Dr. Gustavo Suárez · Facial surgery
A lip lift shortens the skin between the nose and the upper lip and raises the lip without adding volume. It is also called an upper lip lift or lip lift.
Request a consultation What a lip lift isThe intended change
The usual reason for a consultation is a thin or elongated upper lip, downturned mouth corners or signs of ageing around the mouth. The distance between the nose and the lip tends to increase with age, and it is this distance that the procedure addresses.
The usual question is how it differs from a lip filler. These are different procedures, and deciding which is appropriate in each case, if either is, requires a medical assessment.
The difference
Each procedure works differently. The duration and expected result are assessed during the consultation for each case.
How it is performed
A subnasal lip lift shortens the skin between the nose and the upper lip through an incision beneath the nose. A corner lip lift addresses drooping mouth corners with separate incisions; these are different techniques that can be combined according to the assessment.
It is shortened. This is the change that defines the procedure, and the reason it is considered for a lip perceived as elongated.
Raising the lip increases the visible red area without adding volume.
It may increase their exposure when speaking or smiling, depending on the technique and anatomy. This is a described effect of the procedure, and it is helpful to know about it beforehand.
Beneath the nose in the central approach. At the corners of the mouth when lateral drooping is also addressed.
What is assessed
During assessment, the face is examined and measured, photographs are taken, and expectations and medical history are reviewed. The proportions between the nose, lip and teeth guide suitability for the procedure.
The consultation also discusses the scar: where it will be, depending on the approach, and what mark it may leave. It is useful to know this before deciding.
Meet Dr. SuárezAfter surgery
Mild bruising may appear and subside. The stitches are removed at the clinic. Strenuous exercise is restricted for a period, and it is advisable to arrange for someone to accompany you home on the day of the procedure.
Risks include infection, bleeding, changes in sensation, asymmetry and a visible scar. A reaction to the anaesthetic may also occur.
The result may differ from expectations.
These risks are exceptional. During the consultation, following medical assessment, they are explained individually according to each patient's characteristics.
Before deciding
Questions about the scar, duration and quotation.
It is surgery that shortens the skin between the nose and the upper lip and lifts the lip. This increases the visible red part of the lip and may make more of the upper teeth visible when speaking or smiling. It does not add volume: it repositions.
The established technique requires an incision and leaves a scar: beneath the nose in the central approach, or at the corners of the mouth when lateral drooping is also treated. The scar may remain visible; its progression and treatment options are reviewed during the consultation, where alternatives are assessed individually for each case.
The duration of the procedure and how long the result lasts vary from case to case. They are explained during the consultation based on each person's assessment.
The quotation is prepared after the assessment, once the procedure and what it includes have been defined. The first step is to request a consultation.
Related procedures
Removal of the buccal fat pad, the fat between the cheekbone and the jaw. It is not suitable for every face.
An ear operation that can change their shape, size or distance from the head.
