Direct Lip Lift: The Sashimi Technique

Abstract

The lip lift surgery has emerged as one of the most highly sought-after procedures within the realm of cosmetic clinical practices. While indirect techniques have undergone numerous modifications and garnered extensive attention over time, there has been a notable dearth of published information concerning direct techniques. In this article, we present 3 refined modifications to the direct lip lift technique. These enhancements encompass an upgraded marking design based on the clinical anatomy of the oral commissure, a full-thickness skin excision while preserving the integrity of the orbicularis oris muscle, and an improved intradermal skin suturing technique. In our experience, we found that by methodically implementing these techniques, we have successfully minimized the visibility of scars along the vermilion border. Concurrently, we have achieved effective lip eversion while preserving its natural fullness. These modifications to the technique have emerged as a result of an evolutionary process aimed at rectifying the limitations of previous methods. Consequently, these adaptations have empowered us to more seamlessly integrate the direct lip lift technique into our clinical practice.