Worried About Too Much Tooth Show After Lip Lift - Will it Be a Problem? (Photos)

Question

Hi everyone, I have a lip lift scheduled in a few days and I’m starting to feel unsure. I like the idea of my upper lip having a bit more outward roll, but I’m worried about showing too much of my teeth afterwards. When I gently lift my upper lip with my fingers, I like the lip shape, but when my mouth opens slightly I feel like my teeth look too prominent. I also feel like my front teeth might be a bit large. Is increased tooth show inevitable after a lip lift? And could this be a problem if someone already has fairly prominent front teeth? Thank you for any advice

Kyle Kimura, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and photos. 
In general I feel that lip lifts are being performed more frequently than they should and this is a procedure that can be more challenging than many realize. I agree with your concerns that a lip lift may end up causing a more "toothy" appearance which can look unnatural. The second thing I notice based on your photos is you don't have much space between the base of your nose and the start of your upper lip. In my opinion that would be one of the bigger reasons to avoid a lip lift in your situation as the smaller this area becomes the more unnatural the results tend to look. I think this is a procedure that is best for patients with a very long space between the nose and the lip. For those with an already short distance, a lip lift is likely not a great option. I would discuss these concerns with your surgeon and make sure this is someone who either does this procedure alot or has very good reasons why they think you are a good candidate. If you are worried, a second opinion would not be unreasonable and I wouln't recommend rushing into the procedure if you have concerns. 
I hope this helps and best of luck!Kyle Kimura, MD

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hi! It’s completely natural to feel a bit anxious before a lip lift—this is a procedure that subtly changes how your upper lip frames your smile, and it’s normal to wonder about tooth show.

A few points to keep in mind:

Some increase in tooth show is expected. Lip lifts gently shorten the distance between the nose and upper lip, which naturally allows a bit more of your upper teeth to show when you smile. The change is usually subtle and enhances the overall balance of the face rather than creating a “too much” effect.

Individual anatomy matters. If you already have prominent front teeth, your surgeon typically takes that into account when planning the lift. Skilled surgeons aim for a natural proportion so your teeth don’t look oversized or too exposed.

Lip dynamics differ from finger testing. When you lift your lip with your fingers, it’s not exactly the same as a natural smile or relaxed mouth movement. Tooth show can appear slightly more pronounced with muscle movement, but this can be moderated by the precise amount of skin removed and the technique used.

It’s not inherently a problem. Having a bit more tooth visible isn’t usually a functional issue—it’s more about aesthetics and personal preference. If your teeth are large or prominent, adjustments in surgical design can help maintain harmony so your smile still feels natural.

Overall, a thoughtful surgeon will tailor the lift to complement your teeth and facial structure, minimizing the risk of overexposure. Feeling a little nervous is normal, but with proper planning, the result can look elegant and balanced.

Worried About Too Much Tooth Show After Lip Lift - Will it Be a Problem? (Photos)

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