Stitches under right nostril 3.5 years ago - would lip filler even out my uneven lips? (Photos)

Question

Hi, I had a stitches under my right nostril 3.5 years ago to close an injury and it left my lips uneven. My right lip is now higher than my left lip and its noticeable when I talk. Would lip fillers be helpful in evening them out, or would I have to do something else like a lip lift?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your concern—this is actually a very understandable situation after a prior injury. Scarring near the base of the nose can sometimes pull on the upper lip, creating asymmetry that becomes more noticeable when you speak or smile.

The good news is that lip filler can often be a very helpful first step in improving this type of unevenness. By carefully placing small amounts of filler, it’s possible to balance the height and contour of the lips, especially on the side that appears lower or less full. When done conservatively and with attention to symmetry, the results can look very natural.

That said, it’s important to understand that filler does not release scar tissue. If the asymmetry is primarily due to a tight or tethered scar pulling the lip upward, filler alone may not fully correct it. In those cases, other options—such as scar revision or minor surgical adjustment—may be considered, depending on the severity.

At 3.5 years out, your scar is already mature, which is a good thing—it means any treatment decisions can be made more predictably. Many patients in similar situations start with filler to see how much improvement can be achieved before considering anything more invasive.

Your concern is very valid, and subtle adjustments can often make a meaningful difference in restoring balance to the lips.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Filler will not even out the upper lip. You would benefit from an eccentric lip lift, not a bullhorn 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.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Stitches under right nostril 3.5 years ago - would lip filler even out my uneven lips? (Photos)

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