Is my top lip overfilled or is my bottom underfilled? (Photos)

Question

I have had my lips injected a few times by different doctors. The first used restalyne (I have previous questions posted about that). Then I got juvaderm volbella and most recently Vollure. I still think my bottom lip is underfilled but there is something I hate about the top! I can’t put my finger on what’s wrong to correct. I definitely know she filled the Cupid’s bow a bit too much since it is quite puffy. I was told juvaderm may migrate and restalyne is better.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your experience and photos. I'm sorry this issue has come up, but it looks like you need an in-person examination and at least a few before photos to determine what happened during your  injections. You can also return to your last injector for an evaluation and to discuss your concerns. Best wishes, Dr. ALDO

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

To yield natural-looking results, rather than "duck lips" (aka "trout pout" lips), certain ideal proportions of the lips must be respected by the injector. In the frontal view, for example, ideally the lower  lip should be twice the volume of the upper. Put another way, the upper lip volume should be one-third of the entire volume of both lips taken together. In profile view, the upper lip should not protrude more than 1-2mm beyond the pout of the lower lip. Unfortunately, it appears that your upper lip, which you say you hate, is about 1.5 X the volume of the lower in front view and protrudes well beyond the 2mm limit in profile view. My personal favorite for lips in my NY office is Juvederm Ultra Plus XC. In my Israel satellite facility, where a far greater number of regulatory agency approved fillers and volumizing fillers are available, I typically prefer Princess Volume for this purpose. You might consider having some of the injected material dissolved with hyaluronidase, after which you do well to seek consultation and treatment by a board certified aesthetic physician with experience and expertise in performing nonsurgical lip augmentation using fillers. Make certain to ask to see his/her before and after photos before agreeing to proceed. Best of luck.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You did not mention how long ago you had your lips injected. However, from your photos, this looks like typical swelling which can last up to 2 weeks after injection. If you are past 2 weeks I recommend having a following up with your injector to address your concerns. Please remember hyaluronic acid fillers are not permanent and can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if necessary. Best of Luck!

Stephen Mandy, MD · Answer

The normal ratio of size of the upper to lower lip is basically 33% upper to 66% lower lip.  However it is not unusual to see people who have naturally different ratios, especially if ethnic considerations are taken into account.  It is sometimes difficult for a physician to know what the persons natural lips look like if they have had prior filler - especially if it was of a material that is permanent like silicone.  It is always wise to provide your physician with your full medical and especially cosmetic history, and a photo of you before any work had been done.

Lenore Sikorski, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos and question.Typically, you would want a slightly fuller bottom lip. If you just had the treatment in your upper lip I would wait until the swelling completely subsides before returning to your injector for more.

Is my top lip overfilled or is my bottom underfilled? (Photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Deternmining if lips are overfilled and in proportion

Answer: Deternmining if lips are overfilled and in proportion

Answer: Lip filler

Answer: Lip filler

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Everything you need to know about Restylane

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

Is my top lip overfilled or is my bottom underfilled? (Photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Deternmining if lips are overfilled and in proportion

Answer: Deternmining if lips are overfilled and in proportion

Answer: Lip filler

Answer: Lip filler

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Restylane

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