What are the treatment options to correct droopy lips in a young patient? (Photos)

Question

Upper lip is slim/moderate in size with a slightly pronounced tubercle; lower lip is moderate in size, full from corner to corner, & somewhat bow-shaped. Combined with puffy, droopy lip corners, this lends a somber impression from every angle. I would like the outer corners of my lips to be taut & (flatteringly) lifted. I’d like to lift my upper lip, reduce the length of my philtrum, and correct the unflattering protrusion of my lower lip. Thank you for your advice!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You appear to be a good candidate for a lip lift.  A lip lift does 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.  Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

A downturned smile or permanent frown can be improved with a combination approach, including neuromodulators (such as Botox, Dysport, and Jeuveau), injectable fillers, and radiofrequency skin tightening treatments such as Thermage or Venus Legacy. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist to develop a treatment plan that works for you. Best, Dr. Emer.

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 14mm 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. In your situation, assuming you qualify based on measurements, I would recommend an upper lip lift, lower lip reduction, and DAO botox to bring the corners up. Gary Linkov, MD
Lip Specialist
Manhattan

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

of course the right answer for you is a modified lip lift.   We need to adjust where the incisions are done to customize exactly the results you want.   Watch our videos to learn more.

Oren Tepper, MD · Answer

The concerns that you raise may be addressable by an upper lip lift. This is a procedure that elevates the lip, shortens the distance from the nose to the lip (philtrum), and can roll the lip up slightly so that it is more voluminous.

What are the treatment options to correct droopy lips in a young patient? (Photos)

Answers (5)