If you are researching what is a lip lift procedure, you are likely noticing changes in your smile that makeup or fillers no longer fix. A lip lift is a form of cosmetic surgery that adjusts the position of the upper lip, rather than adding volume to it. The goal is to create better balance between the lips, teeth, and nose.
Over time, the space between the nose and the upper lip can lengthen. When this happens, the pink lip becomes less visible, the mouth looks flatter, and the face may appear older. According to Dr. CV Chegireddy, a lip lift surgery repositions the upper lip into a more youthful position, helping restore facial balance and facial harmony without relying on fillers.
What Is a Lip Lift Surgery
A lip lift surgery is a surgical procedure within facial plastic surgery that focuses on reshaping the mouth area. Instead of injecting volume, the surgeon removes a small amount of excess skin just under the base of the nose, which gently raises the lip.
This lift exposes more of the vermillion border, enhances the shape of the red lip, and often increases how much of the upper teeth show at rest. The intent is not dramatic change. Most patients are looking for subtle improvement that fits naturally with their facial features.
How a Lip Lift Works
The lip lift procedure works by correcting the vertical length of the upper lip, which plays a major role in facial proportions. When the upper lip stretches downward with age, the lips can appear thin even when volume is still present.
By lifting the lip upward:
- The pink lip becomes more visible
- The cupid’s bow gains definition
- The mouth sits in a youthful position
For some patients, this approach produces better results than repeated filler treatments alone, especially when shape—not volume—is the main concern.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Lip Lift?
The best candidates for a lip lift are patients who feel their upper lip looks long or covers the teeth when the face is relaxed. Most patients seeking this surgery want a permanent change rather than temporary fixes.
You may be a good candidate if:
- Your upper lip hides your teeth when your mouth is at rest
- Lip fillers have not improved lip shape
- You want better facial aesthetics, not just fullness
Younger patients sometimes choose a lip lift due to genetics, while others pursue it as part of facial aging correction. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon allows review of your medical history and helps set realistic expectations.
Lip Lift vs Lip Fillers
Unlike lip fillers, a lip lift does not rely on added volume. Lip fillers temporarily increase fullness and are commonly used to replace lost volume.
A lip lift:
- Permanently changes lip position
- Improves facial harmony
- Reduces the need for ongoing injections
Fillers may still be appropriate for the lower lip or for patients not ready for surgery. In some cases, surgeons combine a lip lift with fillers or fat grafting to achieve balanced, natural results.
What Is a Lip Lift Before and After
Before surgery, patients often notice a long upper lip with little tooth show and minimal lip definition. After surgery, lip lift results usually include:
- A shorter upper lip
- More visible teeth
- A clearer vermilion border
Outcomes vary based on skin quality, anatomy, and the individualized surgical plan. Reviewing before-and-after photos during consultation helps align expectations with realistic outcomes.
Types of Lip Lift Procedures
There are several techniques used depending on anatomy and goals.
Subnasal (Bullhorn) Lip Lift
The subnasal lip lift is the most commonly performed technique. The incision is placed along the base of the nose in a curved, bullhorn-like shape. This allows the lip to be lifted evenly while keeping scars well hidden.
Central Lip Lift
A central lip lift focuses on lifting the middle portion of the upper lip, especially the cupid’s bow. This option works well for patients who want definition without lifting the entire lip.
Corner Lip Lift
A corner lip lift targets downturned corners of the mouth. It can soften a tired or unhappy expression and is sometimes combined with other cosmetic procedures.
What Is a Bullhorn Lip Lift
A bullhorn lip lift is a specific type of subnasal lip lift. It involves removing a narrow strip of skin beneath the nose to lift the upper lip upward.
This technique often improves tooth show and smile balance. Because the incision follows natural contours under the nose, minimal scarring is expected once healing is complete.
Lip Lift Procedure Step by Step
Most lip lifts are performed using local anesthesia, sometimes combined with iv sedation for comfort.
The procedure typically includes:
- Reviewing the customized surgical plan
- Numbing the area with local anesthetic
- Making a precise incision
- Removing excess skin and lifting the lip
- Closing the incision carefully
The entire procedure usually takes under an hour and is performed as outpatient plastic surgery.
Lip Lift Recovery and Healing Timeline
Lip lift recovery is usually manageable and shorter than many facial procedures. Many patients return to work within a week.
What recovery often looks like:
- Minor swelling and tightness for several days
- Use of cold compresses during the first 48 hours
- Sutures removed or dissolved within about one week
Swelling continues to improve over several weeks, with gradual softening of the incision area.
Lip Lift Results
Final lip lift results become more noticeable as swelling fades. Patients often describe their lips as more defined and naturally balanced.
Common benefits include:
- Natural fullness without repeated injections
- Better balance between the lips and nose
- Improved facial harmony
When performed thoughtfully, results blend smoothly with the rest of the face and look proportionate rather than overdone.
Lip Lift Risks and Considerations
Every surgical procedure carries some degree of risk. Understanding these risks helps patients make informed decisions.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects may include:
- Swelling or bruising
- Temporary numbness
- Rare allergic reactions to anesthesia
- Short term scars
Choosing an experienced plastic surgeon and following instructions reduces complications.
How to Minimize Scarring
Incisions are carefully placed to limit visibility. Proper wound care, sun protection, and patience during healing support natural looking results and minimal scarring.
Lip Lift Cost and Consultation
Lip lift cost varies depending on geographic location, surgeon experience, and whether other cosmetic procedures are performed at the same time. Patients who combine a lip lift with eyelid surgery or other facial treatments may see different pricing.
A consultation allows the surgeon to:
- Review your medical history
- Discuss goals and priorities
- Design a safe, personalized treatment plan
This step is essential for achieving results that align with your expectations.
FAQs: What is a Lip Lift Surgery?
Is a lip lift painful?
Many patients worry about whether a lip lift painful. