Asymmetric top lip - Can either lip filler or botox help with this concern? (photos)

Thank you for your question! Lip filler is often used to correct asymmetry of the lips, especially along the vermillion border (aka the outer lip line). An experienced provider can help determine which lip filler is best for your concerns. Lip filler can last up to 12 months, but it’s not permanent, so you’ll need regular follow ups in order to maintain plumper and more even lips. Hope this helps!

Lip asymmetry is common because facial asymmetry is present on all people.

The degree of asymmetry and an average human face is far more than most people understand. The human brain is accustomed to seeing this asymmetry as normal so without thinking critically we don’t recognize asymmetry in other peoples faces.

Computer generated symmetrical faces demonstrate this very easily and there’s lots of great examples if you simply Google
The term symmetrical face.

Most facial asymmetry stems from skeletal structure and this is probably true for your lips as well. Usually one side of the face is substantially wider than the other and this will create the lips having a slightly different shape on one side than the other as well as uneven lengths.

Soft tissues on the other hand tend to be highly symmetrical and when perceived as being a symmetrical it is usually because of the primary underlying skeletal asymmetry.

Attempting to manipulate soft tissues to compensate for skeletal asymmetries usually just creates two asymmetries.

People do not recognize mild asymmetry as being abnormal and only those who look at faces critically even see it this is often the case for individuals looking at their own pictures or staring in the mirror for just a little bit too long.

I can assure you the rest of the world does not see your lips as being asymmetrical but as being normal which they are.

This degree of a symmetry can be seen on all people.

I recommend not treating for asymmetry because it typically just creates a new asymmetry.

There’s nothing wrong with having lip fillers if you want and many providers are also obsessed with facial symmetry as being some type of facial ideal.

To me facial symmetry is not an aesthetic ideal and in fact it’s not aesthetically desirable. Computer-generated symmetrical faces look strange and unfamiliar because the human brain has never seen a symmetrical face with the exception of one that is computer generated.

Even historical classical works of art Inc. body and face asymmetry in these have stood the test of time as being masterpieces.

You’ll get different opinions on this by different providers. Early in my career I used to think asymmetry should always be treated but I have changed over the years as I’ve learned more and more to recognize that the human body and face are inherently asymmetrical and should be.

Consult with a few providers and see what each has to say.

My opinion tends to be unique and I don’t claim to be right but there is 25 years of thought put into it.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD