Abstract

Objectives: 1. To introduce a dual plane technique that utilizes both topical and mucosal block anesthesia. 2. To demonstrate the capability of this technique in achieving enhanced patient comfort during lip filler procedures. 3. To evaluate patient outcomes and satisfaction with the natural appearance and feel of their lips. Introduction: The pursuit of natural and understated lip enhancement has become a paramount concern in aesthetic medicine. Traditional lip filling techniques often result in overt augmentation that may not appeal to those seeking subtle refinement. Our approach integrates the dual plane technique with mucosal block anesthesia to fine-tune the application of lip fillers, aiming to preserve the natural contour and movement of the lips while ensuring a comfortable patient experience. Materials / method: Materials used included hyaluronic acid fillers, topical lidocaine cream and lidocaine 2% solution, alongside micro-cannulas and fine needles. Ten patients underwent topical and mucosal block for comfort, and received dual plane lip injections, combined both superficial and deep tissue layers. One experienced injector conducted a detailed consultation and all the procedures. Outcomes were evaluated via pre- and post-treatment photos and patient satisfaction surveys. Results: Patients reported higher satisfaction and tolerability with the combination of topical lidocaine with modified mucosal block and with the dual plane techniques in achieving the natural look of their lips post-treatment. The technique allowed the application of fillers in a smooth, natural fullness without compromising the lips’ functional integrity. There were no significant complications, and temporary side effects such as mild swelling were well-tolerated. Conclusion: The integration of the modified mucosal block for patient comfort in the application of the dual plane technique in lip fillers offers an advanced method for practitioners aiming to achieve natural, subtle lip enhancement. The positive patient responses and lack of serious adverse effects underscore the potential of this approach as a standard for natural lip augmentation. Further research is encouraged to refine these techniques and validate their effectiveness across a broader demographic.