Dear Dr. Seckel, I recently consulted a plastic surgeon about lip enhancement using fat transfer. In addition to that procedure he suggested surgery (making a fine scar line) to correct the nasal labial area. I am a little concerned about any visible scars on my face. Have you heard of this procedure? Would you recommend it? If not, which filler would be longer lasting? I am allergic to collagen. Thank you, Barbara, NY, NY
Dear Barbara,
I do not use the incisional plastic surgery method to remove nasal labial fold lines because the procedure leaves a scar in a very visible location. Also this
operation flattens the cheek and gives a very noticeable abnormal
appearance to the cheek.
A partial face lift called a midface lift helps the nasal labial fold and the use of an injectable soft tissue filler like Restylane orRadiesse also can be very helpful.
Fat injection works for lip enhancement but it is very tricky to get it
just right-35-60% of the fat dissolves so you must overcorrect-I have seen
some patients who have too much and have had to have it removed.
A newer lip rejuvenation procedure called suture lip augmentation-or lip advancement is done through small incisions on the inside of the lip so there is no visible scar.
This procedure not only makes the lip fuller but also pushes the pink lip
upward shortening the length of the white lip from the nose to the lip
which corrects the lengthening of the lip seen with aging.
For more information on lip rejuvenation and plastic surgery visit my Boston Plastic Surgery Website, read Save Your Face or contact me.
Thank you.
Boston, Massachusetts