A doctor said that I am not a good candidate for lip fillers and it would be very difficult to do. Do you agree? (photo)

Hello, and thank you for your question. Those who benefit from a lip augmentation procedure are typically those who have lost volume in their lips, have fine lines surrounding their lips, see flattening of the smooth curves of the upper lip, or desire a curvier, fuller, and poutier lip to enhance their smile. Based on your photos, you appear to be a good candidate.

Enhancement can be done with just a small amount of filler, little by little, until you achieve your desired results. Any type of cosmetic procedure should be customized according to your needs and goals. That said, I recommend only seeking treatments from a reputable, experienced injector. In the wrong hands, lip augmentation with injectable fillers may not only be a painful experience but also yield unsatisfactory results. The experts will also know how much filler to use and where to precisely inject it to achieve the most natural-looking results while ensuring patient comfort.

Appropriate HA fillers have been used for years for adding volume and create more harmonious contours and proportions to the lips. And, from the photos, there does not appear to be any reason for not treating. If you wish, your doctor can perform a "test" treatment, using plain salt solution or diluted anesthetic, which can give a very temporary (10-15 min), real world, approximation of what the lips would look like following an actual treatment. Just make sure that you are consulting with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist. Best of luck.

Dear Lexy8888,
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

...A couple of things...first it would help to evaluate your lips with a profile shot of your lips, it is a picture that helps me get a good view of the relationship of your lips to your nose and chin.....secondly, what is it you are hoping to accomplish, what don't you like, what do you want to change? After a discussion about your wants and needs accompanied by pictures then a plan can be arrived at.

Your lips do have a slightly unique anatomy. It seems like your lips have a ridge and above that ridge they appear to thin out substantially.

Augmenting the main part of your lip could make that transition from the fullness of the main lip to the perceived thin area above it look worse.

Lip fillers are very dynamic and for the most part you can inject look and adjust and there’s no reason why you can’t simply add very conservative amounts, see what it looks like both you and the provider look in the mirror and then add a little more if it seems acceptable.

Personally I like to numb the lips completely before doing lip fillers and this makes it easy to take the time and do as many injections as needed to get the results we want.

I typically try to maintain the natural volume balance between the upper and lower lip and for most people that means having a lower lip that’s larger than the upper lip.

Patients who have an over emphasis or only treat their upper lip tend to look unnatural and is often a dead giveaway of having lip fillers.

I see these types of results in public on a regular basis.

Conservative treatment for the upper lip with A little more emphasis on the lower lip should be fine.

Like I said before when I do these treatments I let the patients look in the mirror and they give me feedback on what they like and don’t like.

Perhaps you need to find a provider who simply has more experience.

Is this true for almost all cosmetic procedures finding the most talented and experienced provider is the absolute most important variable.

This may require interviewing a few different providers before you commit to having the treatment.

Don’t worry about taking up their time and having a consultation even if you need to think about having the treatment.

My last thought is if your upper lip truly thins out in the upper part of the lip closer to the nose then perhaps this area could use a little volume as well.


Good luck,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Hello, and thanks for your question. I believe you are a great candidate for lip fillers. The doctor probably didn't want to do it because of your anxiety. If you aren't sure about it, don't do it-but just know that it is not permanent! Most lip fillers last about 6-18 months. Juvederm is one of our most popular lip fillers. Make sure you are going to an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. Please see my attached link on fillers. Best of luck to you!

Sincerely, James Fernau, MD FACS

Aesthetic Surgery Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery Certified, American Board of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery Member: American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) American Academy of Facial Plastic Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) American Academy of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery (AAOHNS) American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) The Rhinoplasty Society