Imagine a man with thin, pursed lips. He will immediately seem to you to be stingy with emotions and a tough person. But a girl with soft, voluminous lips, on the contrary, will be perceived as gentle and feminine.
But it's not just the shape of the lips. Their appearance is also influenced by how symmetrical they are. Irina Borisovna Lomaka, a cosmetologist and dermatovenerologist at Olympus Clinics, told about the problem of asymmetry in the lower third of the face.
Lip Asymmetry: what you need to know
To begin with, we will learn how to distinguish between the concepts of "disproportionality" and "asymmetry". Asymmetry is a phenomenon in which one side of the face or lips differs from the other. For example, when the upper lip is plumper on one side than on the other. Proportions are about the ratio of sizes. For example, if the upper lip is much smaller than the lower one, there is a violation of ideal proportions.
Some people consider lip asymmetry to be their "highlight". For example, actress Natalie Dormer, who played Margaery Tyrell in the TV series "Game of Thrones", has one corner of her mouth looking up and the other down. And it doesn't spoil her at all!
According to research, mild lip asymmetry, which does not require correction, is present in 30-40% of the population and is considered the norm. And only 15-20% of people have pronounced asymmetry.
Why aren't the lips symmetrical?
Most often, the sides of the lips may differ from each other due to genetics and innate features of the structure of the face and jaw. But sometimes lip asymmetry can be caused by other factors:
Injuries and damage to the lips, as well as scars after them.
Surgical interventions, unsuccessful operations or procedures.
Lesion of the facial nerve.
Malocclusion.
Age-related changes.
Asymmetry can be different!
Lip asymmetry forms can be divided into several categories:
Uneven lip line. This is the most noticeable form of asymmetry when the upper or lower lip has contour differences. For example, one part of the lip may be higher or lower than the other, or their shape may differ from different sides.
Drooping corners of the mouth. One or both corners of the mouth may be lowered, giving the impression of sadness or discontent. This is often due to age-related changes or an imbalance between muscle groups: depressors (muscles that are responsible for lowering the corners of the mouth) become too tense, and levators (muscles that raise the corners) weaken.
Dynamic asymmetry. It manifests itself in movement, for example, when talking, smiling. At rest, the lips may look symmetrical, but when active, differences become visible. In such cases, a neurologist's consultation is often required, as the problem may be related to a malfunction of muscles or nerves.
How to make lips smooth and symmetrical?
Depending on the degree and nature of the asymmetry, specialists can offer different methods of correction: from minimally invasive procedures to surgical interventions. Let's look at the most effective and proven methods.
1. Lip contouring
This is a minimally invasive method of correcting asymmetry, in which the doctor inserts fillers under the client's skin, which often contain hyaluronic acid. This allows you to:
Align the contour of the lips, giving them a symmetrical shape.
Adjust the volume of the lips, eliminating differences in their thickness.
Lift the corners of the mouth, eliminating the asymmetric droop.
Hyaluronic acid, which is used in fillers, is a safe and biocompatible substance. The procedure takes place quickly, in 20-30 minutes and after it does not need a long rehabilitation. The effect is visible immediately and lasts on average from 6 to 12 months.
2. Cheiloplasty
This is a surgical correction of the shape and volume of the lips, which allows you to make them more symmetrical, as well as eliminate excess skin or scars. Through small incisions on the inside of the lips, the doctor removes excess fat or skin, and also moves them if necessary. The operation requires careful preparation, including taking tests and being ready for anesthesia.
3. Bulhorn
This is another surgical operation aimed at reducing the distance between the upper lip and the nose. The surgeon removes a small area of skin under the nose, which lifts the upper lip and makes it more voluminous and symmetrical. The procedure is also performed under anesthesia and requires preparation.
4. Botulinum therapy
Botulinum toxin injections help in cases where the cause of asymmetry is muscle hypertension or an imbalance in the work of facial muscles. Botulinum toxin relaxes overactive muscles, which eliminates lip asymmetry. The effect becomes noticeable within a few days after injection and lasts on average from 4 to 6 months.
5. Lipofilling
This is a method in which the patient's own fat material is used to correct the shape and volume of the lips. The procedure involves taking adipose tissue from the patient, cleaning it and then injecting it into the lips. Lipofilling is safe because the patient's own tissue is used. This method is effective for changing the volume of the lips and eliminating asymmetry caused by a lack of tissues.
The doctor will help you decide on the method of correction, taking into account all the wishes and characteristics of the patient. He will also talk about possible contraindications and rehabilitation after the procedure.
Correction of lip asymmetry is an opportunity to get rid of a complex that worries and increase self—confidence. But it is important that the procedure does not spoil the natural beauty of the patient, but only complements it.
Why do patients choose Olympus Clinics?
In our clinic, lip asymmetry correction is performed by experienced cosmetologists and plastic surgeons who carefully study the characteristics of each patient in order to achieve the best result. Make an appointment with a specialist and start the path to the smile you've always dreamed of!