What Is a Lip Lift?

A lip lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to shorten the distance between the upper lip and the base of the nose. This results in a more lifted, defined, and attractive appearance of the upper lip. It’s especially preferred by individuals who feel their upper lip lacks volume, definition, or appears too long in proportion to their face.

Also known as upper lip shortening or lip elevation surgery, this procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon in a sterile environment with the goal of enhancing overall facial harmony.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Lip Lift?

You may be a good candidate for a lip lift if you:

• Want to reduce the distance between your upper lip and nose
• Previously had lip fillers but didn’t achieve the desired look
• Want lips that appear more lifted, shaped, or winged (Cupid’s bow)
• Feel your upper lip is out of proportion to the rest of your face
• Have noticed elongation in the area due to aging

A lip lift improves lip exposure and enhances the smile by creating a more youthful and defined upper lip. For individuals who are tired of maintaining lip fillers and seek a permanent solution, a lip lift offers long-lasting aesthetic results and helps avoid repetitive costs.

How Is a Lip Lift Performed?

The procedure can be done under local or general anesthesia, but in most cases, local anesthesia is preferred due to the operation’s short duration and minimally invasive nature. General anesthesia may be considered in patients with anxiety disorders such as panic attacks.

Preparing for Lip Lift Surgery

The most critical step before a lip lift surgery is a thorough consultation to evaluate the patient’s facial structure and understand their aesthetic expectations. A detailed examination helps identify potential concerns and ensures the procedure is tailored accordingly.

Based on this assessment, a personalized surgical plan is created, and the procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia.

Surgical Process and Techniques

The lip lift technique used is selected based on the patient's unique facial features and goals. Common techniques include:

🔹 Bullhorn Lip Lift (Subnasal Technique)

The most commonly used method. A small incision is made under the nostrils to shorten the distance between the nose and upper lip. Excess skin is removed, and the scar is hidden beneath the nose, becoming less visible over time.

🔹 Central Lip Lift

Similar to the subnasal method, this technique involves a single incision beneath the nose. The upper lip is lifted for a natural-looking enhancement.

🔹 Corner Lip Lift

Ideal for individuals with downturned corners of the mouth. Small incisions at the lip corners remove excess skin, giving the face a brighter and more cheerful expression.

🔹 Gullwing Lip Lift

This is preferred by people with thin lips. An incision is made along the upper lip line (vermilion border), and a thin strip of skin is removed. This enhances lip definition and provides a lifted appearance. However, a slight scar at the lip edge may remain.

This surgery reduces the amount of skin between the nose and lip, making the vermilion more prominent. It also refines the Cupid’s bow and helps reveal more of the upper teeth when smiling.

How Is Lip Lift Performed?

The lip lift aims to enhance lip volume and proportion by surgically lifting the vermilion border of the upper lip.

• The surgeon marks the incision area beneath the nose based on the desired result.
• A small strip of skin is removed to reduce the distance between the nose and the lip.
• The Cupid’s bow is reshaped, and the incision is closed with sutures.

The operation typically takes about one hour and is performed under local anesthesia. Healing usually completes within a few months. Ideally, the vertical length of the upper lip should balance with the lower lip and chin. When this ratio is disrupted, the upper lip can appear thin and recessed — a lip lift can provide a lasting and aesthetic correction.

Surgical Techniques and Methods

There are various surgical techniques that can be used in lip lift operations. These techniques are selected based on the patient’s facial structure, expectations, and the doctor’s evaluation during consultation. Each procedure is planned individually for the patient.

Postoperative Recovery Process

The recovery process after a lip lift usually begins within 5 to 7 days. Mild swelling and bruising in the upper lip area may occur during the first 24 hours. This can be controlled with regular cold compress applications.

Tissue healing accelerates within a few weeks. Within the first year, incision scars gradually fade and become almost unnoticeable in most patients. This process is generally faster in individuals with fair skin, while it may take slightly longer for those with darker skin tones.

Lip lift is an ideal procedure for individuals who want to define their lip line and achieve lasting fullness. Postoperative swelling is normal and typically decreases within one week. During this time, cold compresses help reduce swelling and make the lip contour more defined.

Longevity Information

During the surgery, the upper lip is lifted to make the vermillion border more prominent.
After a lip lift:

• The upper lip appears more lifted
• Lip contours become more defined
• A natural and aesthetically fuller appearance is achieved

In the first weeks following surgery, the results may not be fully visible due to swelling. However, as the swelling subsides, the final appearance becomes clearer. Lip lift is considered a permanent procedure. However, due to natural changes in the face and lips with aging, a repeat procedure may be required in the future.

Possible Side Effects and Management

As with any surgical procedure, certain side effects may occur after a lip lift:

• Pain, swelling, and bruising may appear during the first few days
• These can be managed with cold compresses and pain relievers recommended by the doctor
• In rare cases, complications such as delayed wound healing, allergic reactions, or nerve damage may occur

Wound healing varies from person to person. Especially in the first 48 hours after the procedure, lip movements should be limited, and facial expressions should be minimized.

Alternative Methods and Frequently Asked Questions

Thread Lip Lift

This procedure involves lifting the lip using permanent or dissolvable threads. However, its results are not as noticeable or long-lasting as a surgical lip lift.

Laser or Plasma Pen Lip Lift

These methods can be applied but typically provide short-term and limited results.

Natural Lip Lifting Methods

Temporary changes resulting from creams, exercises, or allergic reactions are not permanent. Lips cannot be permanently lifted by natural methods.

Can the Lip Corners Be Lifted Simultaneously?

Yes, the lip lift procedure can be combined with thread lifts applied to the corners of the mouth. However, a standard lip lift alone may not create a visible effect on the corners.

Lip Lifting with Fillers

In younger patients, fillers may be sufficient. However, with age, fillers may not provide the desired volume. In such cases, a lip lift is a more effective solution.

Can It Be Combined with Other Facial Aesthetic Procedures?

Yes. Lip lift can be performed alongside facelifts, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, or lip augmentation.

Can the Lip Tip or Corners Be Lifted Separately?

Lip lift alone may not be sufficient for corner lifting. It may need to be combined with thread facelift or mini facelift techniques.

Will It Be Obvious That I Had Surgery?

During the first month, the incision area may appear red. However, it can be easily concealed with makeup. By the end of the first month, the scar will start to fade and become unnoticeable.

Will My Lip Drop Again Over Time?

Due to aging and gravity, the distance between the lip and the nose may gradually increase again. However, this typically occurs 10–20 years after the procedure.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

The procedure takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. After applying local anesthesia, a 5-minute wait is required before starting surgery.

Are the Results Permanent?

Yes, the results are long-lasting. Repeat procedures may only be necessary due to aging-related changes.

What Is Angel Lip Lifting?

Angel lip lift is simply another name for a lip lift procedure. As the central area of the upper lip becomes more defined, it creates a more lifted and elegant lip appearance.

When Will I See the Results?

Results can be seen immediately after the procedure. As the swelling decreases, the lip contour becomes more prominent.

Will My Gums Be Visible?

If done correctly, gums should not be visible. However, excessive tissue removal may expose the gums. For this reason, the procedure should always be performed by a specialist plastic surgeon.