I really hate the distance between my nose and lips and the lack of philtrum definition.

Question

Would I be a good candidate for a lip lift? I am worried about how it would leave the base of my nose, particularly as my nose is already quite asymmetric. I have also noticed that some surgeons seem to produce very small scars compared to others. I would like to know what the technique is that produces the smallest scar so that I can quiz the surgeon.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

An upper lip lift does three things:
1. Shortens the distance of the base of the nose to the upper lip Vermilion.
2. Allows your upper teeth to be seen, which is aesthetically beneficial in most cases.
3. Everts the upper lip Vermilion (rolls it outwards) to a very minor degree. I tell my patients that if they are coming to me for an upper lip lift and expect a a good deal of added "real estate" to their upper lip, they will be disappointed. 
An upper lip lift will give you an alluring, model-type look as you see in the glossy fashion magazines. To get a complete assessment, a plastic surgeon needs to see you in person and also assess your upper lip against the backdrop of your upper teeth when your mouth is slightly parted.

Somyos Kunachak, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi splodge2001,We understand that you are not happy with your lip nose distance but lip lift will also increase the thickness of your upper lip. If this fine with you, then upper lip lift can be done. A bullhorn lip lift will leave a minimal scar and it can be kept to a minimum if tension can be avoided during surgery and while recovering.

I really hate the distance between my nose and lips and the lack of philtrum definition.

Answers (2)