Who could do a lip lift?

Question

I went for a consultation for a lip lift and the doctor told me he would only be able to do 2mm. He said my gums would show too much when I smile if he took anymore than that. I really want the space between my nose and upper lip to be significantly less, is that possible without greatly changing my smile? Am I being unreasonable? I will have to travel a lot farther to see anyone else because not many doctors around here do lip lifts at all. Thank you

Amy K Hsu, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear batgirl666~Thank you for sharing your photos.The amount of "lift" you get with an upper lip lift is always less than the amount of skin excised. The distance between the nose and lip will decrease more than the upper red lip will lift.  The upper red lip will also lower slightly as it heals. A 2 mm skin excision would give less than 2 mm of upper lip lift over time.  Given the length of the incision required to do a lip lift, I would not really generally consider it worth doing the procedure if only 2 mm of skin is removed while creating such a long scar.The length of your upper lip is relatively on the longer side and it is not unreasonable to consider shortening it.  The shape of your smile is also an important consideration, and you already show a significant amount of teeth when you smile.  All of these factors help determine the recommended amount of skin excision needed to shorten the upper white lip and lift the red lip without showing too much teeth.  This amount would almost certainly be more than 2 mm.  The upper lip lift lifts primarily the central portion of the lip.  Because the base of your nose is relatively wide with respect to your lip, this will also improve the amount of potential lift you can get to the sides of the lips as well.  A lip lift may be a great choice for you.  It is best to go for an in person consultation so that your lip can be examined from multiple angles and during movement to determine what would work well for your face in consideration of your aesthetic goals.Best wishes!Sincerely,Amy Hsu

Joseph L. Kiener, MD, FACS · Answer

I do not  think that 2 mm of central lip lift will produce either a noticeable alteration in your smile or vertical lip length.  There are many capable and experienced surgeons in your area.  Obtain multiple opinions.  Regards.

Who could do a lip lift?

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