Is 12 mm philtrum too short for a lip lift? (Photo)

Question

I am somewhat like the girl in the photo, I have OK lips and a short philtrum, but my upper lip does not show to my liking and my bottom lip looks bigger in comparison. I want to perfect my pout, specifically the shape. I want a more "heart shaped" mouth. I think it would make me look more feminine. I have a concern, since my philtrum is already 12 mm, I'm scared of being turned away at a consultation. Is it even worth trying? I am also in my early twenties.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question. An upper lip lift will give you an alluring, model-type look as you see in the glossy fashion magazines.
And upper lip does three things:
1. Shortens the distance of the base of the nose to the upper lip Vermilion.
2. Allows your upper teeth to be seen, which is aesthetically beneficial in most cases.
3. Everts the upper lip Vermilion (rolls it outwards) to a very minor degree. I tell my patients that if they are coming to me for an upper lip lift and expect a a good deal of added "real estate" to their upper lip, they will be disappointed. 
To get a complete assessment, a plastic surgeon needs to see you in person and also assess your upper lip against the backdrop of your upper teeth when your mouth is slightly parted.

Gabriele C. Miotto, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question!
A lip lift procedure is ideal for patients that desire more upper teeth and  upper lip show. Facial proportions also matter when deciding about undergoing a lip lift. An in person consultation with a plastic surgeon will better define if you are a good candidate for it. Hope this helps! Best to you, Dr Miotto.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. You seem like a perfect candidate because patients seek out and achieve a natural looking pout with lip enhancement. It is certainly worth consulting with a few different board certified facial plastic surgeons in your area to become knowledgeable about the surgery, to determine your candidacy and to begin building your relationship with surgeons. 
Best wishes,

Karan Chopra, MD · Answer

1.2 cm upper lip length is close to the ideal distance. Going any shorter may appear unnatural so an in person consultation to assess your facial proportions is requires. If your overall vertical facial height is proportionately shorter, then you may be a candidate for a lip lift. See an expert.
Dr. Karan Chopra
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Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon
Face ⨀ Breast ⨀ Body Expert
Johns Hopkins Trained
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Is 12 mm philtrum too short for a lip lift? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Optimizing Lip Length in Lip Lifting #LipLift

Answer: Optimizing Lip Length in Lip Lifting #LipLift

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Everything you need to know about Lip Lift

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Is 12 mm philtrum too short for a lip lift? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Optimizing Lip Length in Lip Lifting #LipLift

Answer: Optimizing Lip Length in Lip Lifting #LipLift

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Lift

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