About the procedure
With age, the distance between the nose and the upper lip lengthens and the lip becomes thinner. In a lip lift, this distance is shortened through an incision hidden at the base of the nose; the upper lip turns outward and the upper teeth become visible when smiling.
Unlike filler, it is permanent and does not artificially enlarge the lip.
In planning, the distance between the base of the nose and the red border of the upper lip is measured; the procedure is generally meaningful when this distance exceeds 12–15 mm and the upper teeth do not show when smiling. The incision is drawn in a 'bullhorn' shape following the base of the nostrils and the columella; the strip of skin removed is usually limited to 3–5 mm, because over-shortening leads to the teeth showing constantly. In those with a wide nasal base, the nostrils can be narrowed in the same session.
- ✓Permanent result without filler
- ✓Hidden incision at the base of the nose
- ✓More tooth show when smiling
Suitability
Who is it suitable for?
May be suitable
- ✓People whose upper lip has lengthened and thinned with age and whose upper teeth do not show when smiling.
- ✓Younger patients with a congenitally long upper lip who want to define the lip without enlarging it with filler.
- ✓Those tired of repeated lip fillers, or who feel the filler has created a 'duck lip' look.
- ✓Patients whose upper lip looks disproportionately long after rhinoplasty lifted the nasal tip.
Should be postponed or is not suitable
- —People whose upper lip distance is already short and whose upper teeth show at rest; the procedure can cause the gums to show as well.
- —Patients with a known tendency to keloid or hypertrophic scars; the scar is in a visible area under the nose.
- —Those planning rhinoplasty in the near future; if the two procedures are not done in the same session, the sequence of nose first, then lip, and the waiting time in between are discussed.
- —Those with an active cold sore (herpes) outbreak; the procedure is postponed until it heals.
The final decision on suitability is made after a physician examination and tests.
Process
How does it proceed, step by step?
- 01
Initial consultation
Upper lip length and tooth visibility are assessed from photographs with the lips closed, smiling, and in profile; nostril width is considered at the same time.
- 02
Measurement and marking
The distance from the nasal base to the lip is measured; the amount of skin to be removed is set in millimeters and the incision line is drawn to sit within the shadow of the nasal base.
- 03
Procedure
Under local anesthesia, the planned strip of skin is removed; the deep layers are suspended to the nasal base and the skin is closed without tension using fine sutures.
- 04
Same-day discharge
You are discharged after a short observation; antibiotic ointment on the suture line and cold compresses are recommended.
- 05
Suture removal
Sutures are removed on days 5–7 and the incision line is taped; tooth visibility when smiling is checked.
- 06
Return and follow-up
You can fly after suture removal; scar care and sun protection continue for 6 months, with photo follow-up at months 1, 3, and 6.
Recovery
Recovery timeline
Day 1
There is swelling and tightness in the upper lip; pulling is felt at the suture line when the mouth is opened wide, and pain is mild.
Days 3–5
Swelling is at its peak and the lip may look overly everted; soft foods and drinking without a straw are recommended.
Week 1
Sutures are removed; although the incision line is red, it can be partly hidden with makeup, and you return to work.
Weeks 2–3
Swelling has largely gone down and lip movement and speech become comfortable; tooth visibility when smiling becomes noticeable.
Month 1
The incision line becomes a pink line; scar cream and sunscreen are used regularly.
Month 6
The scar fades into a fine line in the shadow of the nasal base; the final lip shape is judged at this stage.
Timeframes are averages; they vary by person and by the scope of the procedure.
Results
Before / After
Before and after examples of Lip Lift are shared during the consultation.
We show our patients' photos only within the scope of their written consent and in one-on-one consultations; we respect the wishes of patients who prefer not to be published on the open internet. Let us send you results from cases similar to yours together with the physician's assessment.
Let us be open
Risks and points to consider
Every medical procedure carries risks. The points below are the main known issues for this procedure; a risk assessment specific to you is made during the consultation.
- A visible scar under the nose; incision quality, scar care, and the individual's healing characteristics are the deciding factors.
- Constant showing of the teeth and gums as a result of over-shortening; because it is difficult to reverse, conservative planning is essential.
- A change in nostril shape or a wider-looking nasal base; this results from tension near the nostrils.
- Temporary numbness in the upper lip and restricted lip movement for a few weeks.
- Slight shifting of the lip's midline or a difference in symmetry between the two sides; a minor correction may be needed.