Do you get more teeth show with a direct lip lift?

Question

Does a direct lip lift increase teeth show at all? Or does it out curl the lip without lifting it?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

I recommend an eccentric lip lift, not a bullhorn lip lift. This 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. This takes 1 hour to perform under local anesthesia and costs $4,000.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Frank Agullo, MD · Answer

Quick yes on this. A direct lip lift removes a chunk of skin under your nose and the upper lip lifts up. Whatever incisors were tucked behind the lip at rest before? They show now. That is what the operation does. You cannot get the lift without it.

The dry vermillion rolls outward a small amount as the lip slides up off the teeth, a little bonus pout, but the motion is mostly up not forward. If you want pout and you do not want the rise, lip filler stays the right answer, or a vermillion advancement if you want permanence. Either of those gives forward without vertical.

Last thing. The amount excised matters more than people think. I aim for two to three millimeters in my practice and that is where the natural results live. I have had to revise too many four and five millimeter lifts done by other surgeons. Walking back a too-aggressive lift is one of the harder cases I see, and the patient is never happy with the trade.

#StayBeautiful,

@RealDrWorldWide

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Yes, a direct lip lift can increase upper teeth show, although the degree varies depending on your anatomy and the specific technique used. In general, lip lift procedures shorten the distance between the nose and upper lip, which helps elevate the upper lip and create a more youthful appearance. As the lip is lifted, more of the upper teeth may become visible, especially when smiling and sometimes even at rest.

A direct lip lift does more than simply “out-curl” the lip. It physically lifts the upper lip tissue upward, which can improve lip definition, increase the visible pink portion of the lip, and enhance tooth show. The outward rolling effect you mentioned is often part of the result because the lip becomes slightly everted as it is elevated.

That said, not everyone will see a dramatic increase in tooth show. Factors such as:

Your natural lip length
Dental structure
Existing tooth visibility
Lip thickness and elasticity
Facial proportions

all play a role in the final outcome.

One important thing patients should understand is that subtle tooth show at rest is often considered a sign of facial youthfulness. As we age, the upper lip tends to lengthen and cover more of the upper teeth. Lip lift procedures are designed in part to reverse that effect.

The balance is very important, though. Too much lift can create an overexposed or unnatural appearance, so the goal is usually a soft, natural enhancement rather than excessive tooth display.

Carlos Alberto Ríos García, MD · Answer

A lip lift can increase upper tooth show, but the amount depends on:
* the technique used* your natural lip anatomy* lip length* muscle dynamics* and how much lift is performed
In general, a traditional upper lip lift shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip, which often creates:
* more upper tooth show* increased vermilion (“pink lip”) visibility* and a more lifted, youthful appearance
The reason teeth become more visible is because the upper lip sits slightly higher after shortening.
A direct lip lift can also increase tooth show in some patients, but it tends to work more directly on the lip border itself rather than primarily shortening the philtrum under the nose.
Depending on the technique, part of the effect may indeed come from:
* outward rolling/eversion of the lip* increased pink lip exposure* and improved lip definition
rather than dramatic vertical elevation alone.
The important thing is balance. Too much tooth show can sometimes look unnatural, especially at rest, so experienced surgeons usually evaluate:
* resting tooth show* smile dynamics* facial proportions* and lip length very carefully before surgery.
In patients with very little upper tooth show at rest, a properly planned lip lift can sometimes create a softer, more youthful facial balance without needing fillers.

Rachelle Eljazzar, MD · Answer

Yes- a lip lift can increase tooth show as the lip is being elevated to a higher position. You can even estimate the amount of tooth show to expect based on the millimeters of excision, although this can vary based on your anatomy. Typically, excising 4mm or less would result in minimal changes to tooth show, and with every increased amount you can expect an increase in tooth show.

Do you get more teeth show with a direct lip lift?

Answers (5)

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