Is it possible to get lip filler only at my top lip? (Photo)

Question

I have had consultation with 3 doctors for lip fillers. Two of them said I should get fillers on both of my lips but I don't want that as my bottom lip is quite bigger than my top lip. They said that if I don't get fillers on both of my lips I'll have imbalanced lips. Two doctors recommended Juvederm and recommended Vivacy Stylage. Will I need more than one 1ml to get this result and which company is better? Can anyone please advise me as this is my first cosmetic procedure ever.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

It is certainly possible to get filler in the top lip alone and 1 ml. sounds like a good place to start. When it comes to augmenting the lips, it is always best to start slow and add a bit more later if desired to avoid the dreaded "duck lip" look. Make sure you are working with a board-certified injector who has ample experience and qualifications to ensure the best possible result.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in-person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Hi there, thank you for your question. You can only have lip fillers for your upper lip and it can be balanced. For start, 1 ml is good. If you still want bigger lips, you can have more after it.

Ryan E. Austin, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for your question. There's no reason you can't have lip filler done just on your top lip. If you're not happy with the providers you've seen so far, don't hesitate to get a fourth opinion. That said, you can always start with your top lip and if you find you need a little at the bottom to balance out your result, this can easily be added. Just be sure to be clear with what you're looking to achieve and to go to an experienced injector.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Yes, you can receive filler in only the top to achieve an improved balance of size between the upper and lower lips. Hope this helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Beautiful519416,
I perform a lot of lip injections with fillers such as juvederm and it works great. Many times I need to put more in one side than the other to attempt to even out the vermillion border (The red line of the lip). This helps provide more symmetry at times.For patients looking for a more long lasting result, I recommend fat grafting. That is, using your own bodies fat to make your lips naturally look more shapely. The bonus is that the results last many many years.
In general, I avoid using permanent prosthesis because I find that the lips are such dynamic and sensitive structures, the end result is not natural.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

You always want to keep the lower lip larger than the upper to maintain a natural appearance.  If someone has an unusually small upper lip (as you appear to) then you can just put filler in the upper lip, making sure that the lower is still larger.  There are many fillers you can use in the lips.  Some such as Juvederm will swell and give you more volume.  You may want to start with one that doesn't swell so much so there is more control over the final size.  Probably would start with less than 1 tube which is 1cc.  If you add too much, it can be dissolved, but you then go back to your baseline and have to start over.  You can always add more.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It certainly is possible to just put filler in the top lip and not the bottom.  Normally, the bottom lip should be larger than the upper lip, so you would not want to make the upper lip the same size as the bottom.  There are a variety of fillers that could be used, but my preference is to use a hyaluronic acid filler, such as Restylane or Juvederm.  I do not think that you would need more than 1ml.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Yes you can absolutely get filler in one lip, its your choice after listening to your doctors advice. Your top lip is considerably smaller than your bottom lip and could use some filler. The key is to not get too much as your want your bottom lip bigger. Find a doctor who will work with you to get the look you desire. Best wishes.
Dr. T

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You can elect to have filler placed only in your top lip if you choose.  The providers you saw are trying to give you recommendations based on their knowledge and experience.  You can always return to have filler placed in your lower lip if you are unhappy with the results.