What can help my lip incompetence and thin upper lip?

Question

I used to have an underbite, but several years ago I had surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion and braces to correct it. Now my upper lip is much thinner than my lower lip, my lips don't touch when resting, and my upper lip basically disappears in my side profile. What can I do to correct these issues? My primary concern is my lip incompetence, but ideally would like to fix all of these issues with my upper lip.

Jason Tomsic, DO · Answer

There are a few treatment options you can try to make your upper lip appear more voluminous. The first option would be to add volume to your lips with Lip Filler. Lip filler subtly plumps and defines thin lips for fuller, more youthful lips and helps to correct asymmetrical lips for an even, beautiful smile. A second option would be a Botox "Lip Flip". The Botox lip flip is an alternative lip enhancement treatment that provides a fuller, plumper, and more natural-appearing upper lip. This treatment involves the precise placement of Botox to temporarily relax the muscle above the upper lip, causing it to roll slightly upward and appear more voluminous and defined.

Phillip Chang, MD · Answer

Hi Lemonem

You cannot fully understand how to cosmetically alter the lip without understanding its normal anatomy.  Normal anatomy serves as guidelines.  In your consultation, we can decide to vary from these guidelines to suit your desires. For more information about this procedure, please visit our website.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your photos you appear to be a good candidate for HA fillers.  These can be used to give you more volume and improve the proportions that concern you.  The treatment is done in the office and the results typically last 9 months to a year.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  I would first recommend starting with dermal fillers to increase the size of both lips to help with overall volume.  Hope this helps.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

Your lips are fine. You should show upper teeth at rest, as you do.  If you want fuller upper lips we can do an augmentation and if you want the sides up more we can do a corner lip lift.

What can help my lip incompetence and thin upper lip?

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Answer: What can help my lip incompetence and thin upper lip? (Photo

Answer: What can help my lip incompetence and thin upper lip? (Photo

Answer: Nothing to worry about

Answer: Nothing to worry about

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Everything you need to know about Botox

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What can help my lip incompetence and thin upper lip?

Answers (7)

Answer: What can help my lip incompetence and thin upper lip? (Photo

Answer: What can help my lip incompetence and thin upper lip? (Photo

Answer: Nothing to worry about

Answer: Nothing to worry about

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.