Follow-up question: Do you advise lip lift or jaw correction to help show my teeth? (Photos)

Question

I love my teeth but I hate that they don’t show when I talk, smile or laugh. I went to an orthodontist, I am not a candidate for braces or veneers due to the root of my teeth being so short. Ortho recommended Botox around my lips but I was told that would not help show my teeth. The other option was jaw surgery to lower my jaw but was told that would not be recommended. I have updated this question due to doctors asking if I have had fillers. I have never had filler or Botox or any other procedure done.

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. 
In your situation, you need a thorough consultation to make sure that lip lift surgery can meet your expectations. 
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

Farhad Rafizadeh, MD · Answer

You need a significant lip lift to show teeth, as your teeth are very high. Make sure you see an expert with a lot of experience in this procedure.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

I recommend 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.  This may also get rid of the horizontal fold you have when you smile. Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

You appear to be a candidate for lip lift. A lip lift will help shorten the skin of the upper lip for multiple benefits. First, the red part of your lip will appear more shaped and full similar to fillers. Second, you should have at least 1-2mm of teeth show when your mouth is slightly open and relaxed. It is best to have an in-office evaluation to demonstrate how this will improve your lips. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Follow-up question: Do you advise lip lift or jaw correction to help show my teeth? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Lip lift

Answer: Lip lift

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Everything you need to know about Lip Lift

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Follow-up question: Do you advise lip lift or jaw correction to help show my teeth? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Lip lift

Answer: Lip lift

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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.