Every time I take a picture my lips are crooked. Is this due to my jaw, lip muscles? (photo)

Question

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This needs an in-person evaluation, but everyone has some asymmetries. 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

Amiya Prasad, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You submitted one photo, and say every time you take a picture, your lip appears to be crooked. You want to know if this is because of your jaw or because of lip muscles.
I can certainly with you how I evaluate patients who often have exactly the same concern. A little background: I’m a Board-certified cosmetic surgeon and Fellowship-trained oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. I have been in practice in Manhattan and Long Island for over 20 years. Helping people improve the appearance of their lips is something we do in our practice every day. 
First. It is very important to recognize that the human face is naturally asymmetric. The basis for that asymmetry is the bone structure. You’re kind of on the right track when you ask about the jaw. I explain to my patients that we’re all beautifully imperfect, and one side of the face is always more projected than the other. 
When we want to improve symmetry and aesthetics of the lips, we use some basic principles including the Golden Ratio. The Golden Ratio applies to lips for balance between the size and shape of the upper lip compared to the lower lip. It’s often described as the one third to two thirds ratio, or 1:1.6. Very often, people who come to us are concerned about their lips, and are incredibly afraid of looking overdone thanks to the body dysmorphia of many celebrities who end up overdoing their lips and looking unnatural. 
Using those guidelines, you can consider using a filler such as something in the hyaluronic acid family to add volume to areas where there is a relative deficit, and at the same time, the volume creates enhancement so the crooked appearance doesn't look as obvious. 
With the muscles around the lips, we do something called a Botox® lip lift. This relaxes certain muscles, specifically the depressor anguli oris muscle so the corners of the lips come up a little. For someone who has asymmetry where one side of the corner of the mouth is a little lower than the other, if they’re both slightly upturned, it might create the illusion of more balance. 
Not directly associated with the lip is the chin. There is a muscle called the mentalis that is responsible for chin dimpling. If we use Botox® to relax that muscle, the lip can also get a little benefit from that. 
You probably concluded there is a lot of nuance and art in doing this. It’s very important for you to find a physician who can develop these ideas with you, and examine you in a way to provide a three-dimensional understanding of the anatomy, and the interactions of the muscles that affect the lips. Develop a strategy that will be of potential value. I didn't further mention you can also place fillers in different areas to help enhance the lips indirectly, so there really is so much art to this. I hope that was helpful, I wish you the best of luck, and thank you for your question.This personalized video answer to your question is posted on RealSelf and on YouTube. To provide you with a personal and expert response, we use the image(s) you submitted on RealSelf in the video, but with respect to your privacy, we only show the body feature in question so you are not personally identifiable. If you prefer not to have your video question visible on YouTube, please contact us.

Jeffrey Jumaily, MD · Answer

lip asymmetry is a common finding in many patients. This is completely normal. If it bothers you, sometimes filler can help augment the lips and hide these minor asymmetries but they never completely disappear, a perfect example is in the link. A consultation in person is helpful. Best wishes

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photo. It is difficult to tell what is the reason for your asymmetry without a thorough in-person examination. For minor assymmetries such as yours, using an injectable filler can help re-shape your lips and improve their appearance. The results are long lasting and you can maintain the look with touch-ups. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD Plastic Surgery@drjohnsonlee

Every time I take a picture my lips are crooked. Is this due to my jaw, lip muscles? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Crooked lips

Answer: Crooked lips

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers

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

Every time I take a picture my lips are crooked. Is this due to my jaw, lip muscles? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Crooked lips

Answer: Crooked lips

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers

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