Lip Lift Possible With Fillers?

Question

Can you achieve a lip lift using fillers? I just had a facelift and the doctor did not address my mouth area, therefor the lip area is still very much thin and wrinkled, as it's too late now I'm 4.5 weeks post op, so my question is can fillers be placed under the nose and at the sides of the mouth to bring the lip upwards? When I press under my nose I have my lip back so it's not a matter of filling the lips but in raising them.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Fillers will not "lift" the upper lip. Fillers such as Juvederm are very effective at plumping or reshaping the lips but will not shorten the white portion of the lip. Surgery is required to achieve what you're seeking. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACS

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Good day! It is difficult to assess without in person examination or at least a photo. The position of your lips is important in determining if you need a lift or just a filler. You will then decide the type of lift you need to undergo or the type of filler that suits your long term goals. For your guidance, there are lip lifts that can shorten the distance from your upper lip to the base of the nose, and others that can elevate the corners of the mouth. All have different goals but ultimately gives a more younger and proportioned lips/smile.There are other non invasive options such as Botox, Dysport or similar muscle relaxers can be used to soften the smoker’s lines and allow the corners of the mouth to turn up. But it is still best to have an in person examination with a board-certified surgeon in your area that has extensive experience with your case. Best of luck! #RealSelf100

James M. Pearson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. There is a distinct difference between adding volume to the upper lip and lifting the upper lip. The answer as to which approach may be most appropriate for you depends upon exactly what you would like to accomplish.
Simple volumization of the upper lip may be accomplished using dermal fillers, fat transfer to the lips or lip implantation.
  
The Lip Lift procedure is performed to accentuate the size and/or shape of the upper lip by removing skin from the region just underneath the nose. As the distance is decreased between the nose and the lip, the red lip is 'lifted'. In appropriate individuals, shortening this distance may impart or restore a more favorable balance to lips and face. Although not the primary goal of the lip lift procedure, in some cases following a lip lift, there is some 'rolling out' of the upper lip which appears to add lip volume. This is most apparent in individuals with more full upper lips. 
  
In general, volumizing the lip does not 'lift' the lip or decrease the distance between the nose and upper lip.

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

An examination would of course be needed but in general there are different ways to do a lip lift that may help to rejuvenate your lips. Seeing a board certified plastic surgeon would be the next step. Fillers only minimally lift the lip through volume restoration but does not correct the problem if the distance between the upper lip and nostril is too long.

Lip Lift Possible With Fillers?

Answers (4)