Double lip is an uncommon clinical anomaly, which might be congenital or acquired. It is a condition affecting the lips, characterized by the presence of excess tissue that creates a "double" appearance, particularly when the lip is strained, such as during smiling.
Based on available information:
Understanding Double Lips
What Causes Double Lips?
Double lip can have different origins:
- Congenital: Present since birth. This is one of the ways the anomaly can occur.
- Acquired: Developing later in life. This can happen due to trauma, habit, or underlying medical conditions.
Where Do Double Lips Most Commonly Appear?
While double lip can potentially affect either lip, it most commonly affects the upper lip.[8]
What Do Double Lips Look Like?
The appearance of double lips is distinctive. It generally appears as two separate folds of hyperplastic tissue on either side of the midline.[9] Hyperplastic tissue refers to an increase in the volume of an organ or tissue due to the enlargement of its cells. In this context, it describes the excess tissue forming the extra folds on the lip.
When Do Double Lips Become Obvious?
Even if present since birth, a congenital double lip may not be immediately noticeable. It often became obvious only on the eruption of permanent teeth.[10] This timing suggests that the development and positioning of permanent teeth might influence the prominence or visibility of the excess lip tissue.
