My philtrum looks saggy when I smile, what can I do to fix it? (Photos)

Question

I'm 21 and have always hated my lips. I don't even know what type of lip lift (or lip surgery in general) would work with mine as I don't want to have "duck" lips from the side and or front. My top lip shape isn't bad when I smile but I dont like my philtrum as it's too long/"saggy". Also my top lip is almost no existant and my philtrum looks 80 years old. I'm really just looking for an answer as to what type of surgery would fix my lips and philtrum shape, cost and details. Thank you in advance :)

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You appear to be an excellent candidate for a lip lift.  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.

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. 
You seem like an appropriate surgical candidate based on your photos. An in-office consultation or video consultation would be key to confirming that. 
Consult with an experienced lip surgeon for a complete range of options that are appropriate for your situation.
Gary Linkov, MD
Lip Specialist
Manhattan

Greg Bran, MD, PhD · Answer

Hi there and thank you for your question. We divide the upper lip into two parts, the red lip part is called the labial lip and the skin between your red upper lips (labial part) and your nose is called the philtre part of your upper lip. According to your photos your philtrail upper lip is elongated with a shortened labial part. Performing an upper lip lift will certainly improve the proportions of your lips. It is important to keep in mind, that this procedure is performed with less elevation in men, to make sure your upper lips will not look like the upper lips of a woman. Try to find a plastic surgeon who is well experienced with lip surgery in order to have an in-person consultation. Good luck!

Kind regards,
Greg Bran

Kind regards, 
Greg Bran

Piotr Osuch, MD · Answer

HI there, 
based on the photos you sent, you seem to be a good candidate for a conservative lip lift. Why conservative? Because on one hand you've got quite a long philtrum, but on the other - you've got quite good teeth visibility and risk having gummy smile afterwards. MOre specific recommendation can be given only during a face-to-face consult.

best regards, 
Piotr Osuch, MD, PhD

My philtrum looks saggy when I smile, what can I do to fix it? (Photos)

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Answers (4)

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