My top lip hangs over my top teeth when I smile and talk. What would be my best option? (photos)

Question

When i smile or talk my top lip covers all my top teeth. I feel very insecure about it and i want to do something about it. What would be my best option? I have considered lip lift porcelain veneers orthognathic surgery If there is anything else can can be done please inform me I am not sure what else is available and what is best suited to help my smile. thanks

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

you can get a lip lift and fillers to help. there is no other option unless you want to change your jaw/mid face with a maxillofacial surgrey.  also getting veneers may help. I suggest seeing an expert we do all that in our practice. Best, Dr. Emer.

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 incision 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. 
In your situation, you may benefit from a lip lift and/or a lip reduction given the extra red lip that you appear to have. Additional photos and a consultation would be needed prior to a final recommendation.
Consult with an experienced lip surgeon for a complete range of options that are appropriate for your situation.
Gary Linkov, MD
Lip Specialist / RealSelf Lip Lift Medical Reviewer
Manhattan

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  You may be a candidate for a lip lift but it will depend on an in-person examination and what your current lip appearance is like while at rest.  Hope this helps.

Lesley A. Rabach, MD · Answer

You could definitely benefit from a lip lift. This would shorten your philtrum and expose more of your lip at rest as well as expose more of your teeth when your mouth is open. There should not be a noticeable scar as your surgeon will be able to tuck it in the fold of the lower nose. Long term, there are no negative side effects of a lip lift. I would recommend consulting a board-certified facial plastic surgeon to discuss your options

My top lip hangs over my top teeth when I smile and talk. What would be my best option? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Lip lift

Answer: Lip lift

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My top lip hangs over my top teeth when I smile and talk. What would be my best option? (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.