Influence of lip volume enhancement with hyaluronic acid in-filtrations on lip Imprints.

Abstract

Background: Cheiloscopy, as a method of forensic identification, maintains its currency in legal and forensic dentistry. The increase in aesthetic lip filler treatments could influence lip prints. This aspect has not yet been studied to the research team's knowledge. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the possible modification of lip imprints after hyaluronic acid infiltration for volume augmentation in this location.

Material and methods: A descriptive, non-experimental study was carried out in patients with lip augmentation using hyaluronic acid infiltration (32 patients). Pre-infiltration data were collected (age, sex, lip traces, and lip characteristics), and data on the infiltration performed (volume used, points, and infiltration technique). During five visits, the evolution of the lip print and lip characteristics was monitored six months after the initial infiltration.

Results: Applying the Suzuki and Tsushihashi classification, 92.9% of the cases studied showed differences concerning the preoperative situation.

Conclusions: From the data of the present study, we can affirm that, without generating critical changes, lip hyaluronic acid infiltration modifies some characteristics of the lip print, which should be known and considered when using cheyloscopy as a forensic identification tool. Key words:Lip prints, Hyaluronic acid, Cheiloscopy, Forensic identification, Semi-permanent in-filtration, Volume enhancement.