Would I be a good candidate for an upper lip lift? (Photo)

Question

I think the distance between my upper lip and nose is too long, I have a deep overbite and my upper lip protrudes further than my lower lip. I’m not sure if this would interfere with getting a lip lift.(photos)

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Based on your pictures alone it appears that you have tooth show at rest and have very good volume to your upper lip.  I would not recommend a lip lift as the scarring is not worth the potential "improvement."  Hope this helps.

Ricardo L. Rodriguez, MD · Answer

I agree with most who have recommended looking at dental issues. 
But for your info, on looking at your pictures, I can see 2 things: You have a slightly long lip, you show teeth when your mouth is relaxed and slightly open. This means you probably have a slightly long maxilla (upper jaw bone). In cases like yours, the lip lift may result in increased tooth show at rest. This is neither good nor bad, just a matter of preference. But that will impact how much shortening you will want to get. To get a better idea of tooth show try measuring like this:  
Practice in front of the mirror by putting your two index fingers under your nose and pulling up gently until you see a distance that you like. Don't worry if the shape of the lip looks funny. If the fingers are too close it will look like a bunny rabbit (too much tooth show) If the fingers are too far apart it looks like a snarl. But once you get an idea of that distance between nose and red border of the lip you are set to go.
The most important thing is that it gets you used to what a lip lift plus increased tooth show will look like in YOUR face.
If there is more tooth show than you like there are several options. You may try a lip implant as it lengthens total lip length. A lot of my patients choose this option. Another option is to shorten a tiny bit less to get a compromise between lip length and tooth show. Finally, a cosmetic dentist may shave a millimeter or so of your frontal incisors to lessen tooth show.
Finally, you are a young good looking person so I'm sure any result will look good- even if you don't do anything! Check on the link below for more info.

Gary Linkov, MD · Answer

There are surgical and non-surgical approaches to lip augmentation. Non-surgical approaches include botox (slight lift, reducing gum show) and filler (volume restoration). Surgically, you can have two separate incisions under the nose (italian), one incision under the nose (bull horn), one incision at the red/white upper lip junction (gull wing) or two separate incision at the corners, or a combination, depending on your desired look and anatomy. My preferred surgical technique is called the Elelyft, which is a version of the bullhorn approach. 
The ideal candidate for the Elelyft, or upper lip lift, is someone with a philtral length of 13mm or longer, no upper dental show, and/or a thin upper lip. The nasal base to mouth width ratio needs to be taken into consideration to avoid leaving the lip corners down. In your situation, I would recommend addressing the overbite first if possible. If you are unable or unwilling to undergo an oral surgery dental procedure then perhaps a lip lift could help. 
Consult with an experienced lip surgeon for a complete range of options that are appropriate for your situation.
Gary Linkov, MD
Lip Specialist
Manhattan

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

In your photograph in repose, you are showing more than 2 millimeters of incisor.  As others have said, if you have a dental issue with a deep overbite then that needs to be corrected.  After this has been corrected, you may change your incisor show and you may be a candidate for a lip lift later.  Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Miguel Mascaro, MD · Answer

Hi! Thank you for your question. To be honest with you, it’s more important to address the dental issues first prior to doing a lip lift. Particularly in your case. Since you already have to throw, addressing the teeth will affect health…. Once that is set, then you can address any sort of length discrepancy of the soft tissue. Hope this helps.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

based on these photos and short of in person evaluation I would not recommend lip lift in your case.

Would I be a good candidate for an upper lip lift? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Resolve dental issue before lip lift

Answer: Resolve dental issue before lip lift

Answer: Candidate for a lip lift

Answer: Candidate for a lip lift

Answer: No reason for lip lift

Answer: No reason for lip lift

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Everything you need to know about Lip Lift

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Would I be a good candidate for an upper lip lift? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Resolve dental issue before lip lift

Answer: Resolve dental issue before lip lift

Answer: Candidate for a lip lift

Answer: Candidate for a lip lift

Answer: No reason for lip lift

Answer: No reason for lip lift

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Lift

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