Affiliation:
1. From the Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Southern California-Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
Abstract
Introduction: Lip augmentation continues to gain popularity. To keep up with demand, physicians are continually seeking out safer and more efficient methods. We have been using acellular human dermal matrix or AlloDerm (LifeCell Corp, Branchburg, NJ) for the past 7 years with dependable results. In this study, we present a 5-year review of our postoperative complications using AlloDerm for soft tissue augmentation of the lips. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the postoperative courses of 104 patients (117 procedures in total) who received AlloDerm lip implants. Signs of postoperative infection, hematoma, seroma, rejection, or extrusion were specifically noted. Results: Of the 117 procedures performed, only 7 postoperative complications were noted. All resolved easily with outpatient intervention. None of the AlloDerm implants had to be removed as a result of these complications. Conclusions: Our results show that lip augmentation using AlloDerm has a low postoperative complication rate. In addition, those complications encountered can be easily treated with complete resolution.