Am I a good candidate for a lip lift?

Question

I've always hated the way my top lip sits on my face. I think if it was taken upwards a bit it would look nicer. Thoughts?

Gary Linkov, MD · Answer

There are surgical and non-surgical approaches to lip augmentation. Non-surgical approaches include botox (slight lift, reducing gum show) and filler (volume restoration). Surgically, you can have two separate incisions under the nose (italian), one incision under the nose (bull horn), one incision at the red/white upper lip junction (gull wing) or two separate incision at the corners, or a combination, depending on your desired look and anatomy. My preferred surgical technique is called the Elelyft, which is a version of the bullhorn approach. 
The ideal candidate for the Elelyft, or upper lip lift, is someone with a philtral length of 13mm or longer, no upper dental show, and/or a thin upper lip. The nasal base to mouth width ratio needs to be taken into consideration to avoid leaving the lip corners down. In your situation, I generally agree that a shorter philtrum will suit you well. Please review before/afters and the educational link below.
Consult with an experienced lip surgeon for a complete range of options that are appropriate for your situation.
Gary Linkov, MD
Lip Specialist
Manhattan

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

M type Lip Lift for the long upper lip. The scar will not be seen with this type of lip lift-unlike the Bullhorn which can leave a very bad scar around the ala. I have done this procedure for 45 years without any requiring revision and you can return to work in 1 week.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You are an excellent candidate for a lip lift.  A lip lift does 4 things: shortens the distance between your nose and upper lip, increases the mucosa of the upper lip, increases the incisor show and pulls up the corners.    Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ricardo L. Rodriguez, MD · Answer

On looking at your pictures, one can see 2 things: You have a slightly long lip, you show teeth when your mouth is relaxed and slightly open. This means you probably have a slightly long maxilla (upper jaw bone). In cases like yours, the lip lift may result in increased tooth show at rest. This is neither good nor bad, just a matter of preference. But that will impact how much shortening you will want to get. To get a better idea of tooth show try measuring like this:  Practice in front of the mirror by putting your two index fingers under your nose and pulling up gently until you see a distance that you like. Don't worry if the shape of the lip looks funny. If the fingers are too close it will look like a bunny rabbit (too much tooth show) If the fingers are too far apart it looks like a snarl. But once you get an idea of that distance between nose and red border of the lip you are set to go.
The most important thing is that it gets you used to what lip lift plus increased tooth show it will look in YOUR face.If there is more tooth show than you like there are several options. You may try a lip implant as it lengthens total lip length. A lot of my patients choose this option. Another option is to shorten a tiny bit less to get a compromise between lip length and tooth show. Finally, a cosmetic dentist may shave a millimeter or so of your frontal incisors to lessen tooth show.Finally, you are a young good looking person so I'm sure any result will look good- even if you don't do anything! Check on the link below for more info

Am I a good candidate for a lip lift?

Answers (4)

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