Hello Victoria,Thank you for your question. This is a difficult problem and from the limited photos without a formal exam, it is tough to give a specific recommendation in your case. There are several factors involved with the lip position and size. First we can't just assume it is the skin that needs to be removed to reduce the height of the lip. The size of the lip along with the position of the teeth and bone is also a factor. I suggest being evaluated by a craniofacial plastic surgeon can help in your situation as they deal with all of the structures and will guide you in the best possible solution. If the height of the upper lip is reduced too much by the typical lip reduction procedures, this can lead to a gummy smile. Sometimes the "easy" procedure is not the best procedure in every case. All the bestEric Payne, MD
Hello, Enlarging the eyes is not a common procedure and something that is recommend. Some have tried using orbital implants to achieve this but we do it for patients who have had trauma, congenital deformities or cancer. I caution anyone who wants to reduce the normal cheekbone or malar/zygomatic arch because this will instantly age someone by 10-15 years. I also don’t recommend reducing the temporal area because this also will cause aging. Reducing the radix will cause the nose to appear unusual if the radix is not already very high. I recommend seeking a board certified plastic surgeon who is knowledgeable in facial reconstruction and cosmetic surgery.
Hello, It is difficult to tell from the single photo and without an exam what your true diagnosis or cause of the problem, but an in person consultation would be needed to decide the best treatment. Lip reduction surgery can help reduce the vertical height and the width of the lips. The incisions have to be in two directions, vertical and horizontal to treat both issues. This technique has helped many patients I have seen in the past. They are very happy with the smaller lips that fit their profile. We recommend that you find a board certified plastic surgeon near you and one that has done the procedure before. Eric Payne, MD
Hello, It is difficult to determine what is going on exactly which her upper lip with the limited photo that you've shown however there are some solutions. As plastic surgeons we like to look at night only the lip itself but the foundation which is the upper jaw underneath the lip. Sometimes the upper jaw is too long causing what you described as a gummy smile or excessive gingival show when smiling. This can be corrected either with surgery of the jaw or surgery of the upper lip. Sometimes fillers can assist with correcting the upper lip deficiency by adding either medical grade fillers or adding fat grafting to the lip. Another alternative can be changing the shape of the upper lip by releasing the muscles of the left on the inside of the upper lip. I would suggest finding a board certified plastic surgeon who was also an expert in facial and jaw surgery to help you determine what the best treatment options are for you and your individual case. Good luck in research for a solution for your concerns. Eric Payne, MD
Hello, Yes it is safe to undergo cleft palate surgery as an adult. The most challenging part is after surgery relearning how to speak properly and break the bad speech habits from the cleft palate. You will not only need to find a surgeon to repair your cleft but also a speech therapist to help you improve your speech after surgery. Best wishes, Phileemon Eric Payne, MD
