What can be done for my downward turned lips? (photos)

Question

I have always disliked my short, downward turned lips. What can make them appear wider and more upturned?

David K. Isaacs, MD, FACS · Answer

A lip lift will pull the upper lip up, but you may also want to consider a corner lift. A corner lift comes with potentially more visible scarring because the incision is at the level of the lip unlike the lip lift which is at the nasal base.

A lip lift will also shorten your philtrum, or the distance between your nose and lip, and it will also make your upper lip look more enhanced and volumized, complementing your already beautifully volumized lower lip.

Kian Karimi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your questions and photos. Neurotoxin to the depressor anguli oris (DAO) will help relax this muscle and lessen the downward pull of the corners of your mouth. Typically, 2-4 units are injected per side depending on how strong the individual’s muscles are. Additionally, neurotoxin can also be injected in the perioral oral area to provide a “lip lift” effect. If injections are done more laterally in the perioral area then it could also help with widening the appearance of the corners of your mouth. Please note that the main risks of neurotoxin injections include but are not limited to, pain, swelling at the injection site, bruising, headache, and asymmetrical results. Notably, this treatment is not permanent and can last between 3-6 months. It is important to go to an experienced injector to optimize safety and to achieve your desired outcome. Best of luck! Kian Karimi MD, FACS

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

A downturned smile or permanent frown can be improved with a combination approach, including neuromodulators (such as Botox, Dysport, and Jeuveau), injectable fillers, and radiofrequency skin tightening treatments such as Thermage or Venus Legacy. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist to develop a treatment plan that works for you. Best, Dr. Emer.

Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, your options include HA fillers, Botox and surgical central lip lift. I wish you the best of luck. Vasileios Vasilakis, MD. Double board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, Houston. TX.

Marc Polacco, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The best treatment for shortening the upper lip and upturning would be a bullhorn lip lift. It's a procedure that can be performed in the office with just local anesthesia in a little under an hour. The major downside is that there's a scar, however for most patients it tends to hide well under the nose. If you're opposed to surgery, filler along the vermillion border can add some definition and slight upturn as well, but it can't address lip length. I hope this helps, and all the best to you.

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. The procedure takes about 1 hour to perform under local anesthesia and costs $3,000.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

An approach HA lip filler can be used to add body to the upper lip to establish a more ideal 1:2 volume ratio between the upper and lowrer lips. Additionally, a less robust filler can be used along the lateral portion of the vermilion border of the lower lip and along the entire length of the vermilion border of the upper lips to elongate them somewhat at the angles of the mouth and to achieve a subtle lip lift to the upper lip.  And finally, a couple of microdroplets of Botox appropriately placed above the upper lip can provide an additonal Botox "Lip Lift."  Make sure that you consult a board certified cosmetic dermatologist. Best of luck.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph. Careful placement of Botox into the DAO muscles and dermal filler into your lips should address both concerns you have.  Hope this helps.

What can be done for my downward turned lips? (photos)

Answers (8)

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