Lip lift: Compare practices from our network

A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the distance between the base of the nose and the top of the upper lip, known as the philtrum. A small strip of skin is removed and the lip is lifted, so more of the red part of the lip shows and the upper lip can look fuller and more defined.

Unlike filler, a lip lift does not add volume. It changes the position of the lip, and the effect is permanent. The most common technique uses an incision tucked into the natural crease beneath the nose, where the scar is usually a fine line.

A lip lift cannot be adjusted the way filler can, and the scar sits in the center of the face. The aim is a lip in proportion with your face, not a different mouth.

Techniques differ in where the incision sits and which part of the lip they lift. Your surgeon will recommend the one that matches your anatomy:

• Subnasal (bullhorn) lip lift. The most common technique: one incision along the crease beneath the nose lifts the center and sides of the upper lip.
• Central lip lift. An incision at the base of the nose lifts mainly the center of the lip, the Cupid's bow.
• Italian lip lift. A subtler lift through two incisions at the nostrils; it does not lift the center of the lip.
• Direct (gullwing) lip lift. An incision along the upper border of the lip for more definition, with a scar on the lip line itself.
• Corner lip lift. Lifts downturned corners of the mouth, sometimes combined with another lip lift. Corner scars can be more visible.

Filler adds volume and wears off over time; a lip lift shortens the upper lip and is permanent. Filler can make a long upper lip look heavier rather than shorter, while a lip lift does not plump the lip itself. Some people combine the two, and a lip lift is also often done alongside a facelift, since the mouth ages along with the rest of the face.

A lip lift is generally considered by people in good health who have a long upper lip, either from birth or because the skin around the mouth has relaxed with age. One sign surgeons mention is that little or none of the upper teeth show when the lips are slightly apart or when smiling.

• A long distance between the nose and the upper lip
• An upper lip that has thinned or lengthened with age
• Upper teeth that barely show at rest or when smiling
• Looking for a permanent change rather than repeat filler
• Non-smoker, or willing to stop well before and after surgery
• Comfortable with a fine scar beneath the nose

Your surgeon may advise caution if you:

• Already have a short upper lip, where lifting risks showing too much tooth or gum
• Mainly want more volume, which filler or fat grafting may address
• Smoke and are unwilling to stop
• Take blood thinners or supplements that cannot be safely paused
• Are following a lip trend rather than a change suited to your face

Consultation. Your surgeon measures the distance between your nose and lip, looks at how much of your teeth show at rest and when you smile, and discusses whether a lip lift, filler or a combination suits your goals.

Preparations. You will usually be asked to stop alcohol and blood-thinning medicines and supplements such as aspirin, and to stop smoking several weeks before and after surgery. Do not change prescribed medication without your doctor's approval.

Anesthesia. Usually local anesthesia, so you are awake but do not feel pain. General anesthesia is used when the lip lift is combined with a facelift or other surgery.

Incision. In the most common subnasal or "bullhorn" technique, a single incision follows the crease where the nose meets the lip. Other techniques place incisions at the nostrils, along the lip border or at the corners of the mouth.

Lift. A strip of skin is removed and the center and sides of the upper lip are lifted into their new position. The procedure usually takes under an hour.

Closing. The incision is closed with fine stitches, which are removed a few days later or dissolve on their own. You go home the same day.

Swelling, soreness and a feeling of tightness are normal. Swelling and bruising usually start to ease within a week, and pain relief helps with discomfort.

• Eat soft foods that need little chewing for the first days
• Avoid alcohol and smoking while you heal
• Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for about two weeks
• Follow your surgeon's instructions for cleaning and caring for the incision
• Arrange for someone to drive you home on the day

Many people return to work within a day to several days. The lip can feel tight for a couple of months, and it may take up to six months to feel completely normal.

A lip lift is a small operation, but it is permanent and sits in the center of the face, which shapes its risks:

• Visible scarring, usually a fine line in the crease beneath the nose, but a scar can stay noticeable, particularly if it widens or heals poorly.
• Uneven lips, differences between the two sides that may need revision.
• Over-shortening, lifting too far can show more tooth or gum than intended, and is difficult to undo.
• Prolonged swelling, taking longer than expected to settle.
• Changes in sensation, nerve damage is possible, causing numbness around the lip.
• Infection or reaction to anesthesia, uncommon, and treated promptly when it occurs.

Seek care promptly if you notice:

• Fever, or signs of infection around the incision
• Bleeding that does not stop
• Swelling that gets worse instead of better
• Signs of an allergic reaction

Contact your surgeon's practice directly, or seek emergency care, if you experience any of the above.