Am I a good candidate for a lip lift? Is a lip lift a good procedure for my philtrum and its shape? (Photos)

Your show the 2 requirements for a good candidate-making in bullhorn lifts:
-long philtrum (distance between nose and upper lip)
-flat lip

But... beware! the big big downside of this lip lift is the visible scar for a lifetime at the nasal base, very few patients tolerate it well, and if the surgeon over corrects the skin removal and creates hyper tension at the closure... the scar is going to be wide and deform the nose (not if the surgeon is good calculating his gestures).

So, good theoretical case but dubious regarding the scars that you have to give second thoughts before proceeding, once done it is irreversible.

Otherwise: easy procedure, local anesthesia, quick recovery.

I recommend an eccentric lip lift. This 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. This takes 1 hour to perform under local anesthesia and costs $4,000,

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

From the photos provided it would appear that a nonsurgical Botox/Filler Lip Lift would be helpful. A couple of microdroplets of Botox on each side of the vermilion of the upper accompanied by the use of a low viscosity, malleable cohesive HA filler threaded along the vermilion would establish the lift and hence shorten the apparent length of the philtrum. A small amount of the same HA material can be layered under the philtrum to diminish the convexity that disturbs you.
A medium viscosity HA filler would work well for adding volume to the body of the upper would create greater harmony between the upper and lower lips.
You would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist injection expert and best of luck.

Thank you for sharing your photos and your thoughtful questions. It’s very understandable to be self-aware of facial proportions, especially at your age, when you’re still developing a sense of your features and how they balance together.

A lip lift is a surgical procedure designed to shorten the philtrum (the space between the base of the nose and the upper lip) and enhance lip show, which can improve midface balance in certain individuals. At around 18 mm, your philtrum is on the longer side of what is typically considered average for men, so technically, you could be a candidate if the goal is to shorten this distance.

That being said, at 18 years old, it’s important to think carefully, since facial structures are still maturing. Many surgeons also recommend being cautious with permanent surgical changes at a younger age, as preferences and proportions can continue to evolve.

To your other question, yes, a lip lift can still allow you to have a fuller lower lip, since the procedure mainly affects the upper lip and the relationship between the upper lip and philtrum. However, it won’t directly change the convex shape of the philtrum itself; that’s largely related to bone and soft tissue anatomy.

Some patients with concerns like yours consider less invasive options first, such as temporary dermal fillers, which can help enhance lip balance without making a permanent change. This can sometimes give you a sense of how altering proportions affects your overall look before committing to surgery.