Can lip reduction on the bottom lip help to expose the entirety of the teeth from the top jaw when smiling?

Question

Hello Doctors, I am someone who has a bottom lip that hides the bottom of my teeth when I smile. Can that be fixed with lip reduction ? Plus, can a lip reduction and vermilion advancement on the bottom lip be performed together to showcase teeth but maintain lip volume? Thanks.

Gary Linkov, MD · Answer

If you are trying to reveal more of your upper teeth, I would recommend an upper lip lift. The ideal candidate for the Elelyft, or upper lip lift, is someone with a philtral length of 13mm or longer, no upper dental show, and/or a thin upper lip. The nasal base to mouth width ratio needs to be taken into consideration to avoid leaving the lip corners down. Consult with an experienced lip surgeon for a complete range of options that are appropriate for your situation.
Gary Linkov, MD
Lip Specialist / RealSelf Lip Lift Medical Reviewer
Manhattan

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

GracieI appreciate your concern and while physical exam and photos is optimal, It sounds like you may benefit from lip reduction surgery. The procedure is done in the office, under local anesthesia, and it takes about one hour. Recovery is usually one week, as postop, the lips are quite swollen.Consult with a Ford certified plastic surgeon in your area to explore the best options for you.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

You are correct in that the combination of lip reduction and lower lip vermilion advanccement has the best chance to reveal some tooth show without losing vermilion exposure which is interpreted as lip volume.

Can lip reduction on the bottom lip help to expose the entirety of the teeth from the top jaw when smiling?

Answers (3)