Would I be a good candidate for a lip lift? (Photo)

Question

I'm considering a rhinoplasty(maybe a septorhinoplasty if doctor says I have a deviated septum) but I'm wondering if I would be a good candidate for a lip lift as well. I'm a side sleeper and unsure if because of this (or a possible cross bite with teeth) but my lips are uneven.. but it looks like my jaw is also uneven?? I'm wondering if a lip lift will fix my asymmetry :(

Ritu Chopra, MD · Answer

If you are thinking about a rhinoplasty and lip lift, I would first do the rhinoplasty have that settle. After that, if the lips are still asymmetric, it a conservative lip lift between four and 6 mm will give you more symmetry and give you more harmony of your nose lip junction.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

From your photo, I can appreciate why you're asking this question. There does appear to be some asymmetry, but it's important to determine where that asymmetry is actually coming from before considering a lip lift.

A lip lift is designed to shorten the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip (the philtrum), allowing more of the upper lip to show at rest. It's an excellent procedure for the right candidate, but it does not correct underlying facial or jaw asymmetry.

If your lips appear uneven because of:

A naturally asymmetric smile,
Differences in the jaw or bite (such as a crossbite),
Mild facial skeletal asymmetry, or
Differences in muscle activity,

then a lip lift alone is unlikely to create symmetry and, in some cases, could make the imbalance more noticeable.

Since you're also considering rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty, I would recommend addressing your nasal concerns first and having your facial proportions evaluated as a whole. A surgeon can assess:

Whether your philtrum is truly long enough to benefit from a lip lift.
Whether your lip asymmetry is related to your teeth, jaw, or facial skeleton.
Whether your bite should be evaluated by an orthodontist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon if a crossbite is suspected.

For some patients, subtle asymmetry can also be improved with small amounts of filler or carefully placed neuromodulators, depending on the underlying cause. These are less invasive options that can sometimes provide meaningful improvement without surgery.

One thing I would not worry about is your sleeping position. Side sleeping is very unlikely to permanently change your lip shape or jaw alignment. If there is a persistent asymmetry, it is much more likely related to your natural anatomy than to how you sleep.

Overall, I think the key is to identify the source of the asymmetry rather than assuming the lips are the primary issue. A lip lift can be a wonderful procedure for the right candidate, but it works best when the concern is a long upper lip, not when the asymmetry is being driven by the underlying facial structure.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

In this photo your lip is relatively short.  But the key is to see you with your mouth open.  We want to see if you have tooth show with your mouth open at rest.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

We usually do not do rhinoplasty and lip lift together in particular with open rhinoplasty. In your case, based on this photo, it doesn’t appear that lip lift is needed?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

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.

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

Your lips are well shaped and proportioned, very pretty.  Your upper lip vertical length is short and youthful.  The perfection of your smooth skin is unscarred.  Because your lips are shown together, their relationship to your teeth (lip position) cannot be evaluated.  On balance, their should be a compelling indication for surgery, but I do not see one.  Personal evaluation to examine dynamic as well as static features recommended, and what exactly you want.

Stephanie Dreckmann, MD · Answer

I wouldn't typically recommend a surgical lip lift based on your photo. I typically recommend it for patients who have a long distance between the nose and upper lip, which is not present here. In my opinion, filler or fat transfer would be better options here.

Would I be a good candidate for a lip lift? (Photo)

Answers (7)

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