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Can Lip Asymmetry Be Corrected?

Lip asymmetry is much more common than you think, often impacting the self-confidence of those who notice a slight imbalance in their facial features. Whilst perfect symmetry is rare, corrective treatments can provide a much more natural balance, and there are a number of options depending on the cause. So, can lip asymmetry be corrected?

Yes! Lip asymmetry can be corrected, but the right treatment for you will depend on the underlying cause. Cosmetic solutions can be used to correct surface-level asymmetry, caused by volume loss or genetic shape. If the cause is more severe, like dental problems or trauma from an injury, you may need to consider more invasive and permanent options. 

In this blog, we’ll run through the common causes of lip asymmetry, the most popular treatments, and why you should focus on natural results.

What Is Lip Asymmetry?

Lip asymmetry refers to a visible unevenness, or lack of symmetry, in certain elements, such as the size, shape, or position of the lips. It can manifest in a number of ways, including:

  • Uneven Fullness: One lip, or one side of your lips, might appear thicker or fuller than the other. 
  • Corner Position: One corner of your mouth might sit higher or lower on your face than the other.
  • Uneven Closure: Your lips may not close evenly, either when at rest or during particular facial expressions.

 

 

Perfect symmetry in the lips is quite rare, with asymmetry being natural in the majority of faces. Whilst lip asymmetry is fairly common and often goes unnoticed by those around us, those with more significant imbalances might feel an impact on their confidence, and they may seek corrective treatments.

Why Does Lip Asymmetry Matter?

Just like height or body measurements, facial symmetry is often considered a sign of attractiveness in a number of different cultures and time periods. Our lips are one of the focal points of our facial expressions, and asymmetry can draw attention during conversations or in photos.

However, it’s still important to remember that perfect symmetry isn’t, and shouldn’t be, the goal for most people with lip asymmetry. Studies show that unnatural symmetry is actually perceived as less attractive. If you’re looking into corrective treatments, your aim should be a more natural harmony between all of your facial features, not artificial perfection.

 

What Causes Lip Asymmetry?

Lip asymmetry can be caused by a number of factors. You might be born with imbalances, or they might develop later on in life. It’s important that you understand the root cause of your lip asymmetry, as this will help you decide on the right corrective treatment that will get you the best results.

Below, we’ll go into more detail about some of the most common causes of lip asymmetry, including:

  • Genetics,
  • Jaw or dental problems,
  • Ageing and volume loss,
  • Facial injury,
  • And previous cosmetic treatments.

Genetics

Some people are simply born with some asymmetry in the lips. This is likely due to how your face developed and whether or not there are small differences in its underlying structure. Your muscles, fat distribution, or skin elasticity might differ slightly on each side of your face, but this natural explanation is often subtle. Asymmetry caused by genetics is often permanent, unless corrected with cosmetic treatments.

Jaw Or Dental Problems

An offset jaw or misaligned teeth can affect how your lips look, both when they’re resting, or moving during speech or expression. One side of your jaw may protrude more, or your teeth may be angled differently on each side of your mouth, which can push or pull the lips and make them look uneven.

Ageing And Volume Loss

Our lips, like the rest of our body, might lose collagen, elastin, and fat as we age. This can happen at different speeds in different areas on each side of your face, which can lead to one side dropping or sagging more than the other. The corners of your mouth may also begin to turn downward at different angles, making your lips look slightly asymmetrical.

Facial Injury

Injuries that impact your mouth, jaw, or facial muscles, like fractures, cuts, or burns, can cause an imbalance in your lips. Scar tissue or nerve damage can also affect the movement and positioning of your lips, causing them to look uneven. These causes of lip asymmetry can be deeper below the surface and might need a combination of aesthetic and medical corrective treatments.

Past Cosmetic Treatments

Lip asymmetry can also be caused by poorly administered lip fillers or even Botox injections. Its effects may be temporary or permanent, but are especially common when treatments are carried by inexperienced providers. For example, they may place filler too deeply or use too much on one side of the lip, resulting in asymmetry.

The good news? As a doctor with over 20 years experience in medicine, Infinity Aesthetics’ very own Dr Owen Thomas is passionate about safe procedures and is willing to manage complications from other clinics, including asymmetry. Our treatments are focused on enhancing natural beauty with safe techniques, so why not get started on your journey today?

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Can Lip Filler Correct Asymmetry?

Lip filler is one of the most popular and effective methods for correcting lip asymmetry caused by volume loss or genetic shape. Dermal fillers, often referred to as soft tissue fillers, are perfect for those looking for a treatment that is minimally invasive and has little to no downtime after the procedure. Popular options include hyaluronic acid-based fillers, like Juvederm or Restylane, or calcium hydroxylapatite-based products, such as Radiesse.

