Not enough tooth show when smiling, is a lip lift my only option?

Question

My smile feels tight and forced my upper lip gets taut and recedes into my mouth.visited an oral surgeon who says my bite looks ok, didnt recommend anything. Is there any alternative to a lip lift? Is it legitimate? if so, would cutting the frenulum create more tooth show, even if I dont already have a frenulum that extends down into my incisors?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello michelleWe now have so many options both surgical and non surgical to create beautiful lips and a sexy smile. In general, we can reshape, rejuvenate and add volume. There are fillers, silicone implants, dissolving thread implants, lip lifts, lip reductions, peels, and then of course cosmetic dental care to improve the color shape and contour of your teeth and gums.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. You do seem like a candidate for lip lift. I suggest that you consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon. Pleas also post photos on this site. 
Best wishes,

Anita Patel, MD, FACS · Answer

If you don't have any upper tooth show and your upper lip is long, then a lip lift may be a good option for you. If you want to roll your upper lip out a little, a tiny amount of Botox or Dysport above the upper lip can accomplish this as well. Cutting the frenulum does not accomplish what a lip lift does. The tight smile description is not really enough information. Photos would be helpful, and an in person consultation would be the best way to determine if a lip lift would correct the issues you are describing, and to see what you are a good candidate for.

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

In agreement with other responders, this question is personal, every situation must be evaluated based on multiple individual considerations, and therefore only general information can be provided here rather than recommendations about what is best for your specific situation.  There are always alternatives, but what you're starting with and your goals, your desired look, will determine which of those alternatives are best for you.  Don't be scared of lip lift.  They usually work out very well when planned and executed by skilled and experienced surgeons.  Of course, problems, complications, and revisions are sometimes encountered, and must be managed when they do.  That's still no cause for fear, but should stimulate you to continue researching to find proper professional help.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear BettyW1945,
a photo would help a lot. The best option for you would be to visit a board-certified plastic surgeon and get a formal examination. After an examination, the surgeon should be able to tell you whether you are a good candidate for a lip lift.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Jeffrey Jumaily, MD · Answer

If there is no tooth show and the upper lip is long then a lip lift is a good idea. Everyone's anatomy is a little different so photos or in person consult is recommended. Cutting the frenulum will not help this issue. Best wishes.

Not enough tooth show when smiling, is a lip lift my only option?

Answers (6)

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