Thin lips are usually inherited, but lips also tend to lose volume and show less of their pink part (the vermilion) with age, as the upper lip lengthens, collagen declines and the skin thins. Thin lips are a normal variation. For adults who would like fuller-looking lips, dermal filler can add volume temporarily, while a surgical lip lift shortens a long upper lip so that more of the natural lip shows.
Lip anatomy in brief
The lip has three visible parts: the pink vermilion, the white roll (the fine ridge that forms the lip border) and the skin of the upper lip between the nose and the mouth, which includes the philtrum, the two vertical columns above the Cupid’s bow. Beneath lie the orbicularis oris muscle, fat and glands. How full the lips look depends not only on vermilion volume but also on how much of it is turned outwards and on the length of the upper lip skin above it.
Why some lips are naturally thin
Lip size is largely genetic, and there is wide variation between families and ethnic backgrounds. Some people have a naturally slim vermilion, a flat Cupid’s bow or a lip that turns slightly inwards, so less pink shows at rest. Dental and jaw position also matter: teeth that sit further back provide less support to the lips, while a strong bite or orthodontic changes can alter how the lips sit.
How lips change with age
- Lengthening upper lip: the skin between nose and lip gradually lengthens, so the upper lip rolls inwards and less vermilion and fewer upper teeth show.
- Volume loss: fat and collagen within the lip reduce, making the lips flatter.
- Loss of definition: the white roll and Cupid’s bow become less distinct.
- Fine lines: vertical lines develop around the mouth, sometimes called smoker’s lines.
- Downturned corners: the corners of the mouth may begin to droop.
Smoking and sun exposure accelerate many of these changes.
When to see a GP
Most lip changes are gradual and harmless. See your GP promptly if you notice a sore or ulcer on the lip that does not heal within three weeks, a persistent scaly or crusted patch, a lump, or bleeding without an obvious cause, particularly if you have had significant sun exposure. Sudden swelling of the lips with difficulty breathing needs a 999 call.
Non-surgical options
Lip liner and gloss can make lips look fuller. Hyaluronic acid dermal filler can add volume, define the border and improve symmetry; results are temporary, typically lasting several months, and repeat treatment is needed. A ‘lip flip’, in which small doses of anti-wrinkle injections relax the muscle so the lip turns slightly outwards, gives a subtle, short-lived effect. Filler risks include bruising, swelling, lumps, migration and, rarely, blockage of a blood vessel, so treatment should be performed by a trained medical practitioner. Overfilling can look unnatural. At CLNQ, fillers and anti-wrinkle injections are provided by CLNQ’s non-surgical doctors, not by Mr Nassab.
When a lip lift may help
If the main issue is a long upper lip rather than a lack of volume, adding filler alone can make the lip look heavy or ‘duck-like’. A lip lift removes a narrow strip of skin just beneath the nose, shortening the distance between nose and lip. This rolls the natural vermilion outward so more pink shows, and often reveals a little more of the upper teeth for a more youthful look. It leaves a fine scar in the crease under the nose and is usually performed under local anaesthetic. Some patients combine a lip lift with a small amount of filler later.
Choosing the right approach
Mr Nassab will look at your lip length, vermilion show, tooth show at rest and when smiling, and the proportions of your lower face. Filler suits people who want added volume with no downtime; a lip lift suits those with a long upper lip who want a longer-lasting change. A lip lift costs from £4,000 and the £150 consultation is charged separately. Cosmetic treatments are for adults aged 18 and over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my lips getting thinner?
With age, the upper lip lengthens and rolls inwards, and the lips lose volume and collagen, so less of the pink vermilion shows.
Is lip filler or a lip lift better for thin lips?
Filler adds volume temporarily; a lip lift shortens a long upper lip to show more natural lip. The best option depends on your anatomy.
Does a lip lift make lips bigger?
It does not add volume, but by turning the lip outwards it shows more of the vermilion, so the lip can look fuller.
How long does lip filler last?
Typically several months, depending on the product and the individual.
Is a lip flip permanent?
No. The effect of anti-wrinkle injections wears off, usually within a few months.
