The reason your upper lip seems to disappear when you smile is likely due to the activity of a specific muscle.
Understanding the Orbicularis Oris Muscle
The orbicularis oris muscle, located in your upper lip, can sometimes cause the lip to turn inward or hide when you smile. This is because the muscle contracts and pulls the lip inwards.
- The orbicularis oris muscle is a circular muscle around the mouth that controls lip movements.
- When you smile, this muscle contracts.
- In some individuals, the contraction is strong enough to cause the upper lip to roll inwards.
Lip Flips and Muscle Relaxation
This phenomenon is often addressed with a cosmetic procedure known as a lip flip.
| Feature | Lip Flip |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To relax the muscles causing the upper lip to hide |
| Mechanism | Relaxes the orbicularis oris muscle |
| Volume Added | No, does not add volume |
| Effect | Can make upper lip more visible when smiling |
Potential Causes of an Inward-Curving Upper Lip
Several factors can influence how much your upper lip curves when you smile:
- Muscle Strength: If you have a particularly strong orbicularis oris muscle in your upper lip, it's more likely to roll inwards when you smile.
- Muscle Activity: The way your facial muscles are positioned and the strength with which they contract can vary greatly between individuals.
- Individual Anatomy: The natural structure of your lips, your teeth, and the area around your mouth can also influence how your upper lip behaves when you smile.
Solutions to Address an Inward-Curving Upper Lip
If you wish to change the appearance of your upper lip when you smile, a few options can help:
- Lip Flip: As mentioned above, a lip flip uses injections to relax the orbicularis oris muscle and prevent the upper lip from curling inwards.
- Lip Fillers: While not addressing the muscle directly, lip fillers can add volume and structure to the lip, making it more visible when smiling. This is not to be confused with a lip flip.
- Oral Exercises: Some facial exercises can help tone the muscles, however, this may have only minimal effect if the main cause is muscle contraction rather than muscle weakness.
If you are concerned about your lip's appearance when smiling, consult with a qualified cosmetic professional for personalized advice and treatment options.
