Analysis of orofacial tissue pressure and quality of life in adult women undergoing hyaluronic acid lip fillers

Objectives: Maintaining the symmetry and thickness of the lips is vital for well-being and quality of life, since disharmony, often common in the adult female population, intensifies with aging, affecting esthetic perception and orofacial function. This longitudinal study aimed to analyze orofacial tissue pressure (tongue, lips, and cheeks) before (I), 30 days (II), and 60 days (III) after lip augmentation in adult women, in addition to evaluating their perceived quality of life. Material and Methods: Twenty-two women (mean age 35.4 ± 12.3 years) with normal occlusion participated. Orofacial tissue pressure was measured using the Iowa oral performance instrument (IOPI). Quality of life was assessed using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) questionnaire. Hyaluronic acid was the material used for augmentation. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni correction ( P < 0.05). Descriptive frequency analysis of the GBI data was performed, including mean, standard deviation, median, and quartiles (25–75%). Results: There was a reduction in tongue pressure after 60 days (I vs. III, P = 0.002) and an increase in right cheek pressure after 30 days (I vs. II, P = 0.04). Left cheek pressure gradually increased (I vs. II, P = 0.05; I vs. III, P = 0.02). The mean GBI score was 27.4 (20.4), with the general health, physical/health, and social domains scoring 28.4 (20.3), 28.0 (20.1), and 25.7 (26.0), respectively. Conclusion: The study suggests functional adaptations in orofacial tissues and an improvement in quality of life following lip augmentation in adult women.