Upper Lip Fat Grafting Using the Anatomical Subunit and Fat Compartment Principles Improves Lip Cant and Symmetry in Patients With Unilateral Upper Lip Asymmetries.

BACKGROUND

Fat grafting is a widely adopted method for reconstructing upper lip asymmetries. However, most surgical techniques are difficult to reproduce, and none follow anatomical principles.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical outcomes of upper lip contour asymmetry and lip cant correction by anatomical upper lip fat grafting using the subunit and fat compartment principles.

METHODS

A prospective analysis was conducted of 113 consecutive patients who underwent anatomical upper lip fat grafting using the subunit and fat compartment principles for the management of lip cant and/or upper lip contour (volumetric) asymmetry. Quantitative photogrammetric upper lip symmetry and lip cant measurements were blindly performed preoperatively and at 3 and 12 months postoperatively. A panel assessment (by 8 blinded external plastic surgeons and 8 laypersons) was obtained to grade the qualitative upper lip symmetry. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent variables associated with the 12-month postoperative lip cant change.

RESULTS

There was significant (all P < 0.05) postoperative quantitative and qualitative upper lip symmetry and lip cant enhancement (preoperative < postoperative) after a single upper lip fat grafting procedure, and the outcomes were maintained (all P > 0.05) from 3 to 12 months postoperatively. Parry-Romberg syndrome was negatively associated (P < 0.05) with the 12-month postoperative lip cant change.

CONCLUSIONS

Anatomical upper lip fat grafting, using the subunit and fat compartment principles, improves lip cant and symmetry in patients with unilateral upper lip asymmetries.