As we age, the upper lip can lose volume, and the philtrum (the space between the nose and the upper lip) can elongate, leading to a less youthful appearance. A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the philtrum, increases lip show, and creates the appearance of fuller lips, enhancing facial harmony.
Under the care of Dr. Quoc-Bao Nguyen, a double board-certified dermatologist and micrographic dermatologic surgeon, patients can achieve a refreshed and natural look with a customized lip lift procedure.
What is a lip lift?
A lip lift, also known as a perioral lip lift, is a surgical cosmetic procedure that elevates the position of the upper lip to increase the amount of vermillion (red part of the lip) show and enhance the Cupid’s bow.
During the procedure, Dr. Nguyen carefully removes a small strip of skin from below the nose to shorten the distance between the nose and upper lip. This effectively “lifts” the lip and enhances its natural shape. Depending on the patient’s goals and anatomy, different incision patterns may be used.
Benefits of a lip lift
✔ Increases lip visibility for a fuller, more defined look
✔ Shortens the philtrum for a youthful balance
✔ Enhances the Cupid’s bow and improves lip shape
✔ Creates a more attractive “tooth show” when smiling
✔ Provides a more permanent alternative to lip fillers
Who is a good candidate for a lip lift?
You may be a good candidate for a lip lift if:
✔ You feel your upper lip appears thin due to genetics or aging
✔ You want to shorten the philtrum for a youthful balance
✔ You desire more lip visibility without fillers
✔ You want a more permanent solution compared to temporary lip fillers
✔ You are in good overall health and have realistic expectations
What to expect from your lip lift procedure
A lip lift is typically performed under local anesthesia (you are awake, but the area is numbed).
Procedure Steps:
1️⃣ Local anesthesia is administered to ensure comfort
2️⃣ A precise incision is made below the nose based on the chosen technique
3️⃣ Excess skin is removed, and the upper lip is lifted which shortens the distance between the nose and the upper lip, exposing more of the pink lip tissue
4️⃣ Fine sutures are placed to close the incision, which typically are removed after about 1 week
5️⃣ Procedure complete – typically takes about 1-2 hours
Patients can go home the same day. After the surgery, you might experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medications. Most people can return to their normal activities within a week
Recovery & results
What to Expect After Surgery:
- Mild swelling and tightness for the first few days
- Minimal pain, managed with prescribed medications
- Sutures removed or dissolved within one week
- Most patients return to normal activities within a week
- Full results appear in 3-6 months as swelling subsides
Post-Surgery Care:
✔ Keep your head elevated while sleeping to reduce swelling
✔ Avoid excessive facial movements (talking, chewing, or stretching your lips)
✔ Take medications as prescribed for comfort and healing
✔ Follow a soft food diet for the first few days
✔ Avoid smoking, alcohol, and strenuous activities until cleared by your surgeon
Healing Timeline:
- Return to daily activities: 3-7 days
- Resume light exercise: After 2-3 weeks
- Final results: 3-6 months
Lip lift scar
Noticeable scarring is possible after a lip lift at the incision site. Incision is made at a precise location to minimize the appearance of scars. Lip lift scars are usually fine lines hidden in the natural crease below your nose. By following instructions after surgery, you can reduce your risk of developing a noticeable scar. The incision site may be the most visible as your skin heals, but it may fade and blend in with your natural skin tone over time.
Combining lip lift with other procedures
A lip lift can be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures to further enhance results:
✔ Lip filler – for additional volume if desired
✔ Botox® or dermal fillers – to refine the surrounding area
While a lip lift increases lip visibility, it does not add volume like lip fillers. Many patients opt for a combination of lip lift and filler for optimal results.
Lip Lift vs. Lip Filler: Which Is Right for You?
Feature |
Longevity |
Volume Increase |
Philtrum Shortening |
Cupid’s Bow Definition |
Customization |
Lip Lift |
Permanent |
No, only increases lip show |
Yes |
Yes |
Based on anatomy and goals |
.
Lip Filler |
Temporary (6-12 months) |
Yes, adds volume |
No |
Mild improvement |
Adjustable amount per session |
Schedule Your Consultation
A lip lift is a transformative procedure that enhances your natural beauty with long-lasting results. Dr. Quoc-Bao Nguyen, a double board-certified dermatologist and micrographic dermatologic surgeon, specializes in customized lip lift procedures tailored to your unique facial structure.
Book a consultation today and take the next step toward youthful, naturally fuller lips!
