Will Corner Of The Mouth Widening Make My Lips Feel Less Tight?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had Gortex implants removed from my upper lip in hopes to be able to smile fully again. It did not relieve the tension on my upper lip so no success. The only thing I can think of that may work is the mouth widening procedure. If we could widen my mouth just a little I think it would release some of the tension from my upper lip. The area above my lip has spread out and widened from the gortex and now scar tissue . It has caused some damage so i’m hoping this procedure will help so there’s no further damage to the area. I have small features so we don’t have to take off too much from the corners. How much does this cost and do you think it will work? I have realistic expectations so if we can only relieve the tension a little it’s ok, anything is better than nothing. Thanks!

A: The mouth widening or lateral commissuroplasty procedure may be effective for your problem IF you feel that the tightness is at the corners of your mouth. This would be most evident when you open your mouth and you feel tension or band where the upper and lower lips meet. This procedure is done in the office under local anesthesia.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana