Protruding lips look unattractive in profile; how can this be corrected?

Generally, lip protrusion that appears unattractive in lateral view can be corrected through methods such as orthodontics, orthognathic surgery, lip plastic surgery, chin augmentation, and lip injections of botulinum toxin. The detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Orthodontics

Lip protrusion caused by dental problems such as malaligned teeth or protruding front teeth can be improved by wearing orthodontic appliances. These appliances apply continuous gentle force to gradually move teeth into normal positions, thereby improving lip protrusion. The general reference price for orthodontic treatment is 8,000-15,000 yuan per session. Improvement is usually noticeable 3-6 months after treatment, but may be accompanied by symptoms such as tooth soreness and oral ulcers.

2. Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery is suitable for severe skeletal lip protrusion. The procedure involves surgical cutting and repositioning of the jaw bones to ideal positions, followed by fixation with titanium plates and screws. This fundamentally alters the facial skeletal structure, thereby improving lip protrusion and facial contour. The general reference price for orthognathic surgery is 30,000-100,000 yuan per session. Improvement is usually noticeable 4-6 months after surgery, but may be accompanied by symptoms such as swelling, pain, and bleeding.

3. Lip Plastic Surgery

Lip plastic surgery involves designing appropriate incision lines on the lips, removing excess lip tissue, and then finely suturing the lips to reduce lip thickness and improve the appearance of lip protrusion. This method primarily addresses protrusion caused by thickened lip soft tissues. The general reference price for lip plastic surgery is 3,000-8,000 yuan per session. Improvement is usually noticeable 1-3 months after surgery, but may be accompanied by symptoms such as swelling and bruising.

4. Chin Augmentation

If lip protrusion is due to a retrusive chin making the lips appear relatively prominent, chin augmentation can be performed by implanting prosthetics such as silicone or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), or by injecting fillers such as hyaluronic acid or autologous fat into the chin area to increase chin projection. This visually improves the appearance of lip protrusion. The general reference price for chin augmentation is 8,000-20,000 yuan per session. Improvement is usually noticeable 3 months after the procedure, but may be accompanied by complications such as infection or implant displacement.

5. Lip Botulinum Toxin Injection

For lip protrusion caused by excessive tension or hypertrophy of the lip muscles, botulinum toxin can be injected into specific lip muscles, such as the orbicularis oris muscle. Botulinum toxin blocks nerve impulses between nerves and muscles, causing muscle relaxation and reducing muscle contraction force. This can alleviate lip muscle tension to some extent, making the lips appear less protruded and improving the overall appearance. The general reference price for lip botulinum toxin injection is 1,000-3,000 yuan per session. Improvement is usually noticeable within 1-2 weeks after treatment, but may be accompanied by mild swelling or bruising.

It is recommended to visit a reputable hospital and undergo these procedures under the guidance of qualified physicians to ensure safety and effectiveness. Postoperative care should include maintaining oral hygiene, avoiding excessive lip movement, following medical advice for medication and follow-up visits, maintaining a bland diet to avoid irritation, and preventing wound infection.