Unlike the lower lip the shape of the upper lip is marked by the cupid’s bow area. Occupying the central third of the upper lip, its two raised peaks at the end of the philtral columns create a double bow effect. This lip feature is well known and has the cupid’s bow name because its shape resembles that of the bow of Cupid the Roman god of love.
Having a visible or enhanced Cupid’s bow area is usually seen as a desired upper lip feature. Whether done by injection materials or an actual vermilion advancement a more pronounced Cupid’s bow can be obtained in many women.
But not every women considers a prominent Cupid’s bow a desireable lip feature. A few women desire the central lip area to be more rounded and not have two distinct curves to it. This can be achieved by a small procedure known as a Cupid’s Bow Reduction.
By excising an elliptical segment of skin between the two peaks of the Cupid’ bow the vermilion of the lip is advanced. This will always reduce the prominence of the bow and in some cases eliminate it completely based on the stretch of the upper lip vermilion. This will then given the vermilion line of the upper lip one single continuous long curve as opposed to a double curve effect.
Cupid’s bow reduction surgery can be done in the office under local anesthesia and has an immediate effect. The fine line scar as its trade-off usually heals in a near inconspicuous fashion.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana