Lip reconstruction

Lavinia Chong, MD answers: Is lip reconstruction possible for me?

In 1993, I underwent lip surgery. Doctor cut and stitched by my lips. I had no shape and had bad scars. In 1999, I underwent another procedure implanting Alloderm. However, implant could not correct the missing cupid's bow. Therefore, injectable fillers were used. During the past year, my upper lip started protruding. I visited the doctor who implanted Alloderm and he said, "I see it," and recommended I should leave it alone until better options were available. I want the implants removed and my lips reconstructed. Is this possible now?



Lavinia Chong, MD
24 days ago

The upper and lower lips have many subunits, which are named for their geographical location.  You have lost the "cupid's bow peak", which is the central part of the upper lip.  Use old photos, taken before your intial surgeries to communicate with your surgeon your aesthetic ideals but be prepared to have staged reconstruction.  During the course of burn reconstruction, we often have to reconstruct the upper lip with tissue "borrowed" from the lower lip, a process called an Abbe flap.  Hopefully you wouldn't need such a drastic procedure, but without seeing a current photo, it's difficult to exclude it absolutely. 

Removing the Alloderm is possible, but you will need not only tissue of adequate volume but also color.  It's possible that you will need micropigmentation or tattooing of the area, after the surgical aspects are complete.  Good luck.

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