How to Address Uneven Upper Lip and Improve Appearance? (photo)

Question

Hi everyone, The left-hand side of my upper lip looks higher than the right and is more pushed out, giving the appearance of a constant smirk rather than balanced, even lips. I hate how this looks and it’s really affecting my confidence. I want to understand the best way to address this. Would fillers help? Is there another treatment that might work, or is this something that can’t be fixed? Thanks in advance to anyone who can offer advice or guidance.

Ali Cetinkaya, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for reaching out. Lip asymmetry is a common concern, and there are several options to correct it, depending on the underlying cause.Dermal Fillers: A carefully placed hyaluronic acid filler can help even out the asymmetry and create a more balanced look. However, this requires precision to avoid overcorrection.Botox: If muscle imbalance is the cause of the asymmetry, a small amount of Botox can be used to relax the stronger side and restore symmetry.Surgical Options: If the asymmetry is due to structural factors rather than soft tissue or muscle, a lip lift or surgical correction may be a more permanent solution.The best approach depends on a detailed facial assessment.

David K. Isaacs, MD, FACS · Answer

Filler can provide some eversion and/or help roll the lip outward slightly creating the illusion of more eversion when injected properly, but it is limited.

Because you also have a long philtrum and deflated lip the filler often just adds bulk rather than truly lifting or everting the lip. But you can try filler first since it’s temporary.

An asymmetric lip lift is likely more effective, and filler can still be used post-surgery for fine-tuning symmetry and volume. But it will have its downsides too.

Consult an expert for an evaluation. Contact me for more details! Hope this helps!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your upper lip asymmetry is very common and usually the right side is lower. The treatment for this is a lip lift. At the time of lip lift, extra tissue is taken out from the lower side then the upper side. This is able to correct some of the deformity. 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.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

From the photos provided, it would appear that a low viscosity, cohesive, malleable HA filler threaded along the vermilion border of the recessed side would provide sufficient contouring and projection to balance the sides of the upper lip.  Since this technique entails more than is required for the treatment of ordinary smile lines with plain Juvederm or ordinary Restylane, you would be wise to make sure to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist filler expert. Hope this helps and best of luck

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Achieving a balanced and symmetrical appearance in the lips can often be addressed with cosmetic treatments. Here are a few options you might consider:

Dermal Fillers: Hyaluronic acid-based fillers can be a great option for balancing asymmetries in the lips. A skilled injector can add volume to specific areas to create a more symmetrical look. It's important to choose an experienced practitioner who can assess your lips and customize the treatment to your needs.

Botox: In some cases, Botox can be used to relax certain muscles around the lips, which can help in balancing unevenness. This might be suitable if muscle activity is contributing to the asymmetry.

Lip Lift or Surgical Options: If the asymmetry is significant or related to structural issues, surgical options such as a lip lift might be considered. This would typically be recommended if non-surgical options do not achieve the desired results.

Consultation with a Specialist: The best first step is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic procedures. They can evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

Remember, achieving natural-looking results often requires the expertise of a qualified professional, so ensure you choose someone with experience in treating lip asymmetries.

How to Address Uneven Upper Lip and Improve Appearance? (photo)

Answers (5)

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