Do I Need Lateral Vermilion Advancements To Even Out My Upper Lip After A Subnasal Lip Lift?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Roughly two years ago, I had a bullhorn lip lift which I’m very happy with. However, the lateral sides of my upper lip are still quite thin. The skin above my lip seems to push down, against the lip, exacerbating the thin appearance and making any filler placed in my lips look unnatural. For these reasons, I’m interested in a vermillion advancement on the lateral aspects of my upper lip. I’ve attached a few pictures at different angles and under different lighting for your reference. I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

A: Thank you for sending your pictures You have the classic limitations of a subnasal lip lift….failure to augment the sides of the lip and even exaggerating their thinness. You are correct in that lateral vermilion advancements are the only method to get more even vermilion show across the entire upper lip.

Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana