I'm 21, not happy with my lip corners and shape

Question

Hello! I feel like my lips are not that feminine and I am not a fan of the shape when I smile. I wish to have a more pouty, not big per se lips but a LIFTED lip corner, as I think it suits my whole look. Is there any way to achieve this? I have posted a picture of my lips as well as three pictures of what I would like. More heart shaped lips with smiling corners. Thanks

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You would benefit from a lip lift where more skin is excised laterally than centrally.  A lip lift does 4 things: shortens the distance between your nose and upper lip, increases the mucosa of the upper lip, increases the incisor show and pulls up the corners.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear potatohead8,
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

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

The shape of the lives that you have is just that, YOUR shape. The corners of the lips are determined by the shape of the facial skeleton and muscles in this area. This cannot be changed. The size however of the lips can be changed with the use of fillers. As long as you go to a plastic surgeon with a clear understanding of what you’d like to achieve, you may be able to do so in a very inexpensive manner. I hope to self so good luck from New York City Plastic Surgery

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

It’s pretty difficult to change mouth dynamics. Some providers may suggest Botox to weaken the depressor anguli Oris muscle.

My own firsthand experience with this treatment has not led to lifting of the oral commissure but instead creates a wider smile during animation.

There have been surgical procedures described to lift the corner of the mouth but they do not seem to have gathered popularity and surgical intervention probably has too much risk of undesirable side effects or lack of results in comparison to draw backs like visible scars etc.

You can always try Botox of the depressor Anguli Oris muscle and see if you like it.  Botox typically wear soft in a few months if you don’t care for the results.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

James Fernau, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello, and thanks for your question. I believe you are a great candidate for lip fillers and potentially botox. Most lip fillers last about 6-18 months, and Juvederm is one of our most popular lip fillers. Botox lasts 3-4 months and could be used in the corners of your mouth to elevate those areas and to achieve the look you want. Make sure you are going to an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. Please see my attached link on fillers. Best of luck to you!

Sincerely, James Fernau, MD FACS

Aesthetic Surgery Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery Certified, American Board of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery Member: American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) American Academy of Facial Plastic Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) American Academy of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery (AAOHNS) American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) The Rhinoplasty Society

I'm 21, not happy with my lip corners and shape

Answers (6)

Answer: Changing mouth dynamics

Answer: Changing mouth dynamics

Answer: Lip filler

Answer: Lip filler

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Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers

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I'm 21, not happy with my lip corners and shape

Answers (6)

Answer: Changing mouth dynamics

Answer: Changing mouth dynamics

Answer: Lip filler

Answer: Lip filler

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers

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