My upper gum area seems to protrude out more than most people’s, causing the shadows I’m showing here. However, none of my dentists or orthodontists have ever said anything about it, so I’m not sure if it is that my mouth is over projected or that my midface is sunken…or maybe something else? What do you think is the cause and what can I do about it? (Female in my 20s. I’ve had some cheek filler.)
Answer: PLLA Fillers to Correct Midface Shadows and Restore a Youthful Look Hello!Thank you for sharing your photos and explanation.
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Answer: PLLA Fillers to Correct Midface Shadows and Restore a Youthful Look Hello!Thank you for sharing your photos and explanation.
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April 22, 2025
Answer: Dermal Filler Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin - Winnetka & Chicago. This is a great question. It sounds like your upper gum or maxillary area might be a bit more prominent anatomically, which can definitely influence how shadows fall along the nasolabial folds. This kind of projection can make the folds appear deeper because the facial contours naturally cast more shadow in that area. Since you’ve already had some cheek filler, it’s possible that your midface volume is pretty well-supported, but the contrast between your cheek volume and the forward-set maxilla could still emphasize the folds. If it’s bothering you cosmetically, rather than adding more filler to the folds (which could make things look heavier or more unnatural), a better approach might be subtle contouring in nearby areas—like along the lateral cheek or even the temples or jawline—to balance the projection. Sometimes even a small adjustment in facial framing can shift the focus and soften shadows. I hope this helps and best of luck!
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April 22, 2025
Answer: Dermal Filler Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin - Winnetka & Chicago. This is a great question. It sounds like your upper gum or maxillary area might be a bit more prominent anatomically, which can definitely influence how shadows fall along the nasolabial folds. This kind of projection can make the folds appear deeper because the facial contours naturally cast more shadow in that area. Since you’ve already had some cheek filler, it’s possible that your midface volume is pretty well-supported, but the contrast between your cheek volume and the forward-set maxilla could still emphasize the folds. If it’s bothering you cosmetically, rather than adding more filler to the folds (which could make things look heavier or more unnatural), a better approach might be subtle contouring in nearby areas—like along the lateral cheek or even the temples or jawline—to balance the projection. Sometimes even a small adjustment in facial framing can shift the focus and soften shadows. I hope this helps and best of luck!
Helpful
April 22, 2025
Answer: Consider An HA Filler To Smooth The Transition Between Mid-Cheeks & Mouth It is difficult to say from the photos provided, however, if there is volume deficit in the mid-cheek area above, this could account for the smile fold indentation you outlined in the photos. If so, then a sufficient amount of a properly injected, appropriately robust HA contouring filler would provide the lift necessary to both maintain a heart-shaped face AND smooth the transition between the cheek and the mouth, essentially eliminating the problem indented area.
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April 22, 2025
Answer: Consider An HA Filler To Smooth The Transition Between Mid-Cheeks & Mouth It is difficult to say from the photos provided, however, if there is volume deficit in the mid-cheek area above, this could account for the smile fold indentation you outlined in the photos. If so, then a sufficient amount of a properly injected, appropriately robust HA contouring filler would provide the lift necessary to both maintain a heart-shaped face AND smooth the transition between the cheek and the mouth, essentially eliminating the problem indented area.
Helpful
April 22, 2025
Answer: Potential Causes and Solutions for Shadows Above the Mouth While I am unable to view photos or provide a specific diagnosis without a physical examination, I can offer some general information that might help you understand potential causes and solutions for the shadows above your mouth.
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April 22, 2025
Answer: Potential Causes and Solutions for Shadows Above the Mouth While I am unable to view photos or provide a specific diagnosis without a physical examination, I can offer some general information that might help you understand potential causes and solutions for the shadows above your mouth.
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April 22, 2025
Answer: Unhappy with the face Every single Dr and Dentist that you’ve seen are doing the proper thing especially when it does not interfere with your general health. They’re not supposed to tell you what you can have done. Every single person has some kind of an issue, but it doesn’t mean that a Physician or Plastic Surgeon for that matter has the right to tell you that it should be corrected, especially if you’re not aware of it and never asked about it. You on the other hand are aware of your issues. The photographs are of a very limited nature, but based on my experience, I believe that you may have very flat cheeks. Lack of fat in the cheek area creates those little folds around the nasolabial area. If I am correct, I would recommend fat grafting to the cheek area. With a proper technique the results should be permanent and natural. I hope the self and good luck from Leonard Grossman, MD, organic Plastic Surgery NYC
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April 22, 2025
Answer: Unhappy with the face Every single Dr and Dentist that you’ve seen are doing the proper thing especially when it does not interfere with your general health. They’re not supposed to tell you what you can have done. Every single person has some kind of an issue, but it doesn’t mean that a Physician or Plastic Surgeon for that matter has the right to tell you that it should be corrected, especially if you’re not aware of it and never asked about it. You on the other hand are aware of your issues. The photographs are of a very limited nature, but based on my experience, I believe that you may have very flat cheeks. Lack of fat in the cheek area creates those little folds around the nasolabial area. If I am correct, I would recommend fat grafting to the cheek area. With a proper technique the results should be permanent and natural. I hope the self and good luck from Leonard Grossman, MD, organic Plastic Surgery NYC
Helpful
