Hey, i’m 20 years old and my long (and smooth) philtrum really bothers me. Could a lip lift help?

Question

my upper lip lacks definition and my cupids bow is very not visible, but my biggest concern is the length of my philtrum. I am also very afraid it could change my smile and just overall make my face look different. Do you think a lip lift could make my face look more attractive? And will my teeth be showing more?

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I would suggest if your main concern is the cupids bow filler works really well in create more definition.  A Lip Lift will shorten the philtrum and slightly change the fullness of the lips.  Please do have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.  All The Best

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

While I would need to assess you in person to know for sure, it does appear you might be a good candidate for a lip lift. This procedure reduces the distance from the base of the nose to the upper lift. It also increases mucosal show of the upper lip and reveals a bit of the upper teeth when you smile. My concern would be that your lips are already beautifully full, and I would not want to do anything to change that effect. Make sure you work with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has the experience and expertise to tailor your procedure to your precise needs and goals.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

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.  In your case, I believe this would be an effective treatment but will not increase the definition of your cupid’s bow.  Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Steven J. Pearlman, MD, FACS · Answer

Lip lift has been around for decades. Recent advances have made this procedure more accepptable for young patients. There is a long incision, but if closed meticulously, it is barely visible. It will both shorten your upper lip and increase dental show. Your lip will be stiff and your smile funny for up to three months. It is an excellent operation but be prepared for a long healing and adjustment period.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Exquisite807I appreciate your concerns, however physical examination would be helpful to provide a more detailed answer. While it appears on the photos where you are not smiling that the distance from your upper lip to your nostrils may be a bit long, but your lips appear to be full and most attractive. This is especially evident when you smile, as the distance is decreased. Your options include lip lift surgery, which would decrease the distance, however scarring can be an issue. Another option would be conservative upper lip augmentation with filler or fat. Finally another very realistic option is to do nothing as you have a very pretty face and smile, which is a wonderful start!  Come see me or another board-certified plastic surgeon in our area for a full evaluation. Good luck.

Gary Linkov, MD · Answer

Measuring your philtrum is important to better gauge how much improvement you can get. But overall, the upper lip would be fuller and the teeth would show more. The smile over time is not affected, initially there may just be tightness where the sutures are. Happy to see you in NYC. Gary Linkov, MDLip SpecialistManhattan

Piotr Osuch, MD · Answer

You seem to be an appropriate candidate for a lip lift to shorten you philtrum (distance between upper lip & nose base) to balance your overall face proportions. Having said that, your dental show with mouth relaxed should be properly assessed before getting a lip lift done. This is one of the key parameters for a lip lift. 
best regards, 
Piotr Osuch

Curtis Perry, MD · Answer

A lip lift would shorten the phitrum. But would distort its shape. Also the length from the base of nose to bottom of the chin is not excessively long so to what end would be shortening it?

Mehdi Sina, MD · Answer

Hi,Very clearly and specifically a lip lift will give you:- a fuller top lip-less distance between the base of the nose and the red part of the lip (and philtrum)-increase in tooth showA lip lift may not give you a more defined cupid's bow or elevate the ridges of the philtrum.Carefully placed lip filler, while temporary can define the cupids bow and philtrum.Best,

Hey, i’m 20 years old and my long (and smooth) philtrum really bothers me. Could a lip lift help?

Answers (9)

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