Would I be a candidate for a lip lift or just borderline? (Photos)

Question

I’m only 19, but from what I’ve measured, my philtrum is about 14-15 mm. I have lip filler, however I was wondering if in my case it’d be a good idea to get a lip lift as a long term alternative or if it’s too risky.

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

You have beautiful lips, so don't do any surgery. Voltaire "Better is the enemy of good enough". They are very well proportioned.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. At 19, with a measured philtrum of 14–15 mm, a lip lift could be considered, but it’s generally recommended to wait until facial growth is fully complete and the anatomy has stabilized. Lip lifts can provide a permanent shortening of the philtrum and improve upper-lip projection, which might reduce your reliance on filler over time. However, it’s a surgical procedure with inherent risks such as visible scarring, changes in lip mobility, or uneven healing, and at your age, your tissue may still change subtly over the next few years. Many young patients opt to continue with carefully placed filler for now, which can enhance volume and shape non-surgically, and then consider a lip lift later if the philtrum remains longer than desired and you’re comfortable with the surgical commitment.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

You're very young and the philtral length is really not especially long. Rather than surgery, especially  this early on in life, you might wish to explore the use of a nonsurgical filler lip lift using a low viscosity, malleable, cohesive HA filler injected along the vermilion border of the upper lip. It takes under five minutes to perform, in the hands of an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist filler injector expert and with immediate results and little to no significant downtime. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your photos and measurements. A philtrum length of 14–15 mm is slightly longer than average, which is why you may be considering a lip lift. At 19, your facial structures are still developing subtly, and while some individuals can benefit from a lip lift, it’s important to weigh the long-term implications and potential risks at a younger age.

Here’s what to consider:

Lip filler vs. lip lift: Fillers are non-surgical and adjustable, which makes them a safer, flexible option while your face continues to mature. A lip lift is permanent and involves surgical alteration, which is harder to revise later.

Borderline candidacy: Based on your measurements, you could be considered on the borderline for a lip lift, but many surgeons might suggest waiting a few more years to ensure the result is proportionate as your facial features settle.

Risks: Surgery at a younger age carries the usual risks of scarring, asymmetry, or dissatisfaction with long-term proportions, especially if your face continues to change subtly.

For now, fillers remain a safe and reversible way to enhance your lips while giving time for your facial proportions to stabilize. A lip lift can be reconsidered later if the philtrum remains long relative to the rest of your face and you’re seeking a permanent change.

Would I be a candidate for a lip lift or just borderline? (Photos)

Answers (4)

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