure ◽

Aging Process ◽

Scar Formation ◽

Fat Tissue ◽

Bovine Collagen ◽

Aging Face

The aging process is, in part, characterized by thinning lips, This is antithetical to our culture, which idolizes youth and the plump, full lips associated with youthfulness. Because the appearance of aging lips is not desirable, and many times aging face techniques accentuate the thinning, techniques have been developed to augment aging oral labia. Substances such as fat tissue and bovine collagen are among the choices for use in injectable augmentation. Use of these products will temporarily fill thinning, wrinkled lips, as well as other perioral structures. The use of Gore-Tex provides more permanent enhancement, but is limited as to results. Vermilion border cheiloplasty is a permanent surgical procedure to augment labial tissue that can create lips of virtually any size or shape, as well as excise perioral rhytids. Herein we review 65 lip-lifts (cheiloplasty), with or without corner lifts, where the incision extends beyond commissure. These procedures may be performed together or independently on both the upper and lower labia. However, poor scar formation, asymmetries, and prolonged healing make this a procedure for those who fail lesser techniques.

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