What’s the best attack plan for my lip shape? (photo)

Question

I have always had my top lip hang over my bottom and it’s been something I’ve been insecure about for a long time. I’m curious what the best way to fix this issue is? I’m interested in a lip flip but would that work?

Jason Lichtenberger, MD · Answer

There are various approaches to achieve the ideal balance of the lips. Fillers, Botox and other neurotoxins, and even surgery can all be utilized to achieve the ideal lip appearance.

For the downturned and overriding lateral upper lip, filler in the lower lip and central upper lip can improve balance between the lips, and possibly a small amount of Botox can improve lip position by relaxing the muscle above the lip.

Lastly, fillers in the corners of the lip can help support and even turn up the outer corner when done correctly.

Best of luck with your facial aesthetic journey.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This needs a formal consultation for a closer look. A downturned smile or permanent frown can be improved with a combination approach, including neuromodulators (such as Botox, Dysport, and Jeuveau), injectable fillers, and radiofrequency skin tightening treatments such as Thermage or Venus Legacy. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist to develop a treatment plan that works for you. Best, Dr. Emer.

Marc Polacco, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. If by lip flip you're referring to a lip lift procedure, I would avoid that as it would shorten your upper lip, which is already youthful. Although I'd have to look from all angles to know for sure, most likely the best solution will entail using strategically placed filler. The filler could be used to help augment the bottom lip, making the top lip appear less prominent. I hope that makes sense, and best of luck to you!

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

A front face view of the lips would have provided additional information, but from the profile view it there does appear to be a significantly greater projection of the upper lip over that of the lower. Ideally, the upper lip should project about 2mm beyond the central pout of the lower lip. The use of a filler in the lower lip could quite possibly correct significantly the imbalance in projection visible in the photo. Additionally a Botox lip lift, along with filler to the vermilion border of the upper lip only would likely further harmonize the projections of the lips. Make sure to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist and ask to see his/her personal before and after photos of the lips before agreeing to proceed. Best of luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Charming557769,
I perform a lot of lip injections with fillers such as juvederm and it works great. Many times I need to put more in one side than the other to attempt to even out the vermillion border (The red line of the lip). This helps provide more symmetry at times.For patients looking for a more long lasting result, I recommend fat grafting. That is, using your own bodies fat to make your lips naturally look more shapely. The bonus is that the results last many many years.
In general, I avoid using permanent prosthesis because I find that the lips are such dynamic and sensitive structures, the end result is not natural.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. I would first start with dermal fillers into your lower lip to achieve improved projection and relative proportions to your upper lip.

Joel L. Cohen, MD · Answer

In the lower lip, I would use Restylane Kysse &mdash; and increase the volume per the scale I co-authored from a 1 to about a 3. 
In the chin area, I would augment with Restylane Defyne &mdash; and then feather-in some Filler to the mental crease as well. 
Projection and proportions are key, but natural look is the most important. See specifically a board-certified dermatologist or facial/oculoplastic surgeon to do the actual injections.

Vibha Gambhir, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! When addressing the top lip to bottom lip proportion, filler would be the best option! Filler is hyaluronic acid based which means it is made up of what our skin is made up of, is metabolized by our bodies, and can be reversed if needed as well! When placing the filler, we would be able to place more filler in the bottom lip to address your concerns and give the profile balance you are looking for. I suggest making a consultation with a provider near you! I hope this helps

Nance Yuan, MD · Answer

You actually have a very nicely shaped upper lip, but it looks very prominent compared to your lower lip and I think it's the mismatch that may be concerning you. I would suggest augmenting your lower lip using dermal fillers. It would be safest to do this in a stepwise approach and not do too much at once. I would recommend getting a conservative amount of filler in the lower lip and then reassessing how it looks (once swelling comes down) and then buildling up the lip with more filler as needed.

What’s the best attack plan for my lip shape? (photo)

Answers (9)

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