Would a lip lift be the best way to shorten my philtrum? (Photos)

Question

Really dissatisfied with the length of my philtrum and with how thin my top lip is compared to my bottom lip. Was wondering if a lip lift surgery would be advisable? I'm quite young (21) and very pale so I assume scarring would be a risk factor but still hopeful that it could be done with the right doctor/method.

Gary Linkov, MD · Answer

There are surgical and non-surgical approaches to lip augmentation. Non-surgical approaches include botox (slight lift, reducing gum show) and filler (volume restoration). Surgically, you can have two separate incisions under the nose (italian), one incision under the nose (bull horn), one incision at the red/white upper lip junction (gull wing) or two separate incisions at the corners, or a combination, depending on your desired look and anatomy. My preferred surgical technique is called the Elelyft, which is a version of the bullhorn approach. The ideal candidate for the Elelyft, or upper lip lift, is someone with a philtral length of 13mm or longer, no upper dental show, and/or a thin upper lip. The nasal base to mouth width ratio needs to be taken into consideration to avoid leaving the lip corners down. This will give you a more permanent solution.

Gary Linkov, MD 
Lip Specialist / RealSelf Lip Lift Medical Reviewer 
Manhattan

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

A lip lift does 4 things: shortens the distance between your nose and upper lip, increases the mucosa of the 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.  You would be a candidate for a lip lift.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ali Gurlek, MD · Answer

Greetings thanks for your question and photos,
you are a perfect candidate for a liplift surgery to reduce the space between your nose and lips

Rhett N. Willis, Jr., MD · Answer

In repose (relaxed with mouth slightly open), you should see 2-4mm of upper tooth show in females. From the lateral view, it doesn't appear that your philtrum is too long. I would recommend starting with a temporary intervention such as lip filler to address your thin upper lip. If it works, great, and it has saved you a potentially, unnecessary, permanent surgery. Hope this helps. Dr. W

Would a lip lift be the best way to shorten my philtrum? (Photos)

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Answer: Lip Lift

Answer: Lip Lift

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Would a lip lift be the best way to shorten my philtrum? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Lip Lift

Answer: Lip Lift

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Lift

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