Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2026 Jun 22. doi: 10.1007/s00266-026-05982-1. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Migration is one of the most feared complications following lip filler. The use of a specific filler with a high degree of elasticity and cohesiveness could be the key to solve the problem if injections are performed in the correct anatomical plane. The purpose of this study was to describe the authors’ 5-year experience with a new concept of lip filling, iLips. This reproducible approach combines elasticity and cohesiveness of a 25,5 mg/ml filler injected through superficial micro-tunnels in a virtual space between orbicularis muscle and mucosa creating a tridimensional net that respects lip dynamic also leading to a low risk of filler migration.
METHODS: A total of 4583 consecutive patients who underwent lip filler with iLips technique were enrolled in this prospective study. An objective evaluation on the aesthetic results was obtained by a jury composed of 3 external plastic surgeons using Lip Fullness Merz scale. PROMs were investigated through FACE-Q administration to the patients (“Psychological function”, “Satisfaction with outcome” and “Satisfaction with lips” scales). Statistical analysis was performed through Prism10. Complications were reported.
RESULTS: t-test with Welch’s correction showed an improvement in Lip Fullness Merz score both in upper and lower lip (p<0.05). A similar trend was shown also for “Psychological function”, “Satisfaction with outcome” and “Satisfaction with lips” mean values after the procedure. Just 2 cases of major vascular complications were reported.
CONCLUSION: iLips ® seem to be a safe, highly reproducible, effective and satisfying approach for lip augmentation positively impacting also the patient’s psychological sphere.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
PMID:42332314 | DOI:10.1007/s00266-026-05982-1
