Short upper lip, lip incompetence but no gummy smile, what are my options?

Question

Hi, so I have a short upper lip resulting in my mouth not naturally closing at rest. Usually, I purse my top lip ALL the time so my upper incisors don't show. I don't have a gummy smile so I'm not sure if jaw surgery or botox will help. Any help will be appreciated!! Thank you :) 1st and 2nd pics= My mouth at rest (as you can see my upper incisors show, I have a short upper lip and my mouth does not close at rest) third pic= natural smile forth pic = pursuing my top lip to cover my incisors.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

you may get similar relief as a patient who receives Botox injections to lower their upper lip not to show their gum line when they smile. If you have had lip filler and this issue with incisors showing only occurred after lips were filled then hold off on Botox injections to allow the filler to dissolve and see how the shape of the mouth returns.The information provided in Dr. Shelton's answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice.  The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical needs.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Since your upper lip does not apparently function in a normal way, I believe you would be best served to consult with a maxillofacial surgeon who has some cosmetic training, such as Joe Niamtu, DMD in Midlothian, VA (just west of Richmond).  Joe is extremely personable, and passionate about these matters, and is well networked....so he could likely recommend someone close to where you reside.

Deborah Kessler Hudak, MD, MHA · Answer

Since your upper lip does not apparently function in a normal way, I believe you would be best served to consult with a maxillofacial surgeon who has some cosmetic training, such as Joe Niamtu, DMD in Midlothian, VA (just west of Richmond).  Joe is extremely personable, and passionate about these matters, and is well networked....so he could likely recommend someone close to where you reside.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

There are two things that you have for an option. Number one you can do absolutely nothing. Number two you can see a maxillofacial surgeon who can evaluate you and shorten your maxilla if required. Good luck from New York City

Valerie Sutherland, MD · Answer

Typically, a ratio of 1:1.6 of the upper lip to the lower lip is classically considered most desirable.  It looks to me like the ratio of your upper lip to lower lip volume is closer to 1:2. Therefore, increasing the volume of the upper lips would balance the appearance.  This would be expected to result in less inversion of the upper lip and less visibility of the incisors.  I expect that one half a syringe of Juvederm Ultra or one string of Volbella would do the trick and last 8-12 months.

Short upper lip, lip incompetence but no gummy smile, what are my options?

Answers (6)

Answer: Treating a short upper lip

Answer: Treating a short upper lip

Answer: Lip proportions

Answer: Lip proportions

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Short upper lip, lip incompetence but no gummy smile, what are my options?

Answers (6)

Answer: Treating a short upper lip

Answer: Treating a short upper lip

Answer: Lip proportions

Answer: Lip proportions

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

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