Cupid's bow: anatomy of the upper lip

The Cupid's bow is the M-shaped curve at the center of the upper lip, formed by the border between the skin and the vermilion of the lip. The two peaks of the M correspond to the point where the columns of the philtrum meet the lip, and the central dip lines up with the groove of the philtrum.

The bow is one of the main contributors to the definition of the upper lip. Lips with a well-marked bow look more defined; over time, the contour tends to become less sharp, because the border loses volume and the upper lip lengthens.

How does it figure in lip filler?

In lip filler, the Cupid's bow is treated as an aesthetic landmark. Depending on the plan, the goal may be to preserve the existing shape, enhance a border that has lost definition, or correct an asymmetry between the two peaks.

The point to watch is excess: too much volume at the border can erase the M and leave the lip looking artificial, with no defined curve. The proportion between the upper and lower lip and each patient's natural shape guide the decision, which belongs to the licensed professional, after assessment.

What precautions apply?

The lips are highly vascularized, and the possible complications of filler include swelling, bruising, nodules and, more rarely, vascular occlusion. Hyaluronidase should be available when hyaluronic acid is used.

In Harmy

The bow is part of the Lips point in the marking. The projection changes only the marked area, according to the volume in ml, which helps show the patient a gain in volume that preserves the shape of the lip.

Also called: Cupid's bow, lip M.