Computer-assisted analysis contour lines of aesthetic unit for the assessment of lip augmentation

Abstract

Lip augmentation and changing contour lines have become more popular ways of improving the appearance. However, validated measures of lip fullness for quantification of outcomes are needed; ethnic background and personal goals can optimise outcomes while tailoring lip enhancement treatment to each individual’s anatomy. The aim of this study is to analyse the morphological features of the lip in detail and to clarify the objective parameters in related with the subjective ones regarding the lip augmentation and lip reconstruction. Standard photographs of the lips of 200 young Anatolian adults were calculated with linear and angular components. The features of the lower third of the face were analysed with the software program. Linear analyses (heights of the upper lip, the upper vermilion, the lower lip height, the lower vermillion and the chin height) and angular analyses (the upper lip, the lower lip, the apex and Cupid’s bow angles) were measured as reference points. The lip shape was classified into five groups: thin, very thin, medium, full and very full. The lower third of the face was divided into three segments (Sn–Sto, Sm–Me and Sto–Sm), and the largest portion of the lower face was occupied by the chin and the smallest by the lower lip height in both genders. The upper vermilion height was 8.07 ± 1.8 mm in males and 7.08 ± 1.5 mm in females. The lower vermilion height was 10.1 ± 2.4 mm in males and 9.7 ± 1.9 mm in females. The upper lip angle was calculated as 30.3 ± 9.6° in males and 24.2 ± 6.2°mm in females. The lower lip angle was calculated as 38.3 ± 9.7° in males and 36.5 ± 6.4° in females. Meanwhile, the angular measurements of Cupid’s bow (i.e., the apex and the central angle of Cupid’s bow) were smaller in men than in women. When the lip was analyzed, the medium and full types in upper and lower lips accounted for substantial fractions in men, whereas medium and thin types were predominant also in women. With the help of certain software, this research has made possible to define the best cosmetical redesign solution of lip construction and augmentation with a natural appearance for the patient. Level of Evidence: Level III, diagnostic study.