Lips are one of the most striking elements of facial aesthetics. However, sometimes the lips may be inconsistent in terms of shape, size or movement. This situation is called lip asymmetry and can lead to both aesthetic concerns and functional problems. This is where upper lip asymmetry treatments come into play. If you want to have enough information about these flawless procedures, you can review our content. In this way, you can find answers to all the questions you have about lip asymmetry. We wish you all healthy days.
What is Lip Asymmetry?
Lip Asymmetry is the condition in which the upper and/or lower lips are not compatible with the two sides of the face in terms of shape, size, volume or position. This can lead to both aesthetic and functional problems. For example; Lip asymmetry can occur due to congenital structural differences, genetic disorders such as cleft lip-palate, neurological conditions such as facial paralysis, traumas, problems in the dental structure or unbalanced functioning of the muscles around the lips. In addition, the aging process can cause asymmetries by decreasing the connective tissue and skin elasticity around the lips. In this context, Lip asymmetry; It can become apparent in speech, laughter and facial expressions and greatly affect the individual's self-confidence and social life. Therefore, with a comprehensive evaluation, it can improve the functionality of the lips as well as the aesthetic appearance.
What is Upper Lip Asymmetry?
Upper Lip Asymmetry refers to the situation where the shape, volume or muscle movements in the upper lip region are not compatible with the other side of the face. This situation can be aesthetically disturbing and can also lead to functional problems in speech, laughter and facial expressions. At the same time, upper lip asymmetry can occur due to congenital factors (such as cleft palate or lip), tissue loss after trauma, dental structure disorders or neurological conditions affecting muscle functions. In addition, volume loss due to aging and weakening of the connective tissue around the lip also cause asymmetry. In this context, the treatment of upper lip asymmetry is planned depending on the source of the problem and correction can be achieved with filling applications, botulinum toxin (botox) treatment to regulate muscle functions or surgical interventions. In addition, detailed evaluation of the asymmetry and creation of a personalized treatment plan are important to achieve the best results in terms of both aesthetics and functionality. will determine. For this reason, we recommend that you consult your doctor for definitive information.
What Causes Upper Lip Asymmetry?
It is important for the doctor to determine what causes the asymmetry before lip asymmetry correction. For this reason, sometimes the patient has difficulty closing their upper lips. Sometimes, spasms are seen in the upper lip muscles during smiling. For this reason, upper lip asymmetry may occur. In this context, if we examine the causes of upper lip asymmetry;
- Facial features and facial structure
Asymmetric lips can be seen due to reasons such as jaw structure, teeth alignment, structural problems seen in the jaw, sleep apnea, growth problems, TMJ disorder, skeletal incompatibility and orthognathic problems.
- Genetic factors
If lip asymmetry disorder occurs in your family due to genetic reasons, the possibility of you having lip asymmetry is is quite high. Because upper lip asymmetry is a condition that occurs with gene transfer.
- Bad habits
Continuous use of tobacco products such as cigarettes and hookah can also cause lip asymmetry in patients. In addition, in some cases, constantly sleeping on one side can also cause lip inequality.
- Problems that develop due to aging
Conditions related to aging, such as loss of facial elasticity and collagen deficiency, can also cause upper lip asymmetry.
- Trauma
Since injuries to the facial area cause nerve damage or permanent changes in the facial structure, the possibility of upper lip asymmetry is also quite high. This situation varies somewhat depending on the type of trauma. .
- Injury
Conditions such as muscle disorder and nerve loss due to the injury that occur cause lip asymmetry correction in patients.
How to Correct Lip Asymmetry?
In order to correct lip asymmetry, it is first necessary to determine the extent of the patient's muscle and nerve loss. After deciding whether it is muscle weakness or muscle loss, appropriate treatment methods can be determined. In this context, more than one method should be used together for lip asymmetry correction in some patients. Therefore, you can also ask your doctor about how to correct lip asymmetry. However, here are a few techniques to correct lip asymmetry;
- Muscle transplantation to replace injured or dysfunctional muscles
- Revitalizing a portion of the muscles in cases where there are paralyzed or weak muscles
- Weakening the muscle on the healthy side
Surgical Solutions for Correcting Lip Asymmetry
Depending on the patient's muscle disorder, weakness or nerve damage, surgical intervention may be necessary. In some patients, surgical interventions are necessary for lip asymmetry, while in others, methods such as botox may be useful. At this point, there are several surgical methods to correct lip asymmetry. Lip asymmetry correction surgeries;
- Selective myectomy to weaken the normal side;
If it seems difficult to mobilize the muscles and nerves on the unhealthy side or if the patient is not suitable for other treatment methods, lip symmetry can be achieved by weakening the muscles on the normal side.
- Nerve graft transplant to strengthen the weak lower lip;
After the nerves going to the lower lip are cut, a nerve graft can be placed to provide complete symmetry in the lip.
- In long-term lip paralysis muscle transfer;
Since the depressor anguli oris muscle or digastric muscles located under the jaw are treated, lip asymmetry can be eliminated by transferring one of these muscles to the lower lip region of the paralyzed muscle.
Non-Surgical Procedures for Treating Lip Asymmetry
In some cases, the doctor may think that surgical intervention will be unsuccessful. Sometimes, lip asymmetry can beOther treatment options for mmetry correction may seem advantageous. In such cases, the doctor gives priority to aesthetic applications instead of surgical intervention. The patient's muscle and nerve condition will provide information about whether other treatments are needed.
Non-surgical procedures in lip asymmetry treatment;
- Lip filler
- Botox
- Lip lift
The person's lip structure, the extent of asymmetry, the formation of the lower or upper lip help determine which of these techniques should be used. For this reason, the plastic surgeon will decide on the non-surgical treatment methods to be used in the patient after the examination. If some patients have lip paralysis, non-surgical treatment options can be used even in these individuals.
