How Can I Fix My Lower Lip Incompetence After A Maxillary Lengthening Procedure?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Hi i’m looking for a solution. Please see attached video.  I had double jaw surgery to close open bite 8mm one side 5mm the other lower jaw. Top jaw inpacted down and now I can’t close my mouth at rest without real force and it pulling my bottom lip down.

A: While there are some moderately effective surgeries for lower lip incompetence, the operative words are ‘moderately effective.’ When trying to get 1 cm of lower lip elevation that would classify as an extremely effective procedure which does not exist in lip incompetence surgery. In your case the maxillary downfracture (lengthening) is the real culprit and I don’t see anything done to the lower lip as really overcoming that facial lengthening effect.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon