Lip enhancement is one of the most popular aesthetic procedures performed in the United States. However, the anthropometric measurements that define ideal lip proportions are often based on white facial features, which don’t account for the ethnic variations in lip dimensions found in Hispanic, Asian, and black patients.
Ethnic Variations in Lip Proportions
A study published in the Journal of Plastic Reconstructive Aesthetic Surgery (Wong et al., 2010) analyzed 3D models of white, Chinese, and Korean subjects using surface-imaging technology. The study found significant differences in lip parameters and projection volumes between Asian and white patients, especially in Chinese and Korean populations. Hispanic and black patients do not follow the typical 2/3 to 1/3 lip height ratio seen in white patients.
Patients with skin of color often have full lips, with a 1/2 to 1/2 height ratio. Photodamage and fine wrinkles are less common in these populations. As patients age, mandibular retraction causes perioral volume loss and sagging at the corners of the mouth. This process also leads to the prejowl sulcus and loss of lip volume.
Rejuvenating the Lip and Perioral Area
When performing lip rejuvenation in skin of color patients, it is crucial to focus on symmetry, shape, and projection. Additionally, practitioners must consider the ethnic and structural differences present in each patient’s facial features. It is also important to assess and treat the extent and pattern of volume loss in the perioral region. Moreover, volume loss in the lower face should be carefully evaluated to create a comprehensive treatment plan. By revolumizing both the lips and the lower face, you can achieve perioral lifting and mouth rejuvenation. As a result, global lifting of the mouth and lower face is often achieved, enhancing the overall facial balance.
Cultural and Ethnic Considerations in Lip Enhancement
Lip enhancement in skin of color patients requires an understanding of not only the anatomical differences but also the cultural and ethnic preferences regarding beauty. Volumizing and recontouring the perioral region should be done with consideration for what is aesthetically pleasing based on the patient’s cultural background, ethnicity, and facial structure.
