What is this bulge near my bottom lip, and can it be surgically treated? (photo)

Question

I know that only consultation can give a definitive answer, but Id like some opinions before I pay for an appointment just in case it isn't fixable. You can't feel it if you touch my face, but it is visibly prominent under normal (non-flattering) lighting when I have a straight expression. It goes away if I cheese-smile. It has always been there, and I feel it gives my mouth & chin area a lumpy, bulky appearance.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

tigolbittiess.  Physical exam is really needed, but it appears that the lump may be scar tissue.  Sometimes we bite our lip while sleeping and dreaming, or other trauma to the lip and subsequent scar tissue forms.  This can be remedied by excision of the scar tissue.  It can be performed under local anesthesia in the office,  Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I suggest that you consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon because an in person examination is the best way to determine your lump and how to address it.
Best wishes,

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This can be improved with fillers. Fat is an alternative. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Ariel Ostad, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Carefully placed fillers can support that area and raise the tissue making it less noticeable. I would recommend a consultation with a board certified injector to discuss all your options. Best,Ariel Ostad MD PC

Ray Bayati, MD · Answer

hello,I would think fillers are good options to improve lower face issues. being said that it would not remove the bulging but adding volume to the surrounding area so you would not see the bulging under the lips.Additionally: Although typically we see muscles slightly later to the corner of the lips but I would suggest give a try with 4-5 units of botox. It would be a safe trial to see if that is going to help. And If that helps then regular botox in the area would be recommended. Other options such as Fat grafting also available but proper technique is crucial.Best of Luck --Ray Bayati, MDSacramento Area, California

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi, I have performed many facial shaping procedures using dermal fillers, silastic facial implants (cheek, chin or lip implants), liposuction and/or facelifts for over 30 years.  The bulge, you are pointing to, is a small section of hypertrophied orbicularis oris (mouth) muscle.  I have treated this successfully with Botox injections at specific intervals.  It can require 3-5 treatments in order to shrink that section of the mouth muscle.   Fro the photo, your chin is very weak which tends to exaggerate the issue.  I have performed many facial shaping procedures, including Chin Augmentation with dermal fillers or silastic chin implants, for over 30 years.  When the chin is weak, this creates an imbalance making the nose appear larger, the mid face top heavy, the lower face looks short, de-emphasizes the lips and allows early formation of a "double chin".  
 Proper placement of a silastic chin implant adds forward projection to the chin thereby creating harmony and balance to the lower face.  Using the same incision, liposuction can be performed to reduce the fat and further shape the neck.  Excess skin, from below the chin, can also be removed through the same incision.  
 I have found that placement of a silastic chin implant, through a small curved incision under the chin (also allows excess skin removal) to be very safe, quick, highly effective and far less invasive than a sliding genioplasty (requires extensive tissue dissection, bone cuts and placement of metal screws and plates to secure the cut segments of bone).  I perform chin implant surgery in 30 minutes or less, often using a local anesthetic alone.  
Hope this helps.

What is this bulge near my bottom lip, and can it be surgically treated? (photo)

Answers (6)

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