Would I benefit from a lip lift?

Question

I feel like my philtrum is too long and I want to shorten it.

Gary Linkov, MD · Answer

There are surgical and non-surgical approaches to lip augmentation. Non-surgical approaches include botox (slight lift, reducing gum show) and filler (volume restoration). Surgically, you can have two separate incisions under the nose (italian), one incision under the nose (bull horn), one incision at the red/white upper lip junction (gull wing) or two separate incision at the corners, or a combination, depending on your desired look and anatomy. My preferred surgical technique is called the Elelyft, which is a version of the bullhorn approach. 
The ideal candidate for the Elelyft, or upper lip lift, is someone with a philtral length of 15mm or longer, no upper dental show, and/or a thin upper lip. The nasal base to mouth width ratio needs to be taken into consideration to avoid leaving the lip corners down. In your situation, the philtrum can be shortened and the upper teeth would then become more exposed and the upper lip more robust. 
Consult with an experienced lip surgeon for a complete range of options that are appropriate for your situation.
Gary Linkov, MD
Lip Specialist
Manhattan

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, you have not provided measurements but the average length is between 12-15 millimeters.  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 may be an excellent candidate for this procedure.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Miguel Mascaro, MD · Answer

thank you for your picture! I guess the better question would be what are you looking to achieve from your lip lift.  Truth be told we can shorten just about anyone's philtrum - that doesn't mean we should.  I personally look at a couple parameters when determining from my end whether or not to do a lip lift, and one of those is certainly personal goals as depending on what you are looking to achieve I can curtail what modifications are done during the lip lift to get you there.  Watching you talk/smile/laugh etc are important as well.  I recommend you go on a couple consults to get an idea as to what is doable, etc.  I hope some of this helps! Best of luck.

Kamran Dastoury, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question and photo.
Looking at your picture, the first question I like to answer in regards to indications for a lip lift procedure is, how much tooth show of your front teeth do you have with your mouth/jaws  slightly opens at rest. Ideal front tooth show should be 3-4mm. Anything more than that  would make you a bad candidate for this procedure 
Secondly,  we would need to measure if your  upper lip  in order to attain the upper lip lenght. Upper lip less than 15mm is a contraindication for this surgery procedure as well.
Hope this helps,
Dr Kamran Dastoury, MD
Lip lift specialist

Piotr Osuch, MD · Answer

Can you please measure how long your philtrum is? This is a key parameter for a LL. Pls note that LL should not be safely and with good results performed on patients with philtrum shorter than 15-17 mm. Of course there're more criteria which should be considered before taking a well informed decision, but philtrum lenght is key.

best regards, 
Piotr Osuch, MD, PhD

Would I benefit from a lip lift?

Answers (5)

Answer: Lip lift

Answer: Lip lift

Answer: Philitrum lenght for Lip lift

Answer: Philitrum lenght for Lip lift

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Everything you need to know about Lip Lift

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Would I benefit from a lip lift?

Answers (5)

Answer: Lip lift

Answer: Lip lift

Answer: Philitrum lenght for Lip lift

Answer: Philitrum lenght for Lip lift

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Lift

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