Is it possible to use lip filler to make the distance between the nose and mouth look shorter? (Photo)

From the photo, it would appear that the upper lip would benefit from filler augmentation, which, when properly performed would not only increase lip volume and projection, but enhance the upward roll of the lip thereby creating the impression of a shorter white upper lip region above. Additionally, the photo suggests the possibility of further breaking up the white upper lip region by enhancing the philtral columns. For the body of the lip I prefer Juvederm UltraPlus XC and for the philtral colums Restylane Lyft. I agree wholeheartedly with your reluctance not to go with any permanent fillers, as these are prone to adverse reactions, either early on or even many years later, that are very difficult to treat. Best of luck.

I would highly recommend getting a formal evaluation with and treatment from a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and expert in facial sculpting. Technique is the key to a successful lip augmentation with fillers, so you'll want to see someone meticulous. An experienced physician will be able to determine which filler, how much filler, and which technique will give you the subtle result you're looking for. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Fillers will not make the distance between your nose and upper lip look shorter. The only technique that works is a lip lift. A lip lift does leave a scar but it is hidden in the nose-face junction, inside the nostril and across the base of the nose. 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.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph. It appears a lip lift would be the best option but increasing your lip volume will camouflage some of the length from your nose to lip. Hope this helps.

How can adding something substract? You want a shorter lip by adding filler? Not possible.
But, a lip lift would be good. The scar will always be visible to you if you try to find it, but not to others who won't know to look for it and would only see if if you direct their attention to it.

Adding volume with hyaluronic acid dermal fillers on your upper lip may improve the area's appearance that concerns you; however, the result won’t be evident enough to provide you with the result you need. The best option in your case is to perform a lip flip. This procedure is well known, and the chances of getting a visible scar are low; usually, the scar is so close to the nose that it won't be seeing at first sight and will take some effort to find when the procedure is well done. A complete evaluation is recommended to give you better advice, so book a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, discuss all your concerns with the procedures, and find one that suits you better.

Your question is one that plagues all injectors, since the distance from our nose to our lips increases in all of us as we age. One technique that addresses this has been developed by an internationally known lip injector, Julie Horne, an R.N. from Norway with extensive experience. She creates tiny vertical "fences", often using Restylane Kysse, in the upper lip to give height without projection. Another "trick" that might help would be to add some filler to your nasolabial folds and or cheeks to work on balancing your face and creating upward vectors. Best of luck to you.

There are a number of ways the long upper lip can be made to look shorter. Creating a fuller upper lip with the use of fillers is one way. Another way is to re-create philtral columns is an additional way. And for someone like yourself, a bullhorn upper lip lift will probably work the best. Ihope this helps and good luck from New York City plastic surgery

You have fair skin and a well done lip lift should be able to be accomplished especially with your skin complexion with a minimally or non-visible scar.

Still, I can completely understand the apprehension of having that procedure. I’m not sure if I would step up to the plate either.

Lip fillers will proportionately give your upper lip more forward projection and make it wider without increasing the vertical height so in that sense it would look larger without looking longer. he won’t really lift it so the length will still be the same.

If you go for filler for your upper lip then I would highly encourage you to treat your lower and upper lip together.

Treating only the upper lip is a bit of a dead giveaway of having had work done because it doesn’t look natural.

Personally I like using Voluma for lips and find that results can last 6 to 12 months. I like using Radiesse but do not use it in the lips(manufacturer recommends not to).

If you haven’t tried fillers then that’s a great place to start.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD