What type of lip lift will help reduce size of my philtrum? (Photo)

Question

I'm a female who is unhappy with the size of my philtrum. Is there a way to shorten it without doing a bullhorn lip lift? I feel like a bullhorn lift will only make my lips droop more. I've considered a corner lip lift but don't want to deal with the scarring. In my case, would a vermillion border lift work?

James M. Pearson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. The Lip Lift procedure is performed to accentuate the size and/or shape of the upper lip by removing skin from the region underneath the nose. As the distance is decreased between the nose and the lip, the red lip is 'lifted'. In appropriate individuals, shortening this distance may impart or restore a more favorable balance to lips and face.
The 'sub-nasal' approach uses planned incision sites which are ideally concealed within the normal contours between the nose and the upper lip. The 'bullhorn' descriptor refers to the shape of the excised tissue, not the location of the approach. While all bullhorn lifts are sub-nasal, the reverse is not true.
  
A 'Vermillion Advancement' procedure can help to increase the amount of 'red lip' show by removing skin just above the red lip. However, scarring associated with the 'sub-nasal' approach is usually less noticeable in young women in comparison with the scarring associated with the 'vermillion advancement' type of procedure. 
  
In summary, while both the 'subnasal' and 'vermillion advancement' procedures both accomplish lip shortening, the sub-nasal option is usually preferable in young women. Consider consulting with an experienced Lip Lift surgeon to learn about what may be advisable in your particular case.

Marc DuPéré, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and pictures.I would definitively recommend the bullhorn lip lift.All 3 techniques will evert your red lip and give the impression of fuller lips.However, the corner lip lift will not significantly reduce your upper lip height.Both the vermillion lip lift (aka gullwing) and bullhorn lip lift will reduce your philtrum length but the bullhorn technique will hide the scar better.One has to address your teeth show with and without a lip lift to see how much can be safely excised and lifted without giving you a gummy smile.Hope this helps!Dr. Marc DuPere, aesthetic plastic surgeon

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello userplasWe now have so many options both surgical and non surgical to create beautiful lips and a sexy smile. In general, we can reshape, rejuvenate and add volume. There are fillers, silicone implants, dissolving thread implants, lip lifts, lip reductions, peels, and then of course cosmetic dental care to improve the color shape and contour of your teeth and gums.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

I
do not recommend the traditional bullhorn lift, which only creates central
lifting and can create a bunny deformity. 
Instead, I use an extension of it to pull up the corners.  This technique will shorten the distance
between the nose and upper lip, increase the mucosa show, increase incisor show
and elevate your corners.  The scars are
hidden at the nose/face junction and within the nostril.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Lucas Bryant, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! A lip-lift that uses the natural crease between your nose and lips is by far the most commonly performed treatment of the ones you listed. The vermillion border technique has largely been abandoned due to poor healing and inconsistent results. Corner lip lifts are only good in select patients and to treat specific problems. By definition, the corner lip lift does not change your philtrum at all. In general, a bullhorn or modified-bullhorn lip lift will shorten the nose to lip length (philtrum), slightly increase the amount of red-lip that is visible, and increase a subtle amount of tooth show when your mouth is slightly open at rest. These changes combat the natural course of aging that the upper lip undergoes. Warm regards.

Piotr Osuch, MD · Answer

Bullhorn lip lift is by far the only reasonable option for someone interested in philtrum shortening. Fillers/ own fat transfer/ lip implant - neither will help to fix this issue.  Lip lift will result in your central part of the lips pulled up. Lip lift surgery doesn't affect lip corners. 
Best regards, 
Piotr Osuch, Md, PhD

Jeffrey Jumaily, MD · Answer

The short answer is that only the lip lift will help you. Corner lifts have scarring. Border lip lift have even worse scarring. A lip lift done by an expert should not drop the lips. Consult a lip lift specialist for a more detailed discussion

What type of lip lift will help reduce size of my philtrum? (Photo)

Answers (7)

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