How Does Lip Filler Work To Correct Asymmetry?

Dermal fillers, like Profhilo, often have a hyaluronic acid (HA) base. This is a naturally occurring substance in the body and helps to add volume back into the treated area. HA also stimulates the production of collagen in the skin, resulting in long-term hydration and smoother, firmer skin. 

To correct asymmetry, Dr Thomas will carefully inject filler in specific areas to achieve a variety of results, including:

  • Even out positioning differences between the right and left sides of your lips.
  • Balance the fullness of your upper and lower lip.
  • Create more defined lip borders.
  • Correct sagging or sloping corners.

Dermal fillers are ideal for those with mild to moderate lip asymmetry, with primarily cosmetic causes. Whether it’s volume loss or genetic shape, lip fillers are entirely customisable based on your goals.

It’s this customisation that’s key. You might not need filler injected in equal amounts on both sides, but rather what’s needed to create a natural balance.

 

Other Ways To Correct Lip Asymmetry

If your lip asymmetry is more severe or has a more complex cause, cosmetic solutions alone might not be enough to restore your confidence and return a natural balance to the face.

Here are some of the most common treatments for other causes of lip asymmetry.

Botox

Botox is particularly useful if your lip asymmetry is caused by overactivity or strength imbalance of the muscles around the lips. For example, if one side of your lips lifts higher than the other when you smile, Botox can help to relax that muscle and restore balance.

Dental Treatments

Cosmetic correction alone is often not enough to solve lip asymmetry caused by an offset jaw or misaligned teeth. You may need to consider orthodontic treatments, like braces, or even jaw surgery in extreme cases, to correct any facial imbalance that impacts your confidence. This treatment is often much more effective than cosmetic treatments to reduce asymmetry caused by facial structure.

Other Surgical Options

In more severe or complex cases, like those involving trauma or nerve damage, lip surgery may be a more effective option. This might include scar revisions or reconstructive procedures, offering a more permanent solution, but with much longer recovery times. 

How Do I Know What Treatment Is Right For Me?

Ultimately, the right treatment for your lip asymmetry depends on a number of factors, including:

  • The degree of asymmetry.
  • The cause of your asymmetry.
  • Your facial anatomy.
  • Whether the asymmetry appears at rest or during expression.
  • Your goals – are you looking for a temporary or permanent fix?

Be sure to talk to a professional to understand why your lip asymmetry might be happening, after which you can then move forward with treatment if the downtime, cost, and results are right for you.

Correct Your Lip Asymmetry With Infinity Aesthetics

Some facial imbalance is perfectly natural, but there are plenty of options if lip asymmetry is beginning to impact your confidence. Infinity Aesthetics’ founder, Dr Owen Thomas, is extremely passionate about providing safe, natural treatments to help improve your self-confidence. As a specialist in dermal fillers, Dr Thomas combines passion and skill with a professional approach, helping you to get ready for everything life has to offer. 

Why not book your initial consultation below and get started on your journey of self-love with Infinity Aesthetics today?

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FAQs

How Long Do Lip Fillers Last?

Dermal fillers typically last up to a year, thanks to the soft and malleable material used. Over time, your lips will return to their original shape, so follow-up refinement sessions can help to maintain your new look for longer.

What Are The Side Effects Of Lip Filler?

Like any injectable treatment, common side effects of lip filler include bruising, swelling, itching, pain, and tenderness of the injection site. Here at Infinity Aesthetics, we use expert techniques and trustworthy products in an effort to reduce these side effects, but they’re not entirely eliminated.

In extremely rare cases, you might experience a blood vessel blockage. We take extreme care to avoid this, and have an enzyme on hand at all times to break the bonds between filler molecules.

How Much Do Lip Fillers Cost?

The cost of your corrective treatment for lip asymmetry will depend on how much filler is required to create your desired look. Dr Owen develops a personalised treatment plan for each patient, but you can take a look at our price list for more information.

Owen Thomas

Dr. Owen Thomas has been a medical doctor for more than 20 years since qualifying from Cardiff in 1999, now specialising in aesthetics in London and Swansea. After a 2 year level-7 Master’s Degree course in injectable aesthetic treatments training at Harley Academy, and additional study with Empire Medical Training in the US and other experts renowned in their field, he won a scholarship in the prestigious Aesthetic Intelligence Fellowship run over 7 months in Kensington, London and Paris.