How to fix a hollow in lip that is not responding to filler after botched lip lift surgery? (Photo)

Question

I had a terrible lip lift that left me asymmetrical among other things. I have been working with numerous injectors to try to fix the symmetry but a part of the lip always goes back to looking hollow and sunken in. I'm so frustrated. The good injectors that I've worked with have tried Juvederm Vollure as well as Restalyne Kysse and Defyne. But it always heals with the hollows coming back. The botched surgery has been the worst doctor experience ever.

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Good Afternoon! Sorry that you're experiencing trouble with your lip lift. If fillers aren't working, you can try fat transfer. This process can add nice volume which lasts 5-10 years on average. The lips can be tricky in that the metabolism can be higher than other areas of the face after injection. Lip implants also exist but those have largely gone out of favor. Consider meeting with a facial plastic surgeon to learn more about what may be safest. Hope this helps!

Sheryl D. Clark, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hello cosmeticinjustice:

Correcting assymetry in lips can be a challenge but the keys are understanding lip anatomy, starting with a very small amount, and placing it only in the areas that are lacking in volume or structure. Your upper lip, and even your lower lip, have too much filler and it has ‘migrated’ (it actually happens at the time of injection, not later) to the upper cutaneous lip. This can be dissolved completely then one would start over with a small amount to the deficient side only, avoiding completely the vermillion border. I wish I could help you, but there are many competent dermatologists who are expert injectors with regard to the lips in LA.
All the best from NYC, 
Sheryl Clark MD,FAAD

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Failure of volume augmentation to fix the problem should tell you that I lack of volume is not the problem.
Most likely scar tissue contraction is keeping the shape and preventing fillers from improving your contour.
Most likely the only way to improve your situation is to go through and redo the procedure removing scar tissue and try to realign tissues in a more anatomically correct manner.
This may or may not improve the outcome.
Find the most senior experienced facial plastic surgeon and see if they feel like they have a good chance at improving your outcome. I’m guessing most likely few will feel confident that they can improve on your situation.
Continuing to expect fillers to work when they don’t is not excepting that the problem is not related to volume.
Attempts at differentiation of filler products it’s just marketing fluff and has nothing to do with the ability for the products to accomplish something they’re not intended to.
Your situation is unfortunate but if things aren’t working it’s because you weren’t treating the problem.
I recognize that having faith to have someone redo the procedure that left you’re worse off in the first place is probably something most people would be apprehensive about.
On top of this no one is going to guarantee you a substantially improved outcome.
Still, if someone can figure out if there’s a particular band of scar tissue or an atomic misalignment that needs to be corrected and that May be the only way to improve your situation.
Find the most senior talented and experienced plastic surgeons whose work is mostly based on facial aesthetics. see what each of them has to say and make your decision accordingly.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

From your photos, I note a fullness of the middle 1/3 of the upper lip with relative retraction of the lateral 1/3s.Fillers only offer temporary lip fullness. Surgical correction is an alternative.In order the determine a correct surgical approach, one needs to visualize the internal surgical site to determine the exact nature of the previous procedure. If there is a lack of underlying mucosa in the retracted portions, one can rotate internal local flaps to lengthen the lateral portions of the lip. If there is adequate lip closure laterally, one can remove the redundant central tissue....or it may be a combination of both.Visit a board certified plastic surgeon for evaluation and discussion.Best wishes...

How to fix a hollow in lip that is not responding to filler after botched lip lift surgery? (Photo)

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Answer: Upper lip deformity following lip trim

Answer: Upper lip deformity following lip trim

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How to fix a hollow in lip that is not responding to filler after botched lip lift surgery? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Upper lip deformity following lip trim

Answer: Upper lip deformity following lip trim

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Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.