Thin lips, lack of teeth showing - would I be a great candidate for a lip lift? (Photo)

Question

Would i be a great candidate for a lip lift, if so what kind of lift exactly? I dont like that my teeth barely show when im talking or when i smile. Thanks in advance!!!

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your photo and your concerns—these are very common and very valid questions.

From what I can see, your upper lip appears longer in proportion to the rest of your face, and when you smile, there is minimal upper tooth show. This combination is often what gives the impression of thinner lips, even when lip volume itself isn’t necessarily the main issue. In cases like this, adding filler alone does not always solve the problem and can sometimes make the lip feel heavier without improving tooth display.

A lip lift is specifically designed to address exactly what you’re describing. By shortening the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip, the procedure allows:

More of the upper teeth to show when smiling and speaking

The upper lip to gently roll outward, creating a fuller appearance without added volume

A more youthful and balanced smile

The most commonly appropriate option for concerns like yours is a subnasal (bullhorn) lip lift, which hides the incision at the base of the nose. This approach focuses on vertical shortening rather than forward projection, which is why it improves tooth show so effectively.

That said, candidacy depends on facial proportions, nasal anatomy, and how much lift is needed. Some patients benefit from a very subtle lift, while others may combine a conservative lip lift with minimal filler for refinement—not bulk.

Importantly, if your main concern is lack of tooth show rather than lip size, a lip lift often provides a more natural and long-lasting result than filler alone.

Overall, based on your photo and your goals, you do appear to be a reasonable candidate to at least consider a lip lift, particularly if you want a permanent improvement in tooth visibility and upper lip position rather than repeated filler treatments.

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

You'd be an amazing candidate for a lip lift!! ..............................................................

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You are an excellent 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. The procedure takes about 1 hour to perform under local anesthesia and costs $3,000.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Thin lips, lack of teeth showing - would I be a great candidate for a lip lift? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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