Can the Lateral Third of the Upper Lip Be Lifted Without Central Lift?

Question

Hi, I’m looking for advice regarding upper lip reshaping. My main concerns are that the lateral thirds of my upper lip sit lower than the centre, creating an M-shaped appearance, and i have a pointy cupids bow that doesn’t suit my face. When I gently lift just the sides (without lifting the centre), my upper lip looks straighter, fuller, and higher, and the Cupid’s bow appears softer and less pointed. This is the overall effect I’m hoping to achieve. I’ve attached a photo of my lips at rest and one where I lift the sides manually. The lifted photo shows the approximate amount of lift and contour change I’m looking for. Is it possible to significantly lift the lateral thirds without lifting the central portion? Would this require a direct lateral vermilion lift, or could it be achieved with a modified/extended subnasal lip lift? Also, could a limited vermilion advancement between my cupids bow peaks be added to further soften the contour? And could a small central lower lip reduction be done for balance? Would these typically be done together or separately? I’m mainly looking to understand what approach would realistically achieve this, and to find a surgeon experienced in these types of lip procedures.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your photos and your detailed explanation—it really helps to understand the effect you’re hoping to achieve.

Lifting the lateral thirds of the upper lip without affecting the central portion can be challenging because most traditional lip lifts, like the subnasal lift, tend to elevate the central part of the lip as well. A direct lateral vermilion lift can sometimes target the sides specifically, but it may leave subtle scars along the lateral vermilion border and requires precise planning to avoid an unnatural appearance.

A modified or extended subnasal lift could offer some lateral lift, but it’s usually difficult to isolate only the sides without some central change. Limited vermilion advancement between the Cupid’s bow peaks can help soften the central contour, and a small central lower lip reduction can provide additional balance if needed. These procedures can sometimes be done together, but often a staged approach is safer to assess the outcome and avoid overcorrection.

The most important factor is finding a surgeon experienced in nuanced lip reshaping who can evaluate your anatomy and create a plan tailored to your goals. Each approach has trade-offs between lift, scar placement, and long-term aesthetics, so a thorough consultation with before-and-after planning is key.

Can the Lateral Third of the Upper Lip Be Lifted Without Central Lift?

Answers (1)

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