Orthodontic work messed up my lips - am I a good candidate for a lip lift? (Photos)

Thank you for sharing your photos and history—it really helps me understand your concerns. First, let me reassure you: it’s very common for people who’ve had years of orthodontic work to notice subtle changes in the way their lips rest or move with smiling. Braces can sometimes affect how the lip tissue sits, and if you already had naturally thinner lips, this can feel more noticeable.

A lip lift could be a good option in your case. It shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip, helps the upper teeth show more when you smile, and creates a fuller, more balanced look without filler. It won’t change your entire smile structure, but it can definitely improve the balance and symmetry you’re hoping for.

That being said, it’s a procedure that requires careful planning—especially since you’ve had orthodontic work—so I would recommend consulting with a facial plastic surgeon who has experience in lip lifts. They’ll be able to evaluate your proportions in detail and let you know realistically what kind of improvement you can expect.

You’re asking the right questions and thinking ahead, and from what you’ve shared, you could be a good candidate. The key will be finding a skilled surgeon who can tailor the procedure to your unique anatomy.

A lip lift does 4 things: shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip, increases the mucosa of the upper lip, increases the incisor show and pulls up the corners. You may also want to consider a rhinoplasty to correct the dorsum and increase the nasal columella angle.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.