Thin Lips (Lip Atrophy)

For many individuals, the beauty and allure of full, plump lips are a far-off goal. Whether you have thin lips or are experiencing lip atrophy with age, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brannon Claytor is here to explain the nuances of this condition and several options—both surgical and non-surgical, long-lasting and temporary—to augment the lips.

Causes of thin lips

Because of genetics, many people are born with thinner lips. And over time, signs of aging become very apparent in the lips: lips experience volume loss, the philtrum column of the upper lip lengthens, the lips become poorly defined, and wrinkling can occur. This happens as the body produces less collagen (a protein that provides structure) and hyaluronic acid (a component of skin hydration), which are vital for maintaining fullness and elasticity in the lips.

Dr. R. Brannon Claytor

Dr. Claytor is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and holds over 15 years of experience as a cosmetic plastic surgeon. An innovator and teacher in the field of plastic surgery, he uses advanced techniques like the drain-free tummy tuck and deep plane facelift to streamline recovery and provide natural-looking, durable results.

Meet Dr. Claytor

Related Concerns

The development of fine lines and wrinkling around the mouth, such as smoker’s lines, often accompanies thin lips. It is also common for patients to experience downturned corners of the mouth due to the natural aging process, as well as “marionette lines” that become etched into the skin (these extend from the corners of the mouth to the chin). 

Wrinkle treatment for these conditions with dermal filler can be performed along with lip augmentation, though patients with more progressed signs of aging in the lower face may want to consider surgical rejuvenation with a facelift.

Non-surgical treatments for thin lips

There are a variety of non-surgical treatments available to augment lips or improve their definition, each taking a unique approach to restoring volume and shape:

Dermal filler

Dermal fillers, especially those containing hyaluronic acid, are often used to increase the size and enhance the shape of the lips. The lip filler injection procedure is minimally invasive and involves little downtime; although bruising and swelling may take up to 2 weeks to subside, the results can be seen almost immediately. Dr. Claytor offers a number of hyaluronic acid-based filler formulas for this treatment, including RHA® Fillers, Juvéderm®, and Restylane®.

This is an ideal option for those seeking a quick solution for thin lips, and results can be customized with a range of advanced techniques for an augmented appearance that ranges from subtle to noticeable. Note that dermal filler can give you full lips, but it does not affect the philtrum length (above the upper lip) or significantly change your lip shape.

Botox Lip Flip

A Botox lip flip is a procedure that involves the strategic placement of Botox injections just above the upper lip in the orbicularis oris muscle. The “lip flip” relaxes this muscle and results in the top lip turning subtly outward, creating an illusion of a somewhat fuller upper lip. While this has been a trendy procedure in the past, patients should be aware that results are very subtle and temporary, and when used alone, this procedure may not satisfy patients looking to address thin lips. 

Plastic surgery for thin lips

For those seeking longer-lasting solutions, board-certified plastic surgeons like Dr. Claytor can improve the appearance of the lips using a few surgical methods.

Lip lift

A lip lift is a surgery that shortens the space between the nose and the upper lip, effectively increasing the amount of “lip show.” With a small incision placed just below the nose, hiding in its shadow, the lip lift removes a small wedge of skin and repositions the upper lip higher to increase. This, in turn, enhances the appearance of the upper lip and makes it appear fuller (the procedure does not affect the bottom lip). The surgeon carefully sutures the area to ensure minimal scarring. A lip lift results in a very natural appearance and a rejuvenated upper-lip.

Lip augmentation with an implant

Lip augmentation with an implant is a surgical procedure that involves placing a small implant into the upper and/or lower lip to add volume. This procedure offers long-lasting results and is ideal for those who desire a more dramatic enhancement. For patients who want to permanently keep their augmented lip appearance that they enjoy with lip filler, implant-based augmentation may be a good option.

Lip enhancement with autologous graft

In this procedure, fat taken from another part of the patient’s body (i.e. the abdomen) is purified and then injected into the lips. This fat transfer approach offers a natural-feeling solution, with results that can last many years.

Combined surgical & non-surgical

In many cases, we have found that a combination of surgical and non-surgical treatments can provide the most satisfying results. For instance, a patient may choose to have a surgical lip lift to improve the shape and visibility of the upper lip; then, they may decide to fine-tune their results with dermal filler injections.

Choosing the right surgeon for your lip enhancement can help to make sure you have a safe procedure that achieves your desired results. As a Philadelphia plastic surgeon with many years of experience offering non-surgical and surgical cosmetic treatments, Dr. Brannon Claytor is well-suited to offer you the personalized treatment plan you need to reach your goals.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Claytor today by calling (610) 527-4833 or contacting us online. We look forward to helping you learn more about your treatment options for thin lips!

Medically reviewed by Dr. R. Brannon Claytor — Updated on Apr 26, 2024