Lip Lift Surgery: Everything You Need to Know

Lip Lift Surgery

Why Consider a Lip Lift?

A well-defined, lifted upper lip can dramatically enhance facial harmony, youthfulness, and confidence. Lip lift surgery is becoming increasingly popular among individuals who feel their upper lip is too long, thin, or lacks shape—even after trying fillers. If your top lip covers too much of your teeth when you smile, or if lip fillers no longer give the desired effect (or create an overfilled look), a surgical lip lift might be the ideal solution. This procedure offers a permanent enhancement, shortening the space between the nose and the lip (the philtrum) to create a more pronounced and aesthetically pleasing lip contour. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about lip lift surgery—from how it’s done to who it’s best for, benefits, risks, recovery, and more.

How the Lip Lift Procedure Works

The lip lift procedure is a minor surgical treatment performed under local anesthesia, typically taking less than an hour to complete. The most common technique is the "subnasal lip lift" , where a small strip of skin is removed just beneath the base of the nose. This allows the surgeon to lift the upper lip by shortening the philtrum—the space between the nose and the top of the lip—giving the lips a more defined and youthful appearance. The incision is carefully hidden along the natural creases under the nose, making scarring minimal and discreet once healed. After the skin is removed, the remaining skin is gently lifted and sutured into place. This not only enhances the lip’s shape and visibility of the red part of the lip (vermillion) but can also improve tooth show when smiling—something fillers cannot always achieve. Unlike temporary lip fillers, a lip lift offers long-lasting or even permanent results, with natural-looking enhancement that better aligns with the patient’s facial structure. The procedure is customizable and can be adapted to your lip length, desired lift, and overall facial proportions.

Lip Lifting Before and After Pictures

FAQs About Lip Lift Surgery

How long does a lip lift procedure take?

The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes and is usually performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting.

What is the recovery time after a lip lift?

Most patients experience mild swelling and tightness for the first few days. Stitches are usually removed within 5 to 7 days, and full recovery with minimal visible scarring takes around 2 to 3 weeks.

Will there be a visible scar?

The incision is made just under the nose, and with proper care, the scar is minimal and well-hidden in the natural crease. Over time, it fades significantly.

Is a lip lift permanent?

Yes. Unlike lip fillers, which dissolve over time, a lip lift provides permanent results by surgically shortening the philtrum and repositioning the upper lip.

Can I combine a lip lift with other procedures?

Absolutely. Many patients combine a lip lift with rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, or facial fillers for more balanced facial harmony.

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