What to Consider After Lip Asymmetry Correction
Some issues should be considered after lip asymmetry correction procedures that are applied so that the muscles and nerves can function properly. In this way, the targeted results in lip asymmetry can be achieved.
- Pressure should not be applied to the operated area for a while, and it should not be laid on.
- It is necessary to sleep with a pillow for a while with the head up.
- It is forbidden to take a hot shower or take a shower immediately after the surgery. After 48 hours, it is recommended to take a shower if desired.
- In order not to strain the mouth muscles and affect the success of the surgery, hard foods should be avoided.
- Extremely hot and cold foods that will affect the mouth should be avoided.
- If the procedure was performed inside the mouth, the mouth should be cleaned with mouthwash several times a day.
- A cold compress should definitely be applied for the first 48 hours. It is recommended to continue applying cold not only during the day but also at night.
- The medications prescribed by the doctor should be used.
- Antibiotics should be used for the risk of infection after the surgery.
- It is requested not to use blood thinners for a while.
- Heavy and strenuous activities should be postponed for up to 3 weeks.
- Light exercises can be done after 1 week.
Specific to the type of surgery performed on the patient, If there are precautions to be taken, doctors will provide the necessary information on this subject.
Everything You Want to Know About Lip Asymmetry
It also allows patients to overcome their fear of surgery, which they want to know about lip asymmetry. Obtaining information about surgery and other treatment methods that they are afraid of and cannot dare to do makes it easier for them to decide on the procedures.
What is Normal Lip Slimming?
It includes procedures to weaken the muscles on the healthy side to eliminate lip asymmetry. Instead of repairing muscle damage on the problematic side or being unable to predict the condition of the nerves, the muscles on the normal side are weakened without harming the patient. In this way, lip asymmetry that is clearly noticeable from the outside is corrected.
Is There a Way to Predict or Mimic the Effect of Surgery Before You Have Surgery?
The doctor tests the condition of the muscles and nerves with different devices and muscle blocks in advance. After the test, the patient's opinion on the result is asked. After the blocks are performed, information is obtained from the patient about whether there is a difference after the application. The effect of the surgery can be estimated without surgery by evaluating the success of the surgery in previous cases. There is even a difference between the application of muscle blocks and surgery. The effects of the surgery are much better than short-term applications. After the risk percentage and success rate of the surgery are explained to the patient, it is up to the patient to decide whether or not to have the surgery.
Are There Special Dietary Instructions During Recovery Since Surgery is Performed Inside the Mouth?
In surgeries performed inside the mouth, the patient is asked to pay special attention to their diet. In addition, they are asked to avoid consuming very cold and hot foods and drinks, and to stay away from hard, shelled and fibrous foods that will tire the chewing muscles and the inside of the mouth for approximately 1 week to 10 days. In addition, since consuming fluids after surgery will contribute to recovery, it may be desirable to consume foods that will not tire the mouth, such as yogurt, soup and puree.
What Kind of Results Should I Expect After Myomectomy Surgery of the Lower Lip?
Myectomy surgery is a good choice to improve asymmetry seen in the lower lip. Therefore, it is noticed that the asymmetry disappears during speaking, laughing or involuntary smiling. It is common in peopleThe asymmetric smile towards the healthy side also disappears after surgery. In addition to regaining a better appearance than before, facial symmetry is also achieved.
Why Might You Need Treatment to Fix Lip Asymmetry?
Lip asymmetry may be caused by different reasons and the probability of its permanence is low. In such cases, lip asymmetry should be corrected so that the patient feels comfortable in social life and is not exposed to social pressure. Especially if lip paralysis is the case, it is important for the patient to regain some of their functions. Another reason for not being able to perform seemingly simple movements such as chewing and biting is muscle problems that cause asymmetry. Correcting lip asymmetry is important for lips that move in coordination with the healthy side.
In some patients, interventions such as botox, fillers or lip lift can be performed for aesthetic concerns. In some patients, while correcting lip asymmetry, functional losses are also regained. The patient's purpose for contacting the doctor is taken into consideration and appropriate treatment options are presented.
Lip Asymmetry Surgery Cost
The methods preferred by doctors when providing lip symmetry also determine the amount the patient will pay. In fact, the extent of muscle and nerve damage, trauma or injury also gives an idea about the lip asymmetry surgery cost evaluation. Performing a single-stage or two-stage surgery to correct lip asymmetry directly affects the cost. Some patients have muscle transfers on their legs or from the healthy side. The proximity of the operation area and the degree of difficulty of the surgeries also determine the cost. Therefore, if you want to get definitive information, we recommend that you consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lip Asymmetry
How long will swelling last after treatment for asymmetrical lips?
After the surgery, the swelling in the patient's lips will go down after 2 to 3 weeks. Thus, the final shape of the lip will also emerge. Applying a cold compress to the lip after the surgery will help the swelling go down in a short time. At the same time, after the incision heals, the swelling will go down when massage is done as recommended by the doctor.
Will treatment for asymmetrical lips make my mouth numb?
The patient feels the numbness while under anesthesia. When the effect of anesthesia wears off, the mouth numbness also goes away. Some patients may experience stiffness and temporary numbness for 2 or 3 weeks due to swelling after surgery. However, this feeling completely goes away within a few months. There is no permanent mouth numbness after surgery.
Can I fix lip asymmetry, hard bump and scar with surgery?
The patient's skin structure and the body's reaction to surgery necessitate correction of complications such as hard swelling or scarring. Hard swelling is usually corrected with regular massage. Surgical intervention is not required for hard swelling.
