Small teeth & wide smile, am I a good lip lift candidate? (Photos)

Question

My teeth don't really show when I talk, I also do not want veneers. My philtrum is 15mm and I am planning to schedule for a procedure, considerably a lip lift, however, I would like to know if there are any other suitable options (fillers/Botox/threads) for increasing tooth visibility. My concerns lip lifts are my age (19), because of potential scarring. Also I have previously developed keloid scars on my body. What would be a typical price range for this procedure & situation? Thanks!

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. 
Based on your images, you do appear to be a candidate for lip lift. Other procedures will not give you the tooth show that you are interested in.
Consult with an experienced lip surgeon for a complete range of options that are appropriate for your situation.
Gary Linkov, MD
Lip SpecialistManhattan

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Lip lifts do 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.  From your photographs and measurement, I believe you would be a good candidate for a lip lift.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

i think that filler sand vineers done well would be prefect for you over a lip lift, and we do that in my office. however, if you really want the lift we can do that too. I suggest you get a formal consult with our team.  For the mean time def use exfoliation and plumping of your lips (see link). Best, Dr. Emer.

Lesley A. Rabach, MD · Answer

You could definitely benefit from a lip lift. This would shorten your philtrum and expose more of your lip at rest as well as expose more of your teeth when your mouth is open. There should not be a noticeable scar as your surgeon will be able to tuck it in the fold of the lower nose. Long term, there are no negative side effects of a lip lift. In your case, I would not try lip fillers as they will blunt your teeth show even more. If you’ve had lip filler, I would recommend having that removed before you have the lip lift. I would recommend consulting a board-certified facial plastic surgeon to discuss your options.

Small teeth & wide smile, am I a good lip lift candidate? (Photos)

Answers (4)

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