Bigger upper lip. Should I go for fillers or a lip lift?

The picture that you are showing lifting your lip is essentially what a lip lift achieves. It not only creates a more full red lip, but also decreases the amount of visible white lip. I recently wrote a blog post about lip lifts if you are interested that I have attached. One major benefit to a lip lift is that it is permanent. You will have a visible incision after surgery, however after the healing process these incisions are virtually invisible when performed correctly. Best of luck!

Based on your photos, it appears a lip lift might be the best option for you. This procedure accomplishes a few things - it shortens the philtrum between the base of the nose and the upper lip, increases the mucosal (red) show of the lip, and allows for more tooth show when you smile. The results are also permanent, while fillers typically only last a few months before the treatment needs to be repeated. I encourage you to schedule a consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon who has the expertise to produce the best possible result for you.

If you want you upper lip more triangular, as shown in your photograph, a lip lift would be adequate. 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. This procedure is permanent and will not require repeated injections. This procedure takes less than 1 hour to perform under local anesthesia and costs $3,000.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

i avoid lip lifts until truly needed, they just dont look that good. I would use daily hydration and plumping (see emeragecosmetics lip essentials kit).  everyone can do a little filler when done well really gives nice hydration and plumping.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Dear Veronicaxx,
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