Would a lip lift alone be able to achieve my desired look? (photos)

Question

I hate how wide my philtrum is. It ages me and doesn’t feel feminine. I’d like the top to be more pinched like the photo including the area near the nostrils. I just had a second rhinoplasty and do not want another one. Would a lip lift be able to achieve this?

Farhad Rafizadeh, MD · Answer

In the pictures your are pushing the sides of your lip to the midline and bringing the upper parts of your philtral columns together and also reducing your nostril floors. In fact the reduction or narrowing of the nostril floors would be required in order to achieve the results that you desire. This can be done through my lip lift procedure that is highly individualized and tailored to the patient’s needs. This is not the standard bullhorn lip lift that the average plastic surgeon might be offering. It is a more sophisticated procedure that hides the scars in the nostrils.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

A lip lift by itself will not do this.  However, a lip lift could give access to allow you to pull your medial crura and cartilage together and debulk centrally.  The problem should be addressed at a revision rhinoplasty.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

A lip lift can potentially address some of your concerns about the appearance of your philtrum and create a more youthful and feminine look. Here are some key points to consider:

1. **Philtrum Shortening**: A lip lift can effectively shorten the philtrum, which is the distance between the upper lip and the base of the nose. This can create a more youthful and balanced appearance.

2. **Enhancing Lip Shape**: By lifting the upper lip, the procedure can reveal more of the upper teeth when you smile and can enhance the curvature of the upper lip, contributing to a more feminine appearance.

3. **Improving Perioral Aesthetics**: The area near the nostrils (the alar base) can be subtly affected by a lip lift, as the procedure typically involves an incision just under the base of the nose. This can lead to a slight lifting and reshaping effect that might contribute to the look you desire.

However, there are limitations to what a lip lift can achieve:

1. **Width of the Philtrum**: While a lip lift can shorten the philtrum, it may not significantly narrow it. If the width of the philtrum is a major concern, additional procedures might be needed.

2. **Overall Facial Harmony**: It's important to consider how changing one aspect of your face will affect overall facial harmony. A consultation with a skilled plastic surgeon can help you understand what realistic outcomes can be achieved with a lip lift.

3. **Avoiding Further Rhinoplasty**: Since you do not want another rhinoplasty, discussing your specific concerns with your surgeon is crucial. They can provide insights into whether a lip lift alone can meet your aesthetic goals or if other non-surgical options, such as dermal fillers or Botox, might also be beneficial.

Ultimately, a detailed consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential. They can perform a thorough facial assessment, discuss your aesthetic goals, and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan to achieve the look you desire while ensuring realistic and harmonious results.

Would a lip lift alone be able to achieve my desired look? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Lip Lift

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Would a lip lift alone be able to achieve my desired look? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Lip Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.