Can An Upper Lip Reduction Be Combined With A Subnasal Lip Lift?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am wondering if it is possible to reduce the length of the philtrum without increasing the size of the upper lip. I have an 18mm long philtrum combined with already really thick, full lips for a man and I am curious what can be done to shorten the length of it without making my upper lip bigger & longer. could an upper lip reduction be combined with a lip lift to achieve this? Thank you!

A: The simple answer is no if you are referring to the entire thickness of the upper lip. With a subnasal lip lift to shorten the length of the philtrum the same amount of upper lip  tissue thickness is being compressed into a shorter external lip length so it will likely get a bit thicker.

If you are referring to the amount of increased fullness that will occur in the vermilion of the upper lip (lower portion) from a subnasal lip lift then the answer is yes. That can be managed by a lip reduction to prevent the vermilion from becoming bigger/fuller. That is not a rare combination for the very concern that you have.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon