Lip lift on average philtrum? I'm interested in a lip lift to help "roll out" my upper lip.

Question

I'm interested in a lip lift to help "roll out" my upper lip which is always a little tucked in (especially on the sides). I have an average philtrum, and am not as worried about philtrum shortening. In fact, when I smile I have a VERY short philtrum, and I'd be afraid of taking away too much skin. Is there a version of the lip lift that will focus more on rolling out my upper lip and not overly shorten my philtrum? Is the VY lift my best option? Or a lateral/corner lip lift?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your upper lip is less vertical height than your lower lip.  A lip lift will roll that out more, will shortens the distance between your nose and upper lip, increases the incisor show and pulls up the corners.  The procedure takes less than 1 hour to perform under local anesthesia and costs $3,000.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Anthony Farole, DMD · Answer

I think your lips and smile are beautiful. I wouldn’t touch them. However, given your complaint and goal, I do not recommend a lip lift. A filler or Permalip implant to your upper lip will roll the vermillion border out which is what you said you are looking for. If you would get a lip lift, it will expose your teeth at rest and could cause a gummy smile when you smile/animate. It depends on whether the last two sequale I mentioned are something you are looking for or do not want.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos. It appears that your upper lip is not overly long and you have a great smile with great teeth show. One problem will be if you shorten your upper lip for more vertical height of the red lip, you may end up inadvertently ruining your smile with too much visible gum line. Rather than shortening the philtrum/upper lip. You may be better served with lip filler to volumize the red portion of the lip. Hope this helps!

Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Lip lift on average philtrum? I'm interested in a lip lift to help "roll out" my upper lip.

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Lip lift on average philtrum? I'm interested in a lip lift to help "roll out" my upper lip.

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Everything you need to know about Lip Lift

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