Lip tissue is not visible from the side - filler doesn't help. What are my options? (Photos)

Question

My lip tissue is not visible at all from the side- it reminds me of an ape. Lip filler has don’t nothing to correct. What are my options? Would a lip lift help?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your photographs are somewhat limited as I cannot see the distance between the nose and upper lip.  However, you may benefit from an eccentric lip lift.  An eccentric 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.  This takes 1 hour to perform under local anesthesia and costs $4,000.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

If lip filler (such as hyaluronic acid fillers) has not improved the side profile visibility of your lip tissue, a surgical lip lift is a highly effective alternative. Lip lift procedures—particularly upper lip lifts—can increase the amount of visible vermilion (the pink part of the lip) and improve lip projection, making the lips more visible from the side.

A lip lift shortens the distance between the nose and the upper lip, everting the lip and increasing its prominence, which can dramatically enhance facial aesthetics both at rest and when smiling

If the lack of lip visibility is due to lip length, shape, or position rather than volume, a lip lift is generally more effective than additional filler. Filler primarily adds volume but does not significantly change the vertical height or projection of the lip if the underlying anatomy is not favorable.

Other options may include:

Autologous fat grafting for additional volume if needed.
Combined procedures (e.g., simultaneous rhinoplasty and lip lift) for overall facial harmony, if indicated.

In summary, a lip lift is likely to be the most effective solution for increasing lip visibility from the side when fillers have failed to achieve the desired result.

Lip tissue is not visible from the side - filler doesn't help. What are my options? (Photos)

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Everything you need to know about Lip Lift

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Lip tissue is not visible from the side - filler doesn't help. What are my options? (Photos)

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Lift

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