How can I change my lip shape and increase my lips without filler? (photos)

Question

How can I go from this to this? My lips are naturally thin, particularly my upper lip; I wish for them to be bigger and for my upper lip to be heightened in the center at the cupid's bow. I have had fillers on many occasions by experienced practitioners and essentially I just do not like how they look, I don't like how fillers stick out on profile view, or how they feel. I am after a more natural look and want to know if there are any other methods that do not involve fillers. Thank you

Michael Kulick, MD, DDS · Answer

Having "thin" lips or upper and lower lip asymmetry is a very common concern. The most common agent that is used to fill one's lips is hyaluronic acid, a compound that allows for a natural fullness and exists in owns body already. Changing the shape of your lip permanently does require a surgical procedure. Look at case # 2958 in the web link provided. 
 The web link provided also shows some long term, 3-4 year results using a dermal augmentation. 
Hope this helps.
Michael Kulick MD, San Francisco, Ca
ASAPS, ASPS member 
Recipient of the Klingbeil Award from ASAPS = Teaching Safe Techniques and Advanced Technologies

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Fat or implants are alternatives that can change your lip shape. Although, you would get a nice result with lip fillers. I recommend injections with microcannulas to limit swelling. Hope this helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear katie_h,I perform a lot of lip injections with fillers such as juvederm and it works great. Many times I need to put more in one side than the other to attempt to even out the vermillion border (The red line of the lip). This helps provide more symmetry at times.
Another Option: For patients looking for a more long lasting result, I recommend fat grafting. That is, using your own bodies fat to make your lips naturally look more shapely. The bonus is that the results last many many years.
In general, I avoid using permanent prosthesis because I find that the lips are such dynamic and sensitive structures, the end result is not natural.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Rohit Seth, MD, MRCS(Ed), PhD · Answer

Thanks for the questions. You can see some examples of lip fillers and implants in my photos section as examples.Essentially, the lips don't usually have to stick out with lip filler - it does depend how it is contoured and volumised and most of the lips I do are quite contoured and volumised enough to give a nice appearing lip rather than the 'trout pout ' effect.In terms of what you are trying to achieve, the lips in the second picture are slightly asymmetrical compared to what you currently have - I assume this is the picture photoshopped rather than what you are actually trying to achieve. For volumising lips surgically, there are a number of different options that can be used. Permalip is a good option as this gives the volumising effect of fillers. This is a local anaesthetic procedure that takes about 20-40 minutes to carry out.Another surgical option involves a lip lift - either central/ corner or a combination of both. This can give a nice result with more of the red part of the lip showing and giving a more poutier look without adding any volume.The best way to decide really is to see a surgeon who can assess your lips and go through in detail what you are trying to achieve and consequently what would be the best treatment for this. I hope this is of help to you BW

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

In my opinion, lip fillers are still your best option. I have seen too many bad scars from “lip lift” procedures to recommend them.  Lip implants look and feel fake.  Seek another opinion from board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist in your area. Good luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Nova threads can be used to improve lift and shape. Implants or fat are alternatives. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I suggest that you move forward and consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon about your lip augmentation. If you would like to avoid the non-surgical filler treatments, then you and your surgeon can explore surgical options.
Best wishes,

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Surgery, in my opinion, is not a great option for lip augmentation.  Lip injections with Hyaluronic acid filler are simple and have lovely results and can last up to one year.  Permanent injections or surgery can result in scars or other side effects.  Please consult an expert in lip injections for the best cosmetic results. Best, Dr. Green

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

To change your lip shape you need to physically move the vermilion border which has the most powerful effect on lip reshaping. This can be done by either a vermilion advancement or a subnasal lip lift.

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

I still think that fillers are the right treatment option for you. With a correctly chosen filler and experience injector, you should be able to get a natural looking result.

How can I change my lip shape and increase my lips without filler? (photos)

Answers (10)

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