Summary

• The lips are the most visible part of the mouth, and can have a significant impact on facial appearance and expression
• There are many types of lips and different terms that surgeons use to describe lip shape in order to determine the best treatment options for a patient
• The unique nature of lip shape means that it is important to consider facial anatomy and proportions, among other influences, to determine the best lip shape for you
• Cadogan Clinic’s expert Consultant Facial Surgeons are Lip Augmentation specialists delivering the highest standards of patient care and outcomes

What Affects the Shape of the Lips?

It isn’t possible to determine how the shape of the lips will develop naturally. However, there are several factors that can influence lip shaping over time, which it is important to understand.

While some people will find that the shape of their lips is affected by standard life milestones, in other cases, an individual’s lip shape may be impacted by external factors.

Ageing

The lips and mouth area are one of the first facial features to show signs of ageing. This is due to consistent movement through eating and speaking, as well as the thinner skin texture.

The natural breakdown of collagen and elastin, proteins which give the skin structure and volume, is one of the central tropes of the ageing process. This is associated with:

• A loss of volume, resulting in thin lips
• Fine lines and texture developing around the mouth, such as smoker’s lines or marionette lines
• Loss of structure in the skin surrounding the mouth, causing downturned lips

Because the lips show signs of ageing earlier than other facial features, these changes can have a dramatic effect on overall facial appearance, affecting confidence and increasing self-consciousness.

Significant Weight Loss

Dramatic weight loss can affect the face in several ways, including the shape of the lips.

This can include:

• Thin lips resulting from a loss of fat in the lips
• Depleted skin quality, exacerbated by the thinness of the lip’s skin
• The lips may look disproportionate, due to changes in volume in the rest of the face

Although weight loss through diet and exercise may affect the appearance and shape of the lips, Weight Loss Medication is associated with a more dramatic effect, typically due to the rapid weight loss it can achieve, sometimes known as Ozempic Face.

Weight loss is often a notable personal achievement, and for some people, aesthetic side effects can detract from the positive impacts.

Scarring

Due to the thin nature of the skin that the lips are comprised of, scarring can often be more visible and may affect the shape and definition of the lips.

Lip scarring can have several causes:

• Injury
• Piercings
• Infection
• Chronic lip picking or biting

Scars may be especially visible if they cross the vermillion border, also impacting the skin surrounding the lips.

For many individuals, scarring can have a long-term effect on the shape of the lips, resulting in self-consciousness and hyper-awareness of their appearance.

Medical Conditions

The lips can be affected in various ways by different medical conditions. The severity of symptoms can vary between individuals, so not everyone will experience the same impact.

Medical conditions that may affect lip shaping include:

• Cleft Lip: An opening in the upper lip, caused by developmental abnormalities during pregnancy. Although cleft lip is usually repaired in early childhood, scarring can remain
• Facial Palsy: Weakness or paralysis in the face resulting from damage to the cranial nerve. It can cause long-term drooping on one side of the face, affecting the lips and mouth
• Recurrent Cold Sores: Blisters on the lips caused by the herpes simplex virus. When they recur over time in a similar area, the vermilion border can become less defined

If you are concerned about a medical condition which may impact the appearance and shape of your lips, it is important to speak to a medical professional who can provide advice on treatment and management.

The shape of the lips can be affected by several factors, and although in some cases an individual may be aware of what has changed their lip shape, other people may require further investigation and diagnosis.

What Are the Different Lip Shapes?

Although lip shape is a unique feature, there are several standard lip shapes that surgeons will use to describe a patient’s lips. It is helpful to understand the lip shape criteria that surgeons use if you are considering any non-surgical or surgical lip shape surgery.

While some shapes are more commonly seen as natural lip shapes, others are rarer, but are possible to achieve through Lip Augmentation procedures.

 

 

Cupid’s Bow Lips

The cupid’s bow is the dip in the centre of the upper lip, creating the shape of the letter ‘M’ or a bow. Also known as ‘M’ shaped lips, or bow shaped lips, cupid’s bow lips are characterised by the cupid’s bow being especially defined and visible.

As we age, it is normal for the cupid’s bow to flatten and lose definition. Because of this, in many cultures, cupid’s bow lips are seen as a sign of youth and beauty.

Although having a slight cupid’s bow is relatively normal, it has been suggested that a very pronounced, natural cupid’s bow is present in only around 5% of people.

Full Lips

Full lips are naturally voluminous and typically have similar projection in the upper and lower lips, creating a balanced and proportionate appearance.

Having full lips is typically perceived as a sign of youth and health, especially as many people find that their lips naturally become thinner over time.

Heart Shaped Lips

Heart shaped lips are similar to cupid’s bow lips, with a defined bow shape in the centre of the upper lip. However, heart shaped lips tend to be fuller in the centre portion of the lips, tapering towards the outer corners, emphasising a heart shape.

Achieving a feminine and youthful appearance, heart shaped lips are often seen as romantic and highly desirable.

Round Lips

Round lips are characterised by their short width, the volume concentrated towards the centre, and a less defined cupid’s bow resulting in an almost circular appearance.

Their symmetrical, strong appearance means round lips are often very distinctive, creating a striking effect. 

Bottom Heavy Lips

Bottom heavy lips feature a fuller lower lip compared to the upper lip, resulting in an asymmetric appearance.

In bottom heavy lips, it is essential to consider the ratios to ensure the proportions are balanced and flattering. Although this varies from person to person, the most commonly recommended ratio is 1:1.6.

When well-balanced, bottom heavy lips create a natural and elegant appearance. However, many individuals are concerned about an overly thin upper lip compared to their lower lip.

Thin Lips

Thin lips are characterised by reduced volume and definition, affecting both the upper and lower lip. In some cases, the lips may seem to disappear completely, especially when speaking or smiling.

Although some people are born with thin lips due to genetics, others develop thin lips over time, most often due to ageing.

Downturned Lips

Downturned lips, or drooping mouth corners, are characterised by the outer corners of the lips being positioned lower than the horizontal halfway line of the mouth and pointing downwards.

Having downturned lips can create a sad or angry expression, which may affect how people feel about how they are perceived in social and professional settings.

Having downturned lips can result from genetics, ageing, weight loss or medical conditions, such as facial palsy.

Surgeons use a range of terms to describe the general impression of a patient’s lips, although there are small, unique variations in everyone’s individual lip shape.

Frequently Asked Questions