Question regarding VY Lip plasty - would this help my lips to rest together when mouth is closed? (Photo)

Question

In the photo shown, my lips don’t rest together at resting. I have to minimally purse to keep them closed. I had a sliding Genioplasty done by a maxillofacial surgeon in November 2024 and I don’t remember having this issue before the surgery, so I think the surgery might have caused it. I had an appointment with the surgeon this year regarding the issue. He said I can try facial exercises and that a vy lip plasty might help, he said no promises and did not recommend the surgery as the lip incompetence I am experiencing is minor. I have booked the surgery in May. I’m wanting to hear other surgeons opinions regarding the surgery or alternatives as I am afraid the vy lip plasty could cause issues like tightness which i now experience in my chin post genioplasty. Or that it could cause new issues like it affecting my upper lip movement. Thank you.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

You have, in this photo, a normal upper lip. You appear to be young so having your mouth not close at rest is considered desirable, not abnormal.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

What you’re describing sounds like mild lip incompetence, likely related to the structural changes after your genioplasty.

A V-Y lip plasty can:

Increase lip volume and eversion
Sometimes help with closure slightly

But it does not reliably correct functional lip incompetence, especially if the issue is related to:

Chin projection changes
Muscle balance
Skeletal positioning

Your surgeon’s honesty is actually a good sign—there are no guarantees here.

Your concerns are valid:

Tightness is possible
Subtle changes in lip movement can occur

Before committing, I typically like patients to try:

Targeted orofacial muscle exercises
Sometimes, even a small trial of filler to simulate the effect

Surgery is reasonable if expectations are very realistic, but I would not consider it a guaranteed fix.

Question regarding VY Lip plasty - would this help my lips to rest together when mouth is closed? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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