What can fix this indent in my lip I've had all my life? (Photos)

Question

I’ve had this indent in my top left lip all my life. It’s pretty noticeable in photos as well as in real life. What is this problem called & what procedure would best correct it? I was thinking of fillers but I’m wondering if that would just enhance the problem. Also, how can I correct the overall uneveness as the one side of the top lip is flatter & more elongated & the other side is slightly higher & curved with that indent.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

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

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

An appropriately resilient HA filler in the hands of an experienced injector can be used to correct the left upper lip indent; another, more cohesive HA filler can be used to establish better definition to the vermilion border of the right side of the upper lip achieve the desired lip lift symmetry between the two sides. Make sure to consult a board certified cosmetic dermatologist. Best of luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear zodi_13,
I perform a lot of lip injections with fillers such as juvederm and it works great. Many times I need to put more in one side than the other to attempt to even out the vermillion border (The red line of the lip). This helps provide more symmetry at times.For patients looking for a more long lasting result, I recommend fat grafting. That is, using your own bodies fat to make your lips naturally look more shapely. The bonus is that the results last many many years.
In general, I avoid using permanent prosthesis because I find that the lips are such dynamic and sensitive structures, the end result is not natural.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Akshay Sanan, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi zodi_13,
Barring any trauma or injury to your lip growing up, this is your anatomy. To improve the indent in your left upper lip, filler can be added to the area of indentation to augment volume there. As far as one side of your lip being flatter compared to the other, you can try to balance it out with lip filler. All patients have some asymmetry to their facial features, and the goal is improvement and not chasing perfection. Lip filler is reversible, so if you don't like it you can have it dissolved, but I do think adding lip filler will improve the indentation and help you achieve your goals.
All the best,Dr. Sanan, MDFacial Plastic SurgeryLos Angeles, CA

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

Just about any Proficient Plastic Surgeon should be able to correct your lip with a use of lip-prescribed hyaluronic acid fillers. I hope this helps and good luck from New York City plastic surgery

What can fix this indent in my lip I've had all my life? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Lip filler

Answer: Lip filler

Answer: Correcting the lip shape

Answer: Correcting the lip shape

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers

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

What can fix this indent in my lip I've had all my life? (Photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Lip filler

Answer: Lip filler

Answer: Correcting the lip shape

Answer: Correcting the lip shape

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers

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