Why can't I smile with my mouth closed?

Question

I've included photos of Ariana Grande and Kendall Jenner's smiles, which is what I want. The other photos are of my lips when I try to smile with my mouth closed (it looks ridiculous). My top lip seems to go down on the sides, and it seems like I don't have enough muscle to pull the corners up? What surgery or surgeries can I get to make my smile look permanently like theirs?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

no surgery helps what you are looking for. fillers and threads can be used to improve contour and shape of your face.  I would use daily hydration and plumping (see emeragecosmetics lip essentials kit).  everyone can do a little filler when done well really gives nice hydration and plumping.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear bumblebean,
I perform a lot of lip injections with fillers such as juvederm and it works great. Many times I need to put more in one side than the other to attempt to even out the vermillion border (The red line of the lip). This helps provide more symmetry at times.For patients looking for a more long lasting result, I recommend fat grafting. That is, using your own bodies fat to make your lips naturally look more shapely. The bonus is that the results last many many years.
In general, I avoid using permanent prosthesis because I find that the lips are such dynamic and sensitive structures, the end result is not natural.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

You need to learn to except who you are. This includes having gratitude and pride for your heritage and what your parents and God has given you.

There is no appropriate procedure for what you describe.

There have been surgeons who have done surgery to lift the corners of the mouth but they are generally not particularly successful.

There are also Botox treatments they can attempt to raise the corner of the mouth which includes weakening the depressor angui oris muscles. My first hand experience of this is that it causes the smile to widen but the corners of the lip are not lifted in a static neutral expressionless face.

This is probably the only treatment that would be reasonable to try.

Perhaps that will be successful for you to some degree.

My first and foremost suggestion is to not intervene and accept your face the way it is.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

linea nova body contouring

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