Should I opt for filler or a lip lift to enhance the look of my upper lip? (photo)

Question

I'd like to enlarge the size of my upper lip as I imagine it may look more aesthetically pleasing. I would also like to fix the asymmetry in my upper lip.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

You would be an excellent candidate for a 3D lip lift (an ameliorated version of the traditional lip lift which results in less scarring and a better long lasting outcome), a medialized external corner lip lift (this surgery is as important as a lip lift and not only elevates the corners of the mouth but increases the red lip visible on either end of the upper lip. It also decreases any displeasing downward slope the upper lip takes as measured from its center) as well as a lower V-Y.

Best of luck !

Best of luck !

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Most doctors will start with one-syringe to avoid overfilling. These fillers, (Volbella, Restylane, Juvederm) are good to create a symmetrical and full lip. PDO NovaThreads can also be used to improve shape and also provide lift. Fat or implants are a permanent alternative. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a facial sculpting expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

Hello, hope you are well. You have a relatively small amount of vermilion (pink) upper lip showing which causes it to appear thin, especially in comparison to your lower lip. In line with your aesthetic vision for a more attractive/pleasing appearance, a combined lip lift with augmentation can increase the lip volume and amount of vermilion lip showing, and correct asymmetries. A soft silicone implant or dermal graft (favored if undergoing lip lift) can be used for augmentation. Lip filler is also an option, but it is not permanent, and requires repeat injections periodically to maintain the volume. It also cannot change the inherent shape/dimensions of your lip.
Best,Dr. Tower

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It would be my advise to start with a filler. If you like that result (I would suggest doing both upper and lower lip augmentation), you may continue that for few years. I am not sure that lip lift would be my first choice. Hope this helps.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

A lip lift does 4 things: shortens the distance between your nose and upper lip, increases the mucosa of the upper lip, increases the incisor show and pulls up the corners. You would an excellent candidate for a lip lift.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

From the photo provided, there appears to be significant volume deficit in the upper lip as compared to the lower lip.  The skilled use of an appropriate lip volumizing HA filler can easily rectify this problem and create a more aesthetically pleasing and ideal proportionality between the upper and lower lips.  This alone will likely diminish the appearance of an elongated philtrum. Additionally, a low viscosity, cohesive and malleable threaded along the upper vermilion border will give a pleasing flip to the lip, as well as further improve the appearance of the philtrum above. All of the foregoing, in the hands of an experienced cosmetic dermatologist injector can be performed in about a twenty minute treatment session with immediate results and little to no significant downtime. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Inessa Fishman, MD · Answer

A surgical lip lift has the dual benefit of shortening a too-long philtrum (distance between the bottom of the nose and the upper lip border) and turning out the red lip, making it look fuller without adding volume.  Injectable fillers absolutely add volume and hydration to the tissues, but do not usually shorten the length of an excessive philtrum.  
Your photo suggests you may do better with a lip lift, followed by volume augmentation (if you want additional volume).  Meet with an aesthetic specialist who offers both procedures; discuss your aesthetic goals; and review lots of before and after photos to start treatment planning.  Best of luck!

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