Would a lip lift improve my rounded/convex upper-lip profile? (Photos)

Question

I’m considering a lip lift and would like an honest opinion on my upper lip from these profile photos. I feel like my upper lip looks too projected, convex, and rounded for my face, and I would prefer a more upward-curving/C-curve appearance. Do you think a lip lift would improve this, or could it make the projection/roundness more noticeable? Could the appearance I’m noticing instead be related to the way my nose or chin balances with my lips? And is there a procedure that could actually give me more of that upward-curving/C-curve look?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Yes, a lip lift can change the shape and position of the upper lip, but it is not necessarily the best procedure if your main concern is that the upper lip already looks too projected or convex.

A traditional subnasal or “bullhorn” lip lift removes a small amount of skin beneath the nose and brings the upper lip upward. This typically shortens the philtrum, increases the amount of visible vermilion, and can increase tooth show. Importantly, studies also show that a lip lift can increase anterior lip projection, so if your primary concern is an already prominent or rounded upper lip, a conventional lip lift could potentially make that feature more noticeable rather than correcting it.

Could the appearance actually be related to your nose or chin?

Absolutely. The appearance of lip projection is not determined by the lips alone. The nasal projection, nasolabial angle, upper-jaw position, and chin projection all contribute to how the lips look in profile.

For example, a relatively retrusive chin can make the lips appear more prominent even when the lips themselves are not excessively projected. Likewise, the relationship between the base of the nose and upper lip can change how convex the upper lip appears.

This is why I would be careful about deciding on a lip procedure based solely on the lip itself. Facial proportions have to be considered as a whole.

What about achieving more of a C-curve?

If by a C-curve you mean a profile where the upper lip has a slightly more lifted, defined central contour without adding forward bulk, that is a different goal from simply shortening the upper lip.

A lip lift can create more vermilion show and some eversion, but it does not necessarily create a specific “C-curve” shape. Depending on the anatomy, carefully placed filler can sometimes modify the contour, while a surgical approach can alter the vertical position and shape of the upper lip. However, adding filler would not necessarily be ideal if your concern is already too much forward projection.

The most important distinction is vertical lift versus forward projection. A conventional lip lift primarily changes the vertical relationship of the upper lip, but measurable increases in sagittal projection have also been reported.

So, based on the concern you described, I would not automatically choose a lip lift simply because you want a more upward-curving appearance. If the lip is already convex in profile, the surgical plan would need to account for that so that the result doesn't unintentionally exaggerate the projection.

In facial aesthetics, a subtle change that improves the relationship between the nose, lips, and chin can often look much more natural than trying to reshape the lip in isolation.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

A lip lift will straighten the convex upper lip. However, the disadvantage will be that it makes the upper lip fuller and it is already full enough. I think you would be a poor candidate for a lip lift. One thing to consider would be a rhinoplasty to increase the projection of the nose and also consider a chin implant as this may help balance your face more.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on these photos and your desire, upper lip lift should not be a procedure to consider, on the contrary. Lip reduction would be more appropriate in my opinion. Good luck.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

You would be wise to consult with an experienced,  board certified cosmetic dermatologist filler injection expert to discuss the use of a low viscosity, malleable, cohesive HA filler for enhancing the vermilion border of the upper lip. This may just give you the lift you are looking for.  A test treatment, to allow you to see what the outcome might be, using ordinary saline or diluted anesthetic solution can be used to at least give you an idea of what the actual outcome would be from actual treatment with the HA Filler. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

Your lips look great. They are full, nicely shaped, and in a good position. They could possibly be moved as you wish with a lip lift but we'd want to see a picture of your mouth with your lips slightly open to assess tooth position in order to give an informed answer.

Would a lip lift improve my rounded/convex upper-lip profile? (Photos)

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