Lip lift - Will I have too much tooth show? (photo)

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 technique I use excises more laterally than centrally. In your photographs, your corners appear to be more downturned, giving a somewhat frowning impression. You should not have too much tooth show. This takes about 1 hour to perform under local anesthesia and costs $4,000.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

For someone like you, based on these photos, in person consultation to evaluate dynamics of your spontaneous lip lift when smiling is mandatory. Based on photos only, I am not sure whether lip lift is needed? Good luck.

Instead of jumping into aggressive, invasive and expensive surgery that engenders real post-treatment downtime, you might wish to explore a nonsurgical lip lift. The use of microdroplets of Botox appropriately placed immediately above the vermilion border of the upper lip can help to shorten the appearance of the elongated philtrum. The use of a low viscosity, cohesive, malleable HA filler can be threaded along the upper vermilion to further enhance the lip lift effect and further diminish the appearance of the elongated philtral columns. You would be wise to make sure to consult an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist filler and Botox injection expert. Best of luck

Thank you for sharing your concerns and photos regarding a potential lip lift. It's understandable to feel apprehensive about how the procedure might affect your appearance, particularly regarding tooth show and lip balance.

A lip lift is designed to shorten the philtrum (the space between the nose and upper lip) and increase the visibility of the upper lip, which can enhance your smile by showing more teeth. However, achieving a natural balance between the upper and lower lips is crucial.

Here are a few points to consider:

Tooth Show: While some increase in tooth show is expected, a skilled surgeon will evaluate your facial proportions and desired outcome to ensure a natural look. It's essential to communicate your concerns about excessive tooth show with your surgeon, who can tailor the procedure to your needs.

Lip Balance: The goal is to enhance the upper lip while maintaining harmony with the lower lip. Your surgeon should assess both lip volumes and adjust the lift accordingly to avoid exaggeration.

Consultation: I recommend having a detailed consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with lip lifts. They can provide personalized advice, show you before-and-after photos of similar cases, and discuss any potential risks.

Expected Outcomes: Discuss the expected results and any post-operative care needed to achieve the best outcome. Understanding the process can help alleviate some of your concerns.

Ultimately, choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon is key to achieving a satisfying result. Feel free to ask them any questions you might have to ensure you feel comfortable and confident with your decision.