The middle of my upper lip is uneven, my left side having much more volume than my right to the point of drooping (Photo)

Question

I was wondering what the cause of this usually is, and how to fix it

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Looking at your photo, it does appear that your upper lip has asymmetry, with the left side having slightly more volume and appearing to droop compared to the right.
This can happen for a few reasons:

Natural asymmetry – Most people have subtle differences in their lips that become more noticeable over time or after certain movements.

Muscle imbalance – The orbicularis oris muscle, which surrounds the mouth, may be stronger or tighter on one side, causing uneven lip movement or resting shape.

Previous trauma or injections – If you’ve had fillers, dental work, or even minor injuries, they can temporarily or permanently alter lip shape.

Aging changes – Loss of collagen or uneven tissue support can exaggerate asymmetry.

Ways this can be addressed:

Dermal fillers – Carefully placed filler can restore symmetry by adding volume to the thinner side or subtly lifting the drooping area.

Botox – In cases where muscle pull is causing the asymmetry, a small amount of Botox can relax the overactive side to create balance.

Combination approach – Sometimes a small touch of both filler and Botox gives the most natural, symmetrical outcome.

The key is subtlety. Overfilling or overcorrecting can make asymmetry more noticeable, so treatments should be conservative and tailored to your facial dynamics.
If the asymmetry appeared suddenly, it would be important to consider a medical evaluation to rule out nerve or vascular issues, but from your photo, this looks more like a long-standing, natural variation.

Anna Petropoulos, MD, FRCS · Answer

Hello Awesome71664, thank you for your question. From the photos provided, and assuming your filler was placed at least 1 month ago, it appears as though too much filler was placed in the middle (medial) part of the lip compared to the sides (lateral). I agree that one side appears to be emptier. The easiest way to fix an asymmetry would be to add filler in the more empty areas. If this is not an option, or if you would prefer to decrease the volume then the provider would dissolve it using Hylenex. Hope this helps! Genie Alexander, RN BSN for Dr. Anna Petropoulos, MD FRCS at Center for Classic Beauty, Danvers & Boston, MA.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

We all have facial asymmetry to some degree and that can include our lips.  Fillers are a great way to add volume and balance asymmetry.  The treatment is done in the office with some improvement seen right away.  The results last between 6 to 12 months, sometimes longer.  See an expert injector near you to learn more.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

Every single person in the world has some form of assymmetry on the face and body. The amount of asymmetry in your lips is minimal and does not require any attention but if you wish, you can definitely give it a shot and have someone corrected with the use of fillers. I hope this helps and good luck from New York City Plastic Surgery.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

All people have facial asymmetry, and this will often present in mild lip, a symmetry as well.
During embryological development, the upper lip forms as three separate segments that eventually fuse.Anatomically, we usually view the upper lip as having three segments and the lower lip as having a left and right segment. 
 Failure of complete lip fusion leads to malformations like a cleft lip.
Your lip looks pretty normal in the pictures you’ve included.
I don’t see any need for intervention.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

The middle of my upper lip is uneven, my left side having much more volume than my right to the point of drooping (Photo)

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