Lip lift

With age the upper lip typically lengthens and the vermilion becomes narrower. A lip lift shortens the skin between the nostrils and upper lip, improving lip shape and the balance between lip and nose. The scar is hidden along the nostrils. The procedure can show more teeth when smiling and more vermilion fullness - without repeated filler injections.

Who is it for?

A lip lift may be relevant if teeth are barely visible when smiling, the distance between nose and upper lip is long (over about 1.5 cm), the lips are thin/flat, or you want more fullness without fillers. It is often combined with a corner-of-mouth lift, lower face lift or fat grafting.

The operation

A lip lift alone is performed under local anaesthesia. When combined with e.g. a facelift, general anaesthesia is recommended.

Aftercare and risks

Swelling is normal and typically settles within 1–2 weeks. There may be tenderness, bruising, rarely infection, temporary sensory changes and a scar along the nasal border that matures for up to a year. Sun protection of the scar is important for the first 1–1.5 years.

Result

The result of a surgical lip lift is lasting, though ageing and lifestyle can still affect appearance over time.