Lip Surgery

Lip lengthening is commonly performed in combination with orthognathic surgery to provide a more aesthetic lip position.

As we age, the skin of the upper lip tends to lengthen downwards appearing flat and long. Lip shortening involves removal of a thin layer of skin beneath the nose and “lifting” the lip upwards. This will allow for a more youthful smile.

Having an excessive gummy smile can be embarrassing. Large gummy smile situations may require correctional jaw surgery to position the jaw in a more natural position. Other patients under the right circumstances can have some gum removed around the teeth to make the teeth appear longer. This is known as crown lengthening. Finally, some patients are candidates for a lip repositioning procedure. A strip of tissue from the inner portion of the top lip is removed and the newly exposed area is then sutured into a lower, more aesthetically desirable position.

Unwanted redundant tissue of the upper or lower lip can be congenital or acquired. This excess tissue can sometimes cause speech or chewing difficulty, and lead to self esteem issues.  Cheiloplasty involves removal of the excess tissue to allow for a more natural appearance.