Does a lip lift deepen laugh lines?

Question

Could getting a bullhorn lip lift deepen existing laugh lines or cause indentions in the skin on either side of the upper lip? Thanks!

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Older types of lip lifts did deeper nasolabial folds  in a small number of cases because more skin was taken out on the outside of the nose in an attempt to elevate more of the corners of the upper lip. I have done thousands of upper lip lifts and in order to get that alluring "model" look or indeed, just a natural look without an "A frame" or "rabbit" appearance a modified design of the skin excision needs to be performed. In this design, more skin is taken out on the outside of the nose but  consequently more support is needed to prevent distortion or scar widening. Therefore, I employ my  OOS lift technique  to secure the muscle to the lining of the bone. This gives  vastly superior results in terms of  permanency, shape, minimal scarring and nasal distortion.  Early attempts at this technique did result in some cases of deepening folds. No instances of deepening laugh lines occurred. With the latest techniques however, nasolabial folds are actually  diminished and the results of an upper lip lift are stealth- like because they change  the whole face and not just the lip in ways that other people cannot detect.

In general, an upper lip lift will target the area under the nose thus should not exacerbate any nasal labial folds. It will give you an alluring, model-type look as you see in the glossy fashion magazines.

And upper lip 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.

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.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

There are many options for wrinkles and contouring on the face with fillers, fat, sculptra and/or PRP.  please see an expert.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Lip lifts and nasolabial creases? A  lip lift will not deep in the nasal labial creases.  Having done this procedure on hundreds of transgender patients as well as other females I find this procedure gets very satisfying results if properly done.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  A lip lift will not deepen your laugh lines or cause indentations.  When researching this procedure, please be aware of the scarring that can result.  Best wishes.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The surgery is limited to just under the nose.  It should not deepen the nasolabial lines.  However it does tend to distort the shape of the lip because only the portion of the lip directly below the nose is actually lift.  I see many patients who are very disappointed with this procedure.

Does a lip lift deepen laugh lines?

Answers (6)

Answer: Does a lip lift deepen laugh lines?

Answer: Does a lip lift deepen laugh lines?

Answer: Be careful it is often a very unsatisfactory surgery.

Answer: Be careful it is often a very unsatisfactory surgery.

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Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers

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Does a lip lift deepen laugh lines?

Answers (6)

Answer: Does a lip lift deepen laugh lines?

Answer: Does a lip lift deepen laugh lines?

Answer: Be careful it is often a very unsatisfactory surgery.

Answer: Be careful it is often a very unsatisfactory surgery.

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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.