Lip augmentation with liquid silicone.
BACKGROUND
Many fillers have been used to augment the lips. One of these that has provided long-term satisfactory results is liquid silicone.


OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the efficacy and safety of lip augmentation with liquid silicone.


METHODS
Following a discussion of the benefits and risks of the procedure and the benefits and risks of alternatives and after answering all of the patients' questions, an informed consent form was signed. After obtaining anesthesia with a regional nerve block of the infraorbital and mental nerves, 0.25 to 0.5 cc of liquid silicone (1,000 centistokes) was injected using the microdroplet technique into the vermilion border of both the upper and lower lips. Depending on the desire of the patient, the procedure was repeated monthly. The augmentation of the lips was documented with histology, micrometry, and digital photography.


RESULTS
Lip augmentation was achieved gradually during the months following liquid silicone injections into the vermilion border of the lips in the 608 patients studied. Most of the patients requested a second and third injection session. The results were most dramatic in the patients with type I and type II lips and less satisfactory in patients with type III lips. Bruising occurred in the majority of the patients. Eleven patients (2%) developed small palpable granulomas. These granulomas either required no treatment, responded to steroid injections, or were excised.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of liquid silicone remains an effective method of lip augmentation. It returns the adolescent vermilion curl to the lips.
Fulton
James E
JE
Vivant Skin Care, Inc, 1801 Coral Way, Suite 300, Miami, FL 33145, USA. dr.fulton@vivantskincare.com
Porumb
Serban
S
Caruso
John C
JC
Shitabata
Paul K
PK
D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D005260:Female; D006099:Granuloma / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008046:Lip; D012828:Silicones / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D012828:Silicones