My lips are very flat, uneven, and my top lip is small. Lip lift or injection for desired look?

Question

I would like the appearance of more “red” of my lips, so to speak. I feel that my current lip shape would look weird with injections alone, but I am not sure. However, I do not want the appearance of my smile to change too drastically or become gummy. Ideally, my lips would look the way I overdraw them with makeup (last picture).

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  As you want a conservative lip augmentation I would favor use of a hyaluronic acid dermal filler to improve your red lip volume.  Though a lip lift would be an option with the perceived appearance of a long nose to lip length this would incur a noticeable scar along the bottom portion of your nose.  Hope this helps.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Lip injections can work to create more symmetry in your lips, and increase the volume to show more "red" of your lips. I suggest that you consult with your board certified facial plastic surgeon to determine if this procedure would, in fact, deliver your desired results.
Best wishes,

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question. Strategically placed filler, containing hyaluronic acids such as Juvederm, Restylane, and Volbella, can create fuller volume in the lips. Indeed, it can even suddenly change the shape of the lip as well. However, if you have significant lip shape issues, such as a long upper lip or drooping corners, then you could opt additionally for other procedures, such as an upper and/or corner lip lift. Best to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in lip augmentation

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Lip augmentations with fillers is a great option to improve the fullness, suppleness and symmetry of the lips. I prefer to use a micro cannula to inject the lips to prevent bruising. Look for a cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon who is an expert in fillers. 
I hope this helps.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You would get a nice improvement with lip fillers. These fillers, (Volbella, Restylane, Juvederm) are good to create a full and symmetrical lip. Nova threads can be used to improve lift and shape. Implants or fat are alternatives. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a facial sculpting expert to go over your desired results. Best, Dr. Emer

Anthony Corrado, DO · Answer

From your photos, it appears you would be an excellent candidate for lip augmentation with fillers (ie Juvederm or Restylane).  This is an easy in office procedure which takes about 15 minutes.  The procedure would provide you with greater lip volume and "pout", specifically for the upper lip.  I feel you do not need a surgical lip lift at this time.  Fillers would provide a minimally invasive means to give you the look you want.  In office consultation is recommended to further evaluate.  I have provided a link below.  Good Luck!

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Holly.   I am not a fan of lip lift surgery because scarring can be an issue and results erratic. I would recommend conservative lip augmentation with Hyaluronic Acid, like Juvederm Ultra plus to see if you like the look. Another option is fat transfer which is more permanent. It is done under local anesthesia and fat is usually taken from the lower abdomen or thighs. Studies show that at least 1/3 of transferred fat last forever. Seek out a board certified plastic surgeon in your area, Good Luck!

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Your photos were very helpful. Ideally, in frontat view, the upper lip should constitute about one-third of the entire volume of the both lips together. Put another way, the upper lip should be approximately half the volume of the lower, which is clearly not the case here, with the upper lip being considerably less full than the lower. In profile view, the upper lip should ideally extend out about 1-2mm beyond the pout of the lower lip, which again is clearly not the case here. A volumizing filler, such as Juvederm Ultra Plus XC, which I would select in my Manhattan office, would make an fine choice for addressing these issues. (In my Israel satellite facility, where a far greater number of regulatory agency approved injectable volumizers are available, I would opt for Princess Volume). Lips should not be left to the hands of novice injectors accustomed only to treating ordinary smile lines with simple Restylane or plain Juvederm. Improperly performed or overdone, the results can be the much unwanted "duck lips" (aka "trout pout" or "sausage" lips). Make sure you consult with a board certified aesthetic physician and ask to see his/her before and after photos of nonsurgical lip augmentation before agreeing to proceed. Best of luck to you.

Mehdi Sina, MD · Answer

Hi,Thank you for including photographs. The obvious difference between a lip lift and lip fillers are that the lip lift is a surgical procedure that is not reversible. The lip lift will also shorten the length of the white lip (the area from the base of the nose to the red lip), increase the red lip and increase the amount of tooth show. In your photos, it does appear that you have a long white lip, so shortening it will be aesthetically pleasing and unlikely to give you a gummy smile. Having said all that, it is best to start conservatively and try fillers first. If you like the results and want a permanent option, a lip lift will suit you well.Best, Mehdi Sina, MD

Anteneh Roba, MD · Answer

I would suggest Hyaluronic acid based lip fillers like Volbella or restylane silk would be appropriate treatment for you.

My lips are very flat, uneven, and my top lip is small. Lip lift or injection for desired look?

Answers (20)