Am I a Candidate for a Corner Lip Lift? (Photos)

Question

I’m 20 years old and considering a corner lip lift to address hooding at the corners of my lips and excess skin around them. I’m also planning a custom jaw and chin implant, so I’d like to have my lip procedure done first to ensure balanced proportions. I’ve previously undergone pectus excavatum correction, so I’m familiar with the surgical process and recovery. I’d like to move forward as soon as possible and find a surgeon who is comfortable performing this procedure on someone my age. I’ve attached front, 45-degree, and side view images, along with a morphed before-and-after to illustrate my ideal outcome. While I know the results won’t be identical to the morph, it reflects the aesthetic I’m aiming for. I’ve also included images of me opening my mouth to provide additional detail. Would I be a good candidate for this procedure? Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your detailed inquiry regarding the corner lip lift procedure. Based on the information you've provided, it seems like you have a clear understanding of your aesthetic goals and have thoughtfully considered the timing of this procedure in relation to your upcoming jaw and chin implant surgery.

To determine candidacy for a corner lip lift, several factors are typically considered:

Anatomical Suitability: The presence of excess skin and the specific structure of your lip and surrounding tissue are key factors. From your description, it sounds like the hooding at the corners of your lips may make you a suitable candidate, but a physical examination by a qualified surgeon is necessary to confirm this.

Overall Health: Being in good general health is important for any surgical procedure to minimize risks and ensure proper healing. Your past experience with pectus excavatum correction suggests you are likely familiar with surgical recovery and may handle it well.

Age Consideration: At 20 years old, you are legally an adult and can consent to cosmetic procedures. It's important to find a surgeon comfortable performing this procedure on younger patients and who has experience with similar cases to ensure they understand your aesthetic goals.

Realistic Expectations: As you mentioned, while the morphed images provide a helpful visual guide for your desired outcome, it's crucial to maintain realistic expectations about the results, which can vary based on individual anatomy and healing.

Timing and Sequencing: Since you plan to have a custom jaw and chin implant, it’s wise to discuss with your surgeon the best sequence for these procedures to ensure optimal results and recovery.

I recommend scheduling consultations with board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in facial procedures. During these consultations, you can discuss your goals, review the images you've prepared, and get professional opinions on whether a corner lip lift is right for you. Additionally, ensure the surgeon is skilled in working with younger patients and has a portfolio of similar procedures.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You are an excellent candidate for a lip lift.  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.  The procedure takes 1 hour to perform under local anesthesia and costs $4,000.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Am I a Candidate for a Corner Lip Lift? (Photos)

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