20mm philtrum, is a lip lift advised when you like your lips? (Photos)

Question

I’ve started to research lip lifts as I have a 20mm philtrum - however I like the size and shape of my lips Is it advised to do this in my case? I am also considering a chin implant as I have a recessed chin and am wondering if that alone would provide enough balance.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

A philtrum length of approximately 20 mm is on the longer side for typical aesthetic proportions, especially in women, where the average range is often 11–15 mm. A surgical lip lift can shorten this distance, increase the amount of visible upper teeth at rest, and create a more youthful balance to the mid-face.

However, in your case — since you already like the size and shape of your lips — a lip lift may not be necessary or desirable. This is because:

Aesthetic Harmony: If your current lip shape and volume are proportionate to the rest of your features, altering the philtrum may create an effect you’re less happy with.

Permanent Change: A lip lift is irreversible and will alter the resting position of your upper lip, which could change its shape even without adding volume.

Alternative Balancing Procedures: A recessed chin can make the mid-face appear longer. A chin implant or genioplasty can enhance lower-face projection and balance proportions without altering the lips.

Summary:
If you are satisfied with your lip shape and volume, addressing chin projection first may provide the balance you’re seeking without changing a feature you already like. If, after that adjustment, the philtrum length still feels disproportionate to you, a lip lift could be considered at a later stage.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

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 can be done without distorting the appearance of your lips.  You can have a chin implant done at the same time.  This can be done intra-orally.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

What matters is whether you see your upper teeth when your mouth is slightly open and at rest.  The absolute number is not important. 
We do lip lifts in the office regularly.  We can do them such that the size / shape of your lip stays similar but the height is shortened (When necessary).

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

Agree that the size and shape of your lips are perfect.  To evaluate the position of your lips relative to teeth and jaws and whether or not very skillfully performed upper lip lift is worth considering, photos with lips relaxed and gently parted should be evaluated.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Regarding the chin augmentation, the use of a robust HA volumizing filler would certainly help to achieve a more desirable balance of projections of the chin, lips and nose in profile. The results of this treatment, which takes only five to ten minutes to perform are immediate and engender little to no significant post-treatment downtime. 
As far as the philtrum is concerned, the use of a few microdroplets of Botox placed strategically along the upper lip vermilion border accompanied by the use of a low viscosity, malleable,cohesive HA filler lip lift can help to further make the philtrum appear less elongated. 
You would be wise to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist experienced filler injector. 
Best of luck.

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20mm philtrum, is a lip lift advised when you like your lips? (Photos)

Answers (5)

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Answer: Nonsurgical Lip Lift: Microdroplet Botox+HA Filler For Vermilion Border

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