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Lip Lift
Lip Lift
Lip Lift
Lip Lift
Introduction
Many people notice subtle changes in the upper lip over time. The pink portion of the lip may appear thinner, the upper teeth may show less when smiling, and the area between the base of the nose and the upper lip (the philtrum) can lengthen as skin naturally stretches with age. These changes can make the upper lip look less defined and may alter the overall balance of the face.
A lip lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to create a more visible, defined upper lip by shortening the distance between the nose and the upper lip. Rather than adding volume, a lip lift repositions the upper lip so more of the natural lip show is visible. For the right candidate, this can enhance lip shape, improve smile aesthetics, and restore a more youthful upper-lip proportion.
At Monarch Plastic Surgery & Skin Renewal Center, patients from Sandy Springs, Buckhead, and across Atlanta often ask about a lip lift when they want a longer-lasting structural improvement to the upper lip—especially when fillers have not achieved their desired result or when the philtrum has noticeably lengthened. Monarch is led by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Carmen Kavali and Dr. Teri N. Moak. Your consultation focuses on facial balance, lip anatomy, and a plan that supports natural-looking harmony.
Who Is Right for a Lip Lift?
You may be a good candidate for a lip lift if you have a longer-than-desired philtrum, limited upper tooth show when smiling, or feel your upper lip looks thinner because less of it is visible. Many candidates want more definition and shape without relying on frequent filler treatments. The best candidates are generally in good health, do not use nicotine, and understand that a lip lift involves a small scar that typically fades over time.
Real Patient Results
What to Expect During Your Consultation
During your visit, your surgeon will evaluate your facial proportions, the length of the philtrum, lip shape, and how your lip moves when you speak and smile. You’ll discuss your goals—such as more upper lip show, improved tooth show, or a more balanced profile—and review whether filler, a lip lift, or a combination approach makes the most sense. Your surgeon will also review medical history, medications, and any prior facial procedures, then explain realistic outcomes and potential risks. Individual results vary.
Combining a Lip Lift with Other Treatments
A lip lift is often combined with other facial procedures when patients want broader rejuvenation. Depending on your anatomy and goals, it may be paired with procedures that address the eyes, brow, or lower face. Some patients also combine a lip lift with conservative filler for fine-tuning lip volume, or with skin treatments to improve overall texture and tone. Your surgeon will recommend combinations based on facial balance rather than trends. Individual results vary.
Key Decisions for Your Procedure
The most common technique is the subnasal “bullhorn” lip lift, where a small amount of skin is removed beneath the nose to shorten the philtrum and gently elevate the upper lip. Key decisions include how much lift is appropriate for your facial proportions, how the incision will be designed to hide in natural contours, and whether any additional refinement is needed based on your smile dynamics. The goal is to enhance shape while maintaining a natural expression.
The Procedure: Step by Step
A lip lift is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. After anesthesia is administered for comfort, a carefully planned incision is made beneath the base of the nose. A measured amount of skin is removed to shorten the philtrum, and the upper lip is lifted into a more youthful position. The incision is closed with fine sutures to support precise healing. Procedure details vary based on technique and individual anatomy. Individual results vary.
Immediate Post-Procedure Care
After surgery, you can expect mild swelling and tightness around the upper lip. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions for incision care, activity restrictions, and medication use. Keeping the area clean, avoiding tension on the incision, and attending follow-up visits are important for optimal healing. Some patients are advised to avoid wide smiles or strenuous facial movements for a short period as tissues settle.
Recovery Timeline & Aftercare
Most swelling improves over the first 1–2 weeks, though subtle tightness can take longer to fully resolve. Sutures are typically removed within about a week, depending on your surgeon’s protocol. Many patients return to desk work in about a week, while social “downtime” varies depending on bruising and swelling. Scar maturation continues over several months, and proper scar care can help the incision blend naturally. Individual results vary.
Potential Risks & Considerations
All surgery involves risk. With a lip lift, considerations include scarring, asymmetry, prolonged swelling, temporary numbness, or dissatisfaction with the degree of lift. In rare cases, healing issues can occur, particularly in patients who smoke or have medical conditions that impair wound healing. Your surgeon will review risks and help you understand what is typical versus what should prompt a call to the office.
Lifestyle Impact & Long-Term Maintenance
A lip lift changes upper-lip position structurally, so results are generally long-lasting. However, natural aging continues, and facial balance can change over time. Protecting your skin from sun exposure and maintaining a stable lifestyle can support longer-term aesthetics. Some patients still choose occasional filler after healing for fine-tuning, but many appreciate that the lip lift improves lip show without ongoing injections. Individual results vary.
Choosing the Right Surgeon & Facility
Because the lip sits at the center of the face, surgical planning and scar placement require experience and a nuanced aesthetic approach. Look for a practice that emphasizes facial balance, careful incision design, and detailed preoperative evaluation. Monarch is led by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Carmen Kavali and Dr. Teri N. Moak. Your plan should be customized to your anatomy, goals, and long-term facial harmony.
Cost & Financing Options
Lip lift pricing varies based on surgical complexity, anesthesia type, and whether the procedure is combined with other facial surgery. In the Atlanta area, costs often fall within a broad range depending on these factors. Fees may include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility costs, and standard post-operative follow-ups, while prescriptions, specialized scar products, or add-on procedures may be separate. Final cost is determined during consultation.
Next Steps: Scheduling Your Consultation
If you are considering a lip lift and want guidance on whether it fits your facial goals, a consultation is the best next step. Monarch welcomes patients from Sandy Springs, Buckhead, and throughout Atlanta.
CTA: To schedule a consultation, call (404) 250-3333, email info@monarchga.com, or request an appointment online.
Questions & Answers
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that changes the appearance of your upper lip. A lip lift reduces the area between the base of your nose and your upper lip, allowing the upper lip to be more pronounced. The most common type of lip lift is called a Bullhorn Lip Lift (Subnasal Lip Lift). This incision is in the shape of a bullhorn below your nose. You may also be a candidate for a Corner Lip Lift, another technique that helps with downturned lip corners. This procedure has an incision on the corners of the mouth. Our surgeons will help you determine the best surgical plan for your goals and expectations.
The benefits of a lip lift include:
- Enhancing the appearance of volume in the upper lip
- Reversing a down-turned lip corner
- Improving the appearance of lip lines caused by aging
Good candidates for a lip lift include those who:
- Want to improve their upper lip shape or appearance
- Want to improve the appearance of upper perioral lines
- Have generally good physical and mental health
- Are nonsmokers, or are willing to stop smoking before their procedure
It is important to have appropriate expectations of a lip lift. A lip lift cannot:
- Provide volume in the lower lip
- Change skin quality
- Completely erase all fine lines
A surgical lip lift is an outpatient procedure that may be performed in the office under local anesthesia or in the OR, depending on your personalized surgical plan.
At your consultation, our plastic surgeons will evaluate you and ensure you are an appropriate candidate for a lip lift procedure. When you arrive for your procedure, we will first ensure that all of your last-minute questions have been answered. After you are comfortable, we will cleanse the skin and inject local anesthesia to numb the surgical area. We will remove excess skin between the bottom of the nose and the upper lip to help lift your top lip. Depending on your surgical plan, the incision may be in the shape of a bullhorn below your nose and at the corner of the mouth. Finally, we will close the incision with tiny sutures and remove them about one week after your procedure.
It is expected to experience discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the first few days after your procedure. Most patients can return to work the following day or several days after your procedure. You will have sutures on the base of the nose for about a week after your procedure. It is important to avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks. Every patient’s recovery is different. Your recovery may be quicker or take more time than average.
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