No teeth show when talking - Will 5 mm lip lift be enough? (Photo)

That's unwise, 5 mm is a large, really large or better said aggressive amount of indirect lip lift; better stay cautions, this is a de facto irreversible maneuver leading to very explicit and obscene scars, eventually might not pay off for the potential benefit you are describing; give it second thoughts.

I completely understand where you’re coming from, it’s very common to feel self-conscious when your lips don’t show much tooth display, as it can affect how feminine or youthful the smile looks. A 5 mm lift is considered on the more conservative side, but there’s a reason your surgeon suggested it. Taking too much can sometimes lead to an overdone look, difficulty closing the lips comfortably, or even functional issues.

That said, even a seemingly “small” lift can make a more noticeable difference than you might expect, especially since millimeters really matter in this area of the face. It can shorten the philtrum, bring more balance, and help expose the upper teeth.

If your goal is to look more feminine and have more tooth show, 5 mm may give you a natural improvement without going too far. Sometimes doctors prefer to start with a safer amount and see how the tissues settle, as going beyond that initially can carry risks that are harder to correct.

Your concerns are valid, and it’s all about finding the right balance enough of a change to boost your confidence while keeping function and natural harmony in mind.

I recommend an eccentric lip lift. This does 4 things: shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip, increases the mucosa of the upper lip, increases the incisor show and pulls up the corners. This takes 1 hour to perform under local anesthesia and costs $4,000.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Hello,
Thank you for your question.
A 5 mm lip lift is a conservative approach that may not provide the degree of change you're hoping for—especially if you currently have little to no upper tooth show when speaking. While your surgeon is understandably cautious to avoid over-lifting and visible scarring, many patients with longer philtrums benefit from a 6–7 mm lift to achieve a more feminine and balanced look. Consider asking for photo simulations of different lift amounts and express your desire for a noticeable (but still natural) improvement, so you can find a middle ground that prioritizes both aesthetics and safety.