Concerns around philtrum length and incisor show - Am I a good candidate for a lip lift? (photo)

I recommend an eccentric lip lift. This does 4 things: shortens the distance between your nose and upper lip, increases the mucosa of the upper lip, increases the incisor show and pulls up the corners. This takes 1 hour to perform under local anesthesia and costs $4,000.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Based on the first photo you put, your philtrum seems to be a proportionate length for the rest of your face. I do see what you mean about the lack of incisoral show but I would have to trial doing botox instead to the upper lip/gummy smile to see if that can help with your problem. You have a bit of an overprojection of your teeth from the side view photo, so doing a lip lift can be risky for you.

Your show the 2 requirements for a good candidate-making in bullhorn lifts:
-long philtrum (distance between nose and upper lip)
-flat lip

But... beware! the big big downside of this lip lift is the visible scar for a lifetime at the nasal base, very few patients tolerate it well, and if the surgeon over corrects the skin removal and creates hyper tension at the closure... the scar is going to be wide and deform the nose (not if the surgeon is good calculating his gestures).

So, good theoretical case but dubious regarding the scars that you have to give second thoughts before proceeding, once done it is irreversible.

Otherwise: easy procedure, local anesthesia, quick recovery.

Thank you for sharing your concerns so openly. It’s very natural to notice details like philtrum length and incisor show, especially when you’re clean-shaven, since these proportions play an important role in facial balance and harmony.

From what you’ve described, the limited incisors show at rest and even with smiling, combined with your concern about philtrum length, are classic reasons why some patients consider a lip lift. A well-performed lip lift can shorten the philtrum and increase tooth show without necessarily making the upper lip look unnaturally full. The goal is balance and proportion, not exaggeration.

Your hesitation is completely valid, as overfilling or poorly planned treatment can distort natural lip shape. Unlike filler or Botox, which may not adequately address the underlying proportion issues you’ve described, a lip lift directly changes the relationship between the lip and philtrum, which is why it’s often recommended in cases like yours.

That being said, surgical candidacy depends on your anatomy, skin quality, and desired outcome. Based on your description and photo, you do sound like a potential candidate, particularly if your priority is improving incisor show and reducing philtrum length, rather than just altering lip volume.

The most important thing is that your treatment aligns with your goals and preserves your natural features, enhancing, not changing, your overall look.