How to fill/fix gap in top lip? (photos)

Question

I had an upper lip lift which resulted in a gap or "key hole" in the middle of my top lips. But if you see the before picture it is clear that I naturally had a little gap. I tried to fill the gap in the middle with lip filler. However the filler didn't stay there it moved as she was filling the gap. So I'm still left with very un even lips due to the gap in the middle. I wanted to know the exact procedure a plastic surgeon could perform fix/fill this gap?

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm sorry to hear that you are not satisfied with the results of your upper lip lift surgery. A gap or "keyhole" appearance after an upper lip lift can occur due to various reasons, such as improper surgical technique, excessive tissue removal, or inadequate closure. However, it is important to note that some degree of asymmetry and irregularities can be expected in any surgical procedure, and achieving a completely even result may not always be possible.

In terms of the options for correction, it would be best to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience in performing revision surgeries for upper lip lift complications. During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your lips' anatomy, skin quality, and degree of asymmetry and recommend the appropriate course of action based on your goals and expectations.

Some possible options for correction may include:

-Revision of the original lip lift surgery: If the gap or irregularity is due to an inadequate initial surgery, a revision procedure may be recommended to adjust the amount of tissue removal and reposition the incision.

-Lip augmentation: Fillers or fat grafting can be used to fill the gap and create a smoother contour in the lips. The filler will need to be injected precisely into the gap, and the amount of filler will depend on the extent of the defect.

-Vermilion advancement: This procedure involves excising a small amount of skin at the junction of the pink and white part of the lips and then advancing the vermilion (pink part) of the lips to fill the gap.

-Lip advancement: In this procedure, a small strip of skin is removed from above the lip to pull the lip up and cover the gap.

The surgeon's recommendations will be based on a thorough evaluation of your individual case. I recommend scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options further.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

When people have An indentation in their lip from previous surgery, sometimes a targeted injection with microdroplet Silikon-1000 can fill the indentation permanently. It's not clear why you're temporary filler treatment was unsuccessful. I hope this helps. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

How to fill/fix gap in top lip? (photos)

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How to fill/fix gap in top lip? (photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers

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