How to correct protruding upper lip

Under normal circumstances, protrusion of the upper lip may be caused by不良 oral habits, improper use of lip products, gingival hyperplasia, trauma, cheilitis, and other reasons. Correction can be achieved under a doctor's guidance through methods such as metal bracket orthodontics, lip reduction surgery, medication, or injection of botulinum toxin type A. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Poor Oral Habits

Long-term不良 habits such as finger-sucking, biting the lower lip, or chewing hard objects may lead to abnormal development of the muscles and bones in the upper lip, resulting in upper lip protrusion. It is important to correct these habits early to prevent worsening damage. Metal bracket orthodontic treatment may also be performed under medical guidance, using external force to align teeth and thereby improve lip protrusion. The typical reference cost for metal bracket orthodontics is 10,000–20,000 yuan per session. Improvement is usually observed within 1–2 years after treatment, although side effects such as tooth loosening and pain may occur.

2. Improper Use of Lip Products

Frequent use of low-quality lipsticks, lip-plumping creams, or other lip products containing irritating ingredients may cause congestion and swelling of the upper lip, leading to its protrusion. It is advisable to select reliable, mild-formula lip products and avoid overuse. Lip reduction surgery may also be considered under a doctor’s recommendation. This procedure involves surgically removing excess mucosa and muscle from the upper lip to improve thickness and protrusion. The typical reference cost for lip reduction surgery is 3,000–5,000 yuan per session. Noticeable improvement generally appears within 2–4 months, though complications such as hematoma or bleeding may occur.

3. Gingival Hyperplasia

Poor oral hygiene over time can lead to plaque and tartar buildup that irritates the gums, potentially causing gingival hyperplasia. This enlargement of gum tissue may contribute to the aforementioned symptoms. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain of the gums. Treatment under medical supervision may include medications such as metronidazole tablets, amoxicillin capsules, or iodine glycerin. Alternatively, injectable botulinum toxin type A may be recommended. By injecting botulinum toxin to block nerve-muscle signal transmission, it relaxes the upper lip muscles and improves lip contour. The typical reference price for injectable botulinum toxin type A is 1,000–3,000 yuan per injection. Improvement is typically seen within 1–3 days, but possible side effects include lip weakness and unnatural facial expressions.

4. Trauma or Irritation

External impact or injury to the upper lip may damage local soft tissues, causing swelling and protrusion. Symptoms may include gum bleeding, redness, and swelling. Under medical advice, treatments such as Yunnan Baiyao aerosol, Zheng Honghua oil, or erythromycin ointment may be used.

5. Cheilitis

Cheilitis is primarily associated with pathogen infection, allergic reactions, and other factors. Inflammatory responses can lead to lip swelling and thickening, possibly manifesting as upper lip protrusion. Symptoms may include dryness, scaling, and itching of the lips. Treatment under medical guidance may involve medications such as mometasone furoate gel, acyclovir tablets, or hydrocortisone cream.

Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits is essential—regular brushing and professional dental cleaning help maintain oral hygiene. Avoid prolonged lip-biting or chewing on hard objects to support overall lip health.