Am I beyond the help that fillers can give? (Photo)

Question

I have a very weird mouth shape that I've always thought was unique until recent months. I have a smooth and long philtrum. I've read that long philtrum is a sign of aging, however I was born this way. I'm only 26 right now! I would like to invest in having normal looking lips. Would fillers be able to give me a cupids bow or at least to lift the shape of my lips, or do I have to save for a lip flip?

Brian Bassiri-Tehrani, MD · Answer

This is a great question. The length of the upper lip can be shortened by a surgical procedure as a lip lift. The incision is underneath your nostril and is very well hidden and hard to tell. A lip flip, is when botox is injected at the boarder of the upper lip to weaken the muscles around the lip. The effect of this helps with everting the upper lip, making it look fuller and youthful. Lip filler adds volume to the lip (both upper and/or lower depending on what you want). Filler can also be used to shape the boarder of your lips, cupids bow, and even philtral column.
A lip flip and lip filler is often done together and may be a good option to start. A lip lift can be done also, but you may want to start with injections to see if it is enough to help.

Anna Avaliani, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your photos and your question. If you are looking for shorter distance between your nose and top of the lip, then the only way to realistically achieve that is a surgical lip lift. You may also want to seek dental advice if your top teeth are not moving forward causing the protrusion of upper lip.I know you were hoping for non surgical solutions but they will not make you happy. Please look at tons of before and after photos of surgical lip lifts and see if you see what you want.Best of luck. Have a beautiful day, Best, Dr.Anna Avaliani, NYC

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You would benefit from a lip lift.  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.  You may also benefit from a chin implant.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Lara Clinic · Answer

Lip fillers may be suitable to help enhance the cupids bow but it may only lift a few millimeters. That difference may be just enough of a change for you, however it may be worth considering a surgical lip lift long term, as this will be the best option to reduce the length of the philtrum - especially as it will naturally lengthen more with age.
One thing that I may help improve overall frontal and side profile balance would be improved chin projection. With the chin being recessed or smaller, it can cause the lips and philtrum to appear to protrude or look longer than they really are. Chin projection can be achieved with dermal filler or surgical intervention.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

The reason you think that your lips are unusual is actually related to your chin, being somewhat small, and having little projection. You can improve the proportions of your face by number one creating more projection in your chin with the use of fillers or an implant. And you need to be evaluated in person to determine if a lip lift is an option for you. I hope this helps and good luck from New York City Plastic Surgery.

Am I beyond the help that fillers can give? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Improving balance with fillers

Answer: Improving balance with fillers

Answer: Unusual lips?

Answer: Unusual lips?

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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.

Am I beyond the help that fillers can give? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Improving balance with fillers

Answer: Improving balance with fillers

Answer: Unusual lips?

Answer: Unusual lips?

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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.