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

I would highly recommend getting a formal evaluation with and treatment from a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and expert in facial sculpting. Technique is the key to a successful lip augmentation with fillers, so you'll want to see someone meticulous. An experienced physician will be able to determine which filler, how much filler, and which technique will give you the subtle result you're looking for. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Hello, and thank you for your question. In addition to adding fullness and definition to the lips, dermal fillers can help provide more symmetry and balance. Specifically, filler can be placed on one side only to even out your vermillion border. I recommend only seeking treatments from a reputable, experienced injector. In the wrong hands, lip augmentation with injectable fillers may not only be a painful experience but also yield unsatisfactory results. The experts know how much filler to use and where to precisely inject it to achieve the most natural-looking results while ensuring patient comfort.

Dear Louisa06,
I perform a lot of lip injections with fillers such as juvederm and it works great. Many times I need to put more in one side than the other to attempt to even out the vermillion border (The red line of the lip). This helps provide more symmetry at times.For patients looking for a more long lasting result, I recommend fat grafting. That is, using your own bodies fat to make your lips naturally look more shapely. The bonus is that the results last many many years.
In general, I avoid using permanent prosthesis because I find that the lips are such dynamic and sensitive structures, the end result is not natural.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

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

Hello, and thanks for your question. I believe you are a great candidate for lip filler in your right upper lip. Most lip fillers last about 6-18 months, and Juvederm is one of our most popular lip fillers. Make sure you are going to an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. Please see my attached link on fillers. Best of luck to you!

Sincerely, James Fernau, MD FACS

Aesthetic Surgery Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery Certified, American Board of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery Member: American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) American Academy of Facial Plastic Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) American Academy of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery (AAOHNS) American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) The Rhinoplasty Society