Middle of my upper lip covers my smile - how can I improve this? (Photo)

Question

I used to be obese which entirely covered my smile, but I am just overweight now and my smile has been showing a lot more with teeth, but the middle upper lip always covers my front teeth. Not sure if its a weight issue or if I need surgery as Id like a full smile.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It would be difficult to suggest you a straight forward solution without in person evaluation. Lip lift with shortening of the muscle is one of the solution but it has to be confirm on the basis of in person evaluation.  A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this procedure would help. Good luck.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

First, I want to acknowledge the progress you’ve already made—losing weight and starting to feel more confident in your smile is not easy, and that effort truly matters. What you’re describing is actually something I see quite often, and there are a few different reasons why the center of the upper lip may cover the front teeth when smiling.

What Could Be Causing This

There are a few common factors:

Lip anatomy and length
Some people naturally have a slightly longer or heavier central upper lip, which can drape over the front teeth when smiling.
Muscle movement when you smile
The way your lip lifts is controlled by facial muscles. In some cases, the center doesn’t elevate as much as the sides, leading to that “covered” look.
Dental support and structure
The position of your teeth or bite can affect how much the lip is supported and how visible your teeth are.
Residual fullness in the lip area
Weight loss can change facial proportions, but it doesn’t always fully change lip shape or movement patterns.
Non-Surgical Options to Improve Your Smile

These are often the first things I consider:

Lip flip (Botox)
A small amount of botulinum toxin can help relax the muscle that pulls the lip inward, allowing the upper lip to gently roll outward and show more teeth when smiling.
Strategic lip filler
Placed carefully, filler can provide subtle support and structure, especially in the central lip, helping it lift and not fold over the teeth.
Dental evaluation
Sometimes orthodontics or minor dental adjustments can improve tooth visibility and lip support.
Surgical Options (When Needed)

If the issue is more structural:

Lip lift procedure
This shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip, allowing more of the teeth to show at rest and when smiling.

This is typically considered only if non-surgical options don’t give the desired result.

What I Want You to Know

This is not just a weight-related issue—it’s more about anatomy, muscle movement, and structure. You’ve already made meaningful changes, and this is simply a refinement of how your features interact when you smile.

Middle of my upper lip covers my smile - how can I improve this? (Photo)

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