Will Lip Augmentation (Possibly Via Injections) Make my Lips Close Naturally? (photo)

Question

My lips have never touched at rest. My bottom lip is very full and my top lip quite thin, so I was wondering if I got my top lip augmented, maybe my lips would close naturally. I can force them to close, but then my chin looks odd- dimpled from mentalis strain. The lip incompetency really messes up how I look. I need a solution that won't alter my face too much or be too costly. Jaw surgery isn't necessary- I have a perfect bite from having braces. If only I could get my lips to close!

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Although your appearance will be helped with fillers or other form of upper lip augmentation it will NOT completely correct your problem with closure of your lips at rest. This condition is called a "Gummy Smile" and usually do to a vertical excess of bone from your upper jaw (maxilla). Shortening this distance will correct your facial harmony at the same time allowing your lips to close naturally. A chin implant will also help your profile, but I disagree with one of the experts who thought this alone will correct your problem. An Orthodontist, Plastic Surgeon with Craniofacial experience or an Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon  should be consulted to figure out what is best for you.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

OMG.  I meant to write this up years ago.  Chin implants, in my practice, have corrected lip incompetency 100% of the time.  You have a long distance from your lip down to the bottom of your chin, and a retrusive chin.  A chin implant, probably a #2 or 3, chin jowl, will correct your retrusive chin, will visually shorten your overly long lower face, and correct your lip incompetency all at the same time. 

	In my practice, the implants are placed through an intra oral incision and anchored in place with a titanium screw.  No visible scars, quick recovery.  The whole surgery takes 30 minutes.

	Unfortunately, filling your upper lip will do very little to correct this incompetency.  Also, the funny look of your chin when you try to close your mouth is due to the mentalis muscle fibers furiously working to elevate your lip which can be done easily with a silastic chin implant. 

	Please get a consultation with a Board Certified plastic surgeon in your city.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Filling the upper lip with fillers such as juvederm/restylane/belotero ($550/syringe) does great for 4-6 months. Placing a permanent implant in costs rougly $1500-2000 and takes about 20 minutes under local anesthesia and lasts forever. Sincerely,

	David Hansen,MD

Kevin Tehrani, MD, FACS · Answer

What you are trying to achieve can be done with a combination of injectables. For your upper lip, you can undergo Restylane or Juvederm (lasts longer) as well as Botox to lower the mid portion of your upper lip. In addition, you may undergo Botox injections in the mentalist muscle (chin) to decrease the prominence and further close the gap. Please look for an advanced injectable practitioner for providing these services. Best of luck.

Craig Mezrow, MS, MD, FACS · Answer

There are variety of products that can be used to enhance or augment lips as well as improve symmetry.  It is recommended to be evaluated and discuss appropriate options with your physician.

Will Lip Augmentation (Possibly Via Injections) Make my Lips Close Naturally? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Lip injections with fillers and Botox

Answer: Lip injections with fillers and Botox

Answer: Lip Augmentaiton

Answer: Lip Augmentaiton

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Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers

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Will Lip Augmentation (Possibly Via Injections) Make my Lips Close Naturally? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Lip injections with fillers and Botox

Answer: Lip injections with fillers and Botox

Answer: Lip Augmentaiton

Answer: Lip Augmentaiton

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.