Same Size for Both Lips During Augmentation?

Question

Do doctors typically make the lips the same size or the upper lip smaller during lip augmentation?

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

As already correctly noted, the upper lip is generally smaller than the lower.  For purposes of augmentation, this relationship should be preserved.  However, there are anatomic variants and at times, the upper lip may be at least equal in size to the lower.  If the patient so desires, this ratio can be maintained during the procedure.  Generally speaking, making a small upper lip larger than the lower lip is less aesthetically appealing.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

Lips need to be balanced. The key is to think about not just the size of the lips, but also their position relative to the rest of the face.
As we age, our upper lips get longer in addition to thinner. You need to think about this as getting the upper teeth to show a bit either with a lip lift or with a filler can help you get the results you really want.
It can also be a good idea to bring in a picture of lips you find attractive. While you can't necessarily get that look exactly, your facial plastic surgeon can speak with you about the characteristics you like and work with you towards an excellent outcome.

Grace Liu, MD · Answer

Hi,

	Most experienced injectors preserve and enhance your normal anatomy which is a proportion or 30-40% upper lip to 70-60% lower lip.  That being said, each person's lips in relationship to other aspects of their face especially the lips and nose are different.  I often hear of patients saying that they unlike unnaturally full upper and lower lips.  It is best to bring in pictures of lips that you like that fit your facial structure and ask your provider if that is possible to achieve in your face.  During the process of augmentation, have the provider show you what they have done so far to see if it is close to achieving the look you want.  Always remember, less is more.  You can always do more later after you get used to your new look.

Lavinia K. Chong, MD · Answer

We are flooded with images of celebrities' lips, which get our attention because they look odd.  Craniofacial standards suggest that the "normal" proportions of upper to lower lip should approximate 40:60.  That being said, the ability to produce beauty in lip augmentation depends on the patient's anatomy, the injector's aesthetic sense and the presence of scars and prior history of injectables.  Many of my patients have benefitted from subtle volume enhancement with Hyaluronic acid products (Restylane or Juvederm, dealer's choice).  Frequent, small doses allows the patient to resume socializing without being pointed out as a "trout pout" or duck lips.  Although Angelina or Scarlett's lips are desirable, it's important to ensure that a full lip compliments the face, not dominates it.  Good luck.

Philip Young, MD · Answer

In fact, the upper lip should be about 1/2 the size as the lower lips to maintain the correct balance within the face. The puckering that you create with lip augmentation should also be very specific. The upper lip puckering should be in the central 1/4 or about an iris width. The lower lip pucker should be about 3 iris widths. The height of the upper and lower lips should be about 1/2 and 1 iris widths respectively.

Same Size for Both Lips During Augmentation?

Answers (9)

Answer: Lip proportions

Answer: Lip proportions

Answer: Upper lips should always be smaller during augmentation

Answer: Upper lips should always be smaller during augmentation

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.

Same Size for Both Lips During Augmentation?

Answers (9)

Answer: Lip proportions

Answer: Lip proportions

Answer: Upper lips should always be smaller during augmentation

Answer: Upper lips should always be smaller during augmentation

Browse related questions

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.