I've been told I always look mad. Am I candidate for a lip lift? (Photos)

those two questions seem independent. I don't think you look like a candidatre for a lip lift base don this photo, although it is not straight on, so the angle may be off. As for why you look "mad", it's hard to know without seeing the rest of your face, but the two most common reasons are (1) brows being furrowed- which can be addressed with botox- and/or (2) downturned lip corners, which can also be addressed with botox.

You do not have a long upper lip so a lip lift won't help. Consider Botox to the DAO - this is the muscle that pulls down the corners of the mouth. Just be sure to find an experienced injector for this.

The technique I recommend is the eccentric lip lift. This does 4 things: shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip, increases the mucosa of the upper lip, increases the incisor show and pulls up the corners. This takes 1 hour to perform under local anesthesia and costs $4,000.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photos.

Being told you "always look mad" is a very common concern, and it's usually due to subtle facial expressions or structural features that create a tired, stern, or downturned appearance — even when you're not feeling that way!

A lip lift can help in certain cases, especially if:
You have a long upper lip that covers much of the upper teeth when resting or smiling
You’re looking to achieve a more youthful, open expression or better lip-to-teeth balance
You want more lip show or definition without adding volume (as fillers do)

However, based on your goal — softening your overall expression — a lip lift may be only part of the solution, or not the best first step. Here are a few other possibilities to consider:

Possible Treatment Options:
Lip Lift
Can shorten the upper lip, improve tooth show, and elevate the corners slightly
Best for patients with a long philtrum and low resting lip position

Botox (Neuromodulators)
Small doses around the glabella (frown lines), corners of the mouth, or DAO muscles can help lift the expression and relax a tense or “angry” look

Filler in Strategic Areas
Volume loss in the midface, temples, or mouth corners can cause a downward pull or shadowing that makes someone look upset or tired
Subtle fillers can restore a more rested, approachable look

Brow or Eyelid Treatments
If your resting expression is intense due to eyebrow heaviness or upper eyelid drooping, Botox, thread lift, or blepharoplasty might also help

I recommend an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon or facial aesthetic specialist. A thorough facial analysis will help determine if a lip lift, Botox, fillers — or a combination — would best achieve the softer, friendlier expression you're looking for.

You're definitely not alone in this concern, and fortunately, there are multiple minimally invasive ways to help.