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

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.