Lip Enhancement

Q: Dr. Eppley, what are the differences between lip ‘advancement’ and lip ‘enhancement’ and lip ‘lift’? I’m specifically looking to augment my upper lift for more fuller appearance.

A: In answer to your questions, lip enhancement is a global term that refers to any type of lip augmentation procedure, albeit injection or surgical.

A lip advancement, also known as a vermilion advancement or ‘gull wing’ procedure removes skin just above the upper lip and the vermilion or red part of the lip is moved up to cover the removed skin area. This increases vermilion show from one mouth corner to the other. In essence it pushes the vermilion towards from below.

A lip lift, also known as a subnasal lip lift or ‘bullhorn’ lip lift removes skin from below the nose and lifts the lip upward. It shortens the distance between the nose and the upper lip and improves the central vermilion fullness of the upper lip. It does not have any effect on the sides of the upper lip.

I would need to see pictures of your lip to determine which lip enhancement procedure may be best for you. Most patients graduate to surgical lip enhancement after trying injectable lip enhancement methods.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana