Is It Possible to Make my Upper Lip Thinner Than my Lower Lip? (photo)

Question

Hello, I would really like to have an upper lip that is thinner than my lower lip. I read somewhere that the ideal ratio of upper:lower lip is 2:3, but my upper lip is much thicker than my lower lip and I really hate how it looks. I know about lip reductions, but can they be that effective? Note: I have no interest at all in fillers to make my lower lip larger in comparison. I actually wouldn't mind having a thinner lower lip too, as long as my upper lip was even thinner.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

In my experience, cheiloplasty may be performed to reduce lip volume, while leaving all incisions inside your mouth. The post-op recovery has around 10 days of downtime, mostly from swelling, not pain. Your lips may remain swollen for 6-8 weeks, so your final result will not be immediate. Complications with this procedure include bleeding, infection, scarring, asymmetry, and need for further surgery.

	Hope this is helpful for you.

	Dr. Joseph

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

You are absolutely correct that the ideal upper lip is less full than the lower lip. I would not recommend doing anything to decrease the fullness of your upper lip as you have a very nice upper lip as is. You might consider adding a small amount of volume to your lower lip with dermal filler injection (lasts about 12 months) to provide more balance and improve the relative fullness of your upper: lower lip. This would need to be conservative though to prevent overfilling your lower lip. I hope this information is helpful.
	Stephen Weber, M.D., F.A.C.S.
	Lone Tree Facial Plastic Surgeon

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

This can be done but your lips look fine as they are and most patients like full lips. As you age they will get thinner and you will be glad you left them alone. No surgery please.

Kimberly Lee, MD · Answer

You are correct.  The lower lip should be fuller than the upper lip to have a nice balanced appearance.  You can opt to either reduce the upper lip OR enhance the lower lip with a temporary filler or permanent lip implant.  Please consult with a board certified specialist who can evaluate you and guide you to be the best, natural appearing result for your face.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

While you have very nice lips I can see your concern with having a larger central segment to your upper lip. While a central upper lip reduction can be done, I don't think you can quite reach the goal you have shown. This then raises the question of whether it is worth the effort.

Is It Possible to Make my Upper Lip Thinner Than my Lower Lip? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Upper to Lower Lip Ratio

Answer: Upper to Lower Lip Ratio

Answer: Upper Lip Reduction

Answer: Upper Lip Reduction

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is It Possible to Make my Upper Lip Thinner Than my Lower Lip? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Upper to Lower Lip Ratio

Answer: Upper to Lower Lip Ratio

Answer: Upper Lip Reduction

Answer: Upper Lip Reduction

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.