Four years post deep plane facelift and I can’t get my smile back. Will a lip lift help? (Photo)

Question

I had a deep plane facelift and neck lift 4 years ago. Immediately after the surgery I could see that my right side of my face had dropped. I was told no nerves were cut but they had been stretched. After dozens of facial physio treatments, acupuncture, Botox my smile is still uneven and my teeth don’t show anywhere like they used to. It’s making me very sad. I’ve been told a lip lift will help to show more teeth? My lips are symmetrical when at rest it’s when I smile they are crooked.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

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. You may benefit from a lip lift.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

Yes - there was some type of nerve injury during the surgery almost certainly and four years later I don't think you can expect it to return. However, there are several ways to improve symmetry and make things look better.  A lip lift is one, but there are more. A video consultation may be the next step.

Four years post deep plane facelift and I can’t get my smile back. Will a lip lift help? (Photo)

Answers (2)