I am 19. Would I be a good candidate for a lip lift? My philtrum is 15mm, my upper teeth are covered by my upper lip (Photo)

Question

My mouth is very wide when I smile, other than a lip lift are there fillers to help with this? I would like my teeth to show more and I do not want veneers. I am worried about my age and scaring or widening of the nose. Is this advisable? I was quoted $5300 and thats including follow up appointments.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Having done this surgery for 45 years, I think your lips are beautiful and need NO lip lift now. Even though the risks are very low-even done by a very experienced surgeon they can occur.

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 13mm 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. 
I would need to see a photo of your mouth open, no smile. If there are no teeth showing then perhaps a lip lift could help. 
Consult with an experienced lip surgeon for a complete range of options that are appropriate for your situation.
Gary Linkov, MD
Lip Specialist / RealSelf Lip Lift Medical Reviewer
Manhattan

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, you have not provided a photograph in repose with your jaw relaxed and mouth slightly open.  However, 15 mm is slightly longer than normal, which is usually 12 to 14 mm.  Scarring can occur with the operation but the scars are well hidden within the nose-face junction, inside the nostril and at the base of the columella.  You are a borderline case.  The cost is $3,000 in Houston, Texas.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I think you are a fine candidate for fillers, threads, or botox to. the area.  Lip lifts can change the look of your face and you already have a pretty short philtrum, but it is always an option.  Lip plumper should be used daily too (see link). Best, Dr. emer.

Stephen J. Pincus, MD · Answer

At first blush, it would seem that you do not need this procedure. I use the amount of incisor dental show as well as measurement ratios of the lower third of the face to determine the appropriateness. Obviously, the patient's goals are also considered. An in-person vs. virtual online consultation is always a better way to evaluate something like this.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

You have very nice full lips. The picture we need is to see your mouth with the lips open but slightly only without you smiling.Then we can see what your mouth looks like and how much tooth show there is.If you do want a lip lift then your age is not an issue.It's an in office procedure.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos. A lip lift can be used to reduce the length of your upper lip. At the same time, it makes your upper lip appear more full. Lip lifts can be done in any adult. This procedure can be done without general anesthesia. Stitches are left for just 4-5 days. Scars are placed at the natural base of the nose so that they are less likely to be seen. They can also be easily covered with minimal make-up. A lip lift will not widen the nose. Johnson C. Lee, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

I am 19. Would I be a good candidate for a lip lift? My philtrum is 15mm, my upper teeth are covered by my upper lip (Photo)

Answers (7)

More Lip Lift Questions

What procedure would allow me to show more teeth when I smile and speak? (photos)

Am I a good candidate for a lip lift to balance out my face? (Photos)

Am I a good candidate for a lip lift?

Would I be a good candidate for an upper lip lift? (Photo)

What are long-term outcomes for a bullhorn lip lift in a young patient?

Am I a good candidate for a lip lift with a 17mm long philtrum? (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS