How to fix an ugly smile - crooked upper lip. (photos)

Question

My smile has always been ugly. The problem is when I smile my upper lip is crooked, my cheeks become fat and have no dimensions, my bottom lip comes up covering my teeth, my chin points out. It just look awful. I stopped smiling in photos cause I look like a drunk 300 lb woman.

Douglas Wu, MD · Answer

Please don't stop smiling just because you are self-conscious about the asymmetry of your lips. First, it's perfectly normal for the lips to thin out during a smile. The cheeks also usually look fuller.
 
In repose, your lips are quite attractive. Very precise and judicious use of hyaluronic-acid dermal fillers such as Volbella and Restylane Silk can be expertly applied to make your lips look more symmetrical when you smile. And although this may sound silly, you can try practicing a smile in the mirror that looks more flattering. Movie stars and models do it, so why not you? Consulting with a board-certified dermatologist will give you a better idea of the improvement you can expect with Volbella or another dermal filler.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear a55555,From the photos you have posted, injectable fillers will help bring symmetry to your smile. I would recommend using a conservative amount at first, and then using more as needed in order to avoid further asymmetry.In addition, I think you would benefit from Botox placed in the masseter muscles of the cheek to give your face a slimmer, more defined look. When you are ready, please look at before and after photos on my website and we can set up an in-person consultation to address your concerns and answer all of your questions.Best regards,Nima Shemirani

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Your asymmetry is only apparent when you smile, so correction must be done with great care because your lips are quite attractive when in repose. I recommend correction with a filler like Juvederm Ultra plus by an experienced injector very conservatively because over correction will cause another asymmetry. If you like the result, then you can consider fat transfer for a longer lasting result. Seek out a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist with lots of experience treating lips. Good luck!

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The service should be natural and balanced.  The lower lip needs to be stronger than the upper lip.  Avoid permanent fillers that can't be adjusted.  While it should be possible to find treatment in Las Vegas, I have many patients who travel to Beverly Hills for service.  Finally avoid lip surgery and implants.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You would get a nice improvement with lip fillers. These fillers, (Volbella, Restylane, Juvederm) are good to create a symmetrical lip. Implants or fat are alternatives. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a facial sculpting expert. Best, Dr. Emer

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

There are definitely options available to treat an asymmetric smile. Filler, Botox, and lip lift are three potential options. My advice would be to consult with an experienced facial plastic surgeon who can examine the area and give you some different options.

John S. Won, MD · Answer

Hi there,
Thanks for posting your question. At rest, your lips look great. They are symmetrical and body volume of the lips are good. Has nice proportion to upper and lower lips. I do think that lateral borders of the lips has unproportionally less volume than mid portions of lips. I feel that you can use more volume for the lateral side of the lips to make your lip more proportional to the width of base of the nose. This is good segway for addressing your uneven smile. When you smile right part of the upper lip moves up higher than left side. It could be volume issue vs uneven contracture of the muscles that controls your smile. It's a subtle difference so I would recommend experienced clinician to evaluate this difference. 
I think you can address your uneven smile concern with well planned injection of fillers (along with botox if needed).
Hope this helps!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I am sorry to hear that you are having some concerns about your smile. Based on your photos, you appear to be a good candidate for lip augmentation to fix the asymmetry in your upper lip. I suggest using a hyaluronic acid based filler such as Juvederm as this can be dissolved if you are unhappy with the results. I recommend having a consultation with an expert injector to determine the best treatment plan for you. Best of Luck!

Margaret Weiss, MD · Answer

Your chin and cheeks look fine when you smile, so please don't worry about them. Your lip does look crooked, but this can be remedied with a hyaluronic-acid based filler such as Juvederm, Restylane, Restylane Silk, or Volbella. The HA fillers look and feel very natural. It will take a lot of skill to give you the improvement you want, so please see a board-certified dermatologist who is an expert injector to help you fix your smile.

Alim R. Devani, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Thanks for your question. This is a question that we get asked often by our patients.
  In my professional experience, it is possible to consistently gain better symmetry and overall shape of lips with injection of hyaluronic acid lip fillers as it allows you to completely reverse the results if you do not like them.  While these are temporary (lasting about 6 months) they are quick, simple and have minimal pain or down time. For the best results please consult a board certified dermatologist with experience with dermal filler and hyaluronic acid cosmetic injections.

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How to fix an ugly smile - crooked upper lip. (photos)

Answers (16)

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