Would I be a good candidate for a subtle lip lift? (Photos)

Question

Hello, I’m a 22 y/o woman considering a lip lift. I like the shape of my lips and I find their fullness to be appropriate for my face, but I can't help but notice my long philtrum in pictures and in the mirror. I do not want to disrupt existing lower facial harmony, so I would be approaching the potential procedure with a lot of caution. Is this something you would advise for me, and if so, how should I approach a consultation for this procedure? Thank you!

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

You have a somewhat asymmetric upper lip with the edges folding over. We are missing the key photo - you with your mouth slightly open but at rest.  That's the key to determining if a subnasal lip lift makes sense, or a corner type lift to roll out the edges. We do consultations via video and these procedures take about 20 minutes in the office as an outpatient.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I most certainly think a consultation, preferably an in-person one with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologic filler injection expert would indeed be advisable. This would be advisable for any person considering any form of filler treatments, since it allows not only for direct examination, but for palpation and manipulation of the treatment site. 
However, at least from the photos provided, the use of a low viscosity, cohesive, malleable HA filler properly injected along the vermilion border of the upper lip cannot not only create a nonsurgical lip lift, but can likewise serve to diminish the appearance of an elongated philtrum. It is in fact quite a routine procedure for achieving these goals in the hands of expert filler physicians. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for providing such a thoughtful description of your goals. What stands out to me is that you are not looking for a dramatic transformation—you already like the shape and fullness of your lips and are simply wondering whether a slightly shorter philtrum could enhance your facial balance. That mindset is often very helpful when considering any cosmetic procedure.

A lip lift is designed to shorten the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip (the philtrum), which can increase upper tooth show and create a more lifted appearance of the upper lip without necessarily adding volume. Patients who feel their philtrum appears long relative to their other facial features can sometimes benefit from this procedure.

At 22 years old, however, facial proportions are typically already well balanced, and subtle variations that seem very noticeable to you may not be nearly as apparent to others. One thing I often remind patients is that photographs can exaggerate certain features depending on camera angle, lighting, and lens distortion. What appears prominent in a selfie may not reflect how your face appears in person.

Based on your description alone, I think your cautious approach is wise. A lip lift is a permanent surgical procedure, and while it can be beautiful when appropriately performed, it does leave a scar hidden beneath the nose. Because you already like your lip shape and volume, preserving your natural facial harmony should remain the primary goal.

When evaluating candidacy, surgeons typically look at:

Philtrum length relative to overall facial proportions
Amount of upper tooth show at rest
Lip shape and symmetry
Nasal anatomy and scar healing tendencies
Overall lower facial balance

For someone seeking only a very subtle enhancement, it is particularly important not to overcorrect. Small adjustments can make a meaningful difference, whereas excessive shortening can create an unnatural appearance that may be difficult to reverse.

My impression from your question is that you are approaching this decision in exactly the right way—focusing on balance rather than chasing a trend. If a lip lift is ultimately chosen, a conservative approach is usually the safest path for patients who are already happy with their natural features and simply want a modest refinement.

Would I be a good candidate for a subtle lip lift? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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