My upper lip is uneven (droppy on the left side) - What can be done?

Question

looking for symmetry, show my upper teeth more when i smile. I wasnt born like this. Never had trauma. Started to notice 3-4 years ago, when I used Juvederm fillers (root cause of the problem?). No fillers for 2 years. Considering direct lip lift (maybe in conjuction with bull Horn),as tissue needs to be lifted laterally vs in the middle. not looking for Botox or fillers. Young Caucasian F and scars heal well on me. Any surgeons in LA, CA or even out of state specializing in direct lip lift?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! 
You would get a nice improvement with lip fillers. Volbella, Restylane, and Juvederm are good to create a symmetrical lip. NovaThreads can be used to improve lift and shape. Implants or fat are alternatives. Technique will be important here, so you'll want to see someone meticulous. 
I would highly recommend getting a formal evaluation with and treatment from a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and expert in facial sculpting. Technique is the key to a successful lip augmentation with fillers, so you'll want to see someone meticulous. An experienced physician will be able to determine which filler, how much filler, and which technique will give you the subtle result you're looking for.  I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a facial sculpting expert. Best,Dr. Emer

Gary Linkov, MD · Answer

There are surgical and non-surgical approaches to lip augmentation. Non-surgical approaches include botox (slight lift, reducing gum show) and filler (volume restoration). Surgically, you can have two separate incisions under the nose (italian), one incision under the nose (bull horn), one incision at the red/white upper lip junction (gull wing) or two separate incision at the corners, or a combination, depending on your desired look and anatomy. My preferred surgical technique is called the Elelyft, which is a version of the bullhorn approach. 
The ideal candidate for the Elelyft, or upper lip lift, is someone with a philtral length of 14mm or longer, no upper dental show, and/or a thin upper lip. The nasal base to mouth width ratio needs to be taken into consideration to avoid leaving the lip corners down. 
In your situation, I would recommend against a direct excision because that creates a noticeable scar. Instead, using the Elelyft which is a modified bullhorn, the incision can be hidden at the base of the nose and more can be removed on your left side to create better symmetry.
Consult with an experienced lip surgeon for a complete range of options that are appropriate for your situation.
Gary Linkov, MD
Lip Specialist
Manhattan

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

You are correct, the left side of your lip is lower than the right. The most important photo is the one where you are not smiling. I would recommend a unilateral lip lift to make each side symmetrical. The center of your lip does not need to be altered. The procedure is simple and can be accomplished with local anesthesia.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

I recommend a lip lift using an extended bullhorn.  This technique can be used to correct your asymmetry.  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.  Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Lip lift for symmetry of upper lip. Having done these for 44 years you will get better symmetry but not perfect. I need to see this in person to give more information. NO BULLHORN as these can leave an awful scar around the ala: an M type removes this risk if done by an experienced surgeon.

My upper lip is uneven (droppy on the left side) - What can be done?

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Answer: Lip lift

Answer: Lip lift

Answer: Lip lift for symmetry of upper lip.

Answer: Lip lift for symmetry of upper lip.

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My upper lip is uneven (droppy on the left side) - What can be done?

Answers (6)

Answer: Lip lift

Answer: Lip lift

Answer: Lip lift for symmetry of upper lip.

Answer: Lip lift for symmetry of upper lip.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.