Is “Lip Threading” The New Lip Filler?

The “Thread Lip Lift”



Dentists who understand all of the treatment options for rejuvenating the facial skin can provide a more comprehensive service to our patients, so that the work done intra-orally is supported by healthy extra-oral soft tissues. This vital interplay between extra- and intra-oral tissues and the success of various therapies, has never been more apparent than with another of AADFA’s new, world- leading techniques called the “Thread Lip Lift”.

As a part of the deflation and descent process we see in facial ageing, the upper lip becomes lax, creating a veil that lengthens to dramatically reduce the display of the maxillary anterior teeth as well as reducing the “pink” vermillion volume of the lip – which is often the complaint of the patient. Not only is this unaesthetic in itself, but the elongation of the upper lip with age can negatively impact the execution of any anterior dental veneers or dentures we are fabricating for the patient. When designing the optimal proportions of anterior restorations, unfortunately we have fallen in to the trap of taking our baseline reference from the lips – structures that change with the natural ageing process.

Traditional prosthodontics instructs us to ensure 2 mm of the maxillary central incisors are displayed at rest, with the remaining anterior teeth positioned aesthetically from this baseline. However, if the lip is naturally “long” or has lengthened with age, then following these guidelines will create unnatural lower face proportions. For example, when planning for anterior veneers, the aged lip would incorrectly steer the dentist to elongate the restorations to achieve the classic 2 mm of incisal display, leaving the patient with a dolichocephalic appearance and an altered occlusal scheme.

Furthermore, often patients with a lax upper lip will desire more lip vermillion volume. Most practitioners will attempt to add dermal filler, which may add volume to the lip, but it may also result in it drooping even further, leaving the patient looking unnatural.

To overcome the effects of ageing and achieve naturally aesthetic dental restorations it is possible to change the position of the lip during the initial treatment planning phase.

Lip lifting procedures have been around in plastic surgery for decades and usually involve surgically removing tissue from below the base of the nose to shorten the upper lip. The drawbacks of such an approach are obvious, including the pain and discomfort of surgery, together with the inevitable scarring left behind. Now, AADFA has overcome these issues by using Facial Threads to reposition the upper lip in a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in just a few minutes under local anaesthesia.

The technique preserves normal function of the Orbicularis Oris muscle and results in the optimal amount of tooth display at rest, yet still allows the patient to close their lips normally. While lacking the longevity of its surgical counterpart, the “Facial Lip Lift” definitely achieves enhanced lip aesthetics, at a much lower cost than surgery, allowing for successful positioning of dental restorations. This technique can also be combined with the use of dermal filler to further ensure the lip proportions are optimised, without unduly weighing down the tissues.

Above. Results from Lip Lift procedure – increasing youthful maxillary tooth display and lip volume

Above. Results from Lip Lift procedure – increasing youthful maxillary tooth display and lip volume

Where Can I Learn More?

Utilising AADFA'S innovative, practical blended learning format, "FIBER" is AADFA's revolutionary program to combat Skin Laxity and skin deterioration.

"FIBER" is a world-leading, highly focused program, providing extensive mentoring and support to ensure you achieve mastery in some of the most cutting edge techniques in the field of Dento-facial rejuvenation; developing clinical competency and a safe, effective & successful practice.

Combining hours of vital online theoritical learning with robust "hands-on" practical training , FIBER introduces Dentists to the world of Polydioxanone (PDO) threads or sutures.

Complete "FIBER" in combination with "PHLEBOTOMY". AADFA's most unique program, "PHLEBOTOMY" teaches Dentists and dental teams to address intra and extra-oral problems using autologous blood concentrates.

Proving that AADFA are truly pioneers in the industry, there is no other course globally that teaches many of the protocols covered in this program. From fabricating an autologus dermal filler gel from the blood drawn from the patient, which can be used in the same manner as commercial filler products, only at a substantially reduced cost, through to the synergistic combination of blood concentrates and PDO threads to achieve unparalleled dento-facial health and rejuvenation. AADFA has developed a world-first clinical protocol which combines both therapies in a single session (called the “Concentrated Lift”), to synergistically achieve unparalleled dento-facial health and rejuvenation. There is no other course globally that teaches such a protocol and it’s just another example of how AADFA continues to innovate and lead the industry for the benefit of the dental profession.

AADFA training programs continue to innovate and lead the dental profession for the benefit of the public.

This highly specialised program, provides extensive mentoring and support to ensure you achieve mastery in some of the most progressive techniques in the field of Dento-facial rejuvenation; developing clinical competency and a safe, effective & successful practice.