My upper lip is thin, uneven, and you can't see it when you view me from the side. What can I do? (photos)

Question

my upper lip has bothered me ever since my mom commented about my upper lip being "skinny" like my dads. ever since then i've looked at it and noticed that it is quite small and not proportioned well with the lower lip. the sides curl under making it look even smaller and making it seem almost non existant from the side view of my face. i wanted to know what procedure i would need in order to make the curling on the sides go away and add a little volume to the lip itself. thank you!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You would get a nice improvement with lip fillers. These fillers, (Volbella, Restylane, Juvederm) are good to create a full and symmetrical lip. Nova threads can be used to improve lift and shape. Implants or fat are alternatives. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a facial sculpting expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  I would recommend placement of a long-lasting hyaluronic acid dermal filler such as Vollure to incrementally add to your upper lip volume and contour. Subtle asymmetries and curling can be corrected with this technique but be sure to see an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon in consultation to discuss.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Nikki Jay.  First off, your upper lip is reasonable, with nice fullness centrally.  It does not appear asymmetrical to me.  Filler can plump up the outer most portion of your upper lip, but I do not think you really need it.  Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist to discuss all options.

Anteneh Roba, MD · Answer

The best and quickest way to get a fuller upper lip is to get filler injections. There are good fillers out in the market like restylane silk, vollubella . They are reversible and will nicely plump up your lips. Consult a certified injector to get it done.

Stanley Kovak, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! I'm sorry you are feeling self conscious about your upper, but the thinness can be easily adjusted with fillers. There are many options that may work for you, so make sure you contact a reputable provider for a consultation so that you can discuss your concerns. I like to use Volbella and/or Juvederm in my patients' lips; they really enjoy the results. Best of luck to you!

Christian N. Ford, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photographs.  Based on your narrative and photos, you appear to be a good candidate for a conservative lip augmentation with a hyaluronic acid based dermal filler such as Juvederm.  Beautiful and natural results can be achieved.  Please be sure to see an expert injector for an in-person consultation to fully discuss your concerns and your goals and expectations in order to determine the best treatment plan.  Hope this helps and best wishes!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It sounds like if you feel the lip is a bit thin, then filler product may be reasonable to use to fill it out a bit.

Ray Bayati, MD · Answer

Hello,Lip fillers would work for you and improve volume in upper lip. There are different fillers and brands available. Restylane L, Silk, Juvederm, Vobello Voluma and Belotero.All the bestRay Bayati, MDElite Medical AestheticsSacramento area, California

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi, I have performed many facial shaping procedures using dermal fillers, silastic facial implants (cheek, chin or lip implants), liposuction and/or facelifts for over 30 years.  From the photos, your chin is weak and the upper lip is thin compared to the lower lip.
  I have performed many facial shaping procedures, including Chin Augmentation with dermal fillers or silastic chin implants, for over 30 years.  When the chin is weak, this creates an imbalance making the nose appear larger, the mid face top heavy, the lower face looks short, de-emphasizes the lips and allows early formation of a "double chin".

Proper placement of a silastic chin implant adds forward projection to the chin thereby creating harmony and balance to the lower face.  Using the same incision, liposuction can be performed to reduce the fat and further shape the neck.  Excess skin, from below the chin, can also be removed through the same incision.  
 I have found that placement of a silastic chin implant, through a small curved incision under the chin (also allows excess skin removal) to be very safe, quick, highly effective and far less invasive than a sliding genioplasty (requires extensive tissue dissection, bone cuts and placement of metal screws and plates to secure the cut segments of bone).  I perform chin implant surgery in 30 minutes or less, often using a local anesthetic alone.  
 Following my beauty principles, the lips should be full with the upper lip approximately 75 % the size of the lower lip for the lips to appear balanced. The upper lip can be augmented using a dermal filler or a Permalip implant.
Dermal fillers and lip implants offer a much more reliable volume for augmentation of the lips than permanent fillers or fat injections which are associated with increased, unwanted, side effects.Hope this helps.

My upper lip is thin, uneven, and you can't see it when you view me from the side. What can I do? (photos)

Answers (9)