Will a lip lift remove the horizontal line on my top lip when I smile? And will a shorter philtrum suit me? (photos)

Question

Since my rhinoplasty in 2018, I've had a horizontal line above my lip when I smile. It feels like my nose tip is being pulled downwards and that I have a bit too much skin between my nose and lips. I wish my top lip rolled out more which fillers don't really achieve. Is a lip lift something to consider? Thank you so much for taking the time to answer.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Lip lift for lip line with smiling. You do NOT need a lip lift based on my 44 years of doing this surgery.  The distance between your nose and lips is already sufficient and it is unlikely that the horizontal line will go away when smiling. This surgery should be done with patients whose upper lip is longer than yours. The risk of looking worse than what you have are too great. Also no one sees this horizontal line other than you when you smile. You should not have any surgery!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It's difficult to say without the benefit of a formal evaluation. This is my expertise and a huge portion of my practice. Asymmetry is normal and expected. See an expert who does facial shaping with surgical and non surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Gary Linkov, MD · Answer

Lip lifts are great options for many people. However, I echo Dr.Mayer and do not think that you are a great candidate for surgery. It is unlikely to improve the line you see on animation and your philtrum is already at a good length based on photos. 
Gary Linkov, MD
Lip Specialist
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.  This will also decrease the horizontal line or perhaps eliminate it.  Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Timothy A. Janiga, MD, FACS · Answer

In reviewing your pictures I would advise against doing a lip lift.  You have a nice shape to your lip and your dimensions show an appropriate lip length.  I would consider using a small amount of botox to decreased the activity of the muscle at the base of your nose and lip.  This will soften the horizontal line.  Take care.Timothy A. Janiga MD, FACS

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

The lip lift can help soften or remove the horizontal line. There will be a small incision line along the base of your nose instead where the lip lift is performed. That being said, your lip lift should be quite conservative since your upper lip distance is already quite short. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Jeffrey Nelson, MD · Answer

Your question is a natural one given the line you mentioned when you smile. Still I would urge some caution. When you have a moderate smile not a full smile you already have a significant amount of dental show and a touch in gingival show, and that may get much more obvious with a lip lift procedure. Some solutions can create different issues that you don't want. There is a reasonable chance the lip crease would improve a bit especially if the lift is done with an extra touch of separation from the musculature. Your lip is not long so be sure you take this move fully informed.

Val Lambros, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

no No and NO. Lip lifts are all trendy now, but it is a powerful operation that makes permanent changes and a scar.  Forever.  You have lovely lips now which will be distorted. Forever. The crease under your nose, which is normal will not be improved.

Will a lip lift remove the horizontal line on my top lip when I smile? And will a shorter philtrum suit me? (photos)

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