Published on 22 April, 2019My upper lip is very thin and curls under when I smile, showing the gum above my teeth. I’ve found that even when I have fillers, my lip still looks like it curls up and under, especially when I smile.Can cosmetic injections help or do I need lip lift surgery to correct this? - patient Plastic Surgery Nurse Deborah Seib-Daniell:Cosmetic muscle relaxing injections can be injected into the muscle above the top lip (orbicularis oris) to relax it slightly, softening muscle activity when you smile – or allowing it to be rolled out slightly, giving the appearance of more lip height. This is a lip flick injectables treatment, not to be confused with a sub nasal lip lift – which is a philtrum-shortening surgical procedure.While both procedures cause the upper lip to ‘kick’ out more, the results of lip lift surgery differs from lip flick injections in that the injections relax the muscles around the upper lip, while surgery shortens the distance between the upper lip and the nose (philtrum). Dr Sharp explains lip lift surgery (pictured above) in more detail here.Lip flick injections strategically and temporarily reduce repetitive muscle movements associated with the development of wrinkles around the mouth. They are often used in conjunction with dermal filler injections. The treatment takes 5 to 10 minutes, causes minimal discomfort and the results of this procedure last between 3 to 5 months.When used alone, or in combination with fillers, muscle relaxing injections give lips a subtle pout by flipping out the lip line, rolling the lip gently outward and providing a fuller appearance.With so many options now available thanks to modern lip enhancement techniques and procedures, it can be difficult to know which treatment works best for you. At our consultations, we will assess your face and upper lip appearance, and advise the best treatment or procedure to achieve you aesthetic goal.Muscle relaxing lip injections Eslightly relax muscles that surround the upper lip Ereduce gummy smile Ehelp flick out the top lip making it look fuller Elast 3-5 months Ecost: from $25 per treatment Etakes 5-10 mins per visit Eno downtimeDermal filler lip injections Eenhances lip volume, projection and shape Elast 10-18 months Efrom $499 per treatment E20 mins per visit (longer if you require anaesthetic cream) Esometimes swelling and bruising can be visible for 3-7 daysLip lift (sub nasal lift) surgery Ereduces the distance between the upper lip and the nose Eincision in crease under the nose Eflicks out the top lip making it look fuller Elong term results Ecost: from $2750 Etakes 40-60 minutes E1 week downtimeIt’s important to remember that dermal filler adds volume, which makes the lip appear larger by literally making it bigger, while anti-wrinkle injections relax muscle around the mouth and rolls the lip outward, creating the appearance of a bigger lip — without the added volume. Dermal fillers can be used in conjunction with muscle relaxing injections as well as lip lift surgery. As with all treatments and procedures, these carry benefits, risks and a recovery. Click on the procedures listed above to read more about these and consider the pros and cons before undertaking a treatment. To learn more about our clinician’s credentials, visit the About page on our menu and click on the clinician. Ask us your lip enhancement question! Name Email Address Message 8 + 15 = Submit
