Upper Lip Lines

What are upper lip lines?

Upper lip lines are the fine vertical lines that develop above the upper lip. They may be more noticeable during speechor facial expression, and over time, can become visible even when the face is relaxed. These changes are common and vary between individuals.

What causes upper lip lines?

Upper lip lines usually develop as a result of several factors working together, including:

• Repeated movement of the muscles around the mouth.
• Gradual changes in skin quality and elasticity with age. Lips age similarly to the face, with muscle loss, lip descent, fat loss, and skin changes.
• Loss of fat under the skin around the mouth with age.
• Loss of volume and support in the dependent red lips.
• The backward movement of dentition with age and loss of the underlying bony support of the lips.
• Individual facial anatomy and genetics.
• Sun exposure and other environmental factors.
• Smoking, in some people.

The underlying cause varies from person to person, making an individual assessment an important part of the consultation.

Assessment

During your consultation, we’ll assess the skin around your mouth, lip contour on profile, shape and support, facial anatomy and the way the muscles around the lips work during expression. Understanding the underlying cause helps determine whether management is appropriate for you.

Why assessment is important

Upper lip lines are not always caused by changes in the skin alone. In some people, changes in lip support, surrounding tissues or facial movement also contribute to their appearance. Each person has a very individual shape to their lip. Without a comprehensive assessment, management may not address the underlying cause of the concern or achieve an outcome that meets your expectations. A careful assessment helps guide appropriate, individualised management.

Individualised management

During your consultation, we’ll discuss whether management is appropriate for your individual concerns. If so, we’ll explain the available options, together with the expected benefits, limitations and potential risks, so you can make an informed decision about your care.

Prepared by
Dr Simone Doreian
Specialist General Practitioner
AHPRA Registration: MED0001163462