Flat lips from the side - Lip fillers or lip flip?

Question

20F, have never gotten work done. I feel like my lips look weird/flat from the side. Perhaps because I have a long philtrum. Would lip fillers make my lips more projected from the side, or would it look bad?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your photo and your thoughts! From what I can see, your lips have a natural, delicate shape, but from the side view they do appear a bit flat, which can be influenced by a longer philtrum and the natural projection of your lips.

A lip flip (using Botox to slightly curl the upper lip outward) can give a subtle lift, but it typically doesn’t add volume or significant projection from the side—it mainly changes the curve of the upper lip when smiling.

Lip fillers, on the other hand, can enhance projection and balance your profile by gently adding volume, especially to the upper lip or the border of the lips. Because this would be your first procedure, small, natural enhancements are usually best to complement your facial proportions without looking overdone. Sometimes, a combination of a minimal filler and a lip flip can also be considered for a soft, lifted effect.

Ultimately, the goal is to enhance your profile subtly while keeping your natural look. Overfilling can make lips look unnatural from the side, so a conservative approach is safest.

Your concerns are very common, especially with a longer philtrum—what you’re noticing is often more about balance and projection than needing “big” lips.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your chin looks recessed and I recommend a chin implant. This is done through an intra-oral incision so there are no external scars. This takes about 1 hour to perform under general anesthesia and costs $5,000.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Viva Eve Dermatology - New York · Answer

Hi there!
This is a great question! You are mainly considering between a lip flip for lip eversion, versus lip filler which CAN (with the right technique) and add volume. 
To evaluate for a lip flip, this is best assessed in person while animating (smiling and puckering the lips). Via these photos, its difficult to determine if you are a candidate although it can help to create the illusion of a larger upper lip.
As for flip filler, proper product selection and technique of placement can help project the lips in the way that you desire, while also keeping true to your natural anatomy and facial features. For the best, most comprehensive results, we would pair the lip filler with chin filler to balance profile proportions and avoid over projecting the lips past the chin. Lip filler can be paired with a lip flip for added results, depending on in person, in depth consultation. 
Hope this helped!
Sincerely,Eleni Sgantzos, PA-C

Flat lips from the side - Lip fillers or lip flip?

Answers (3)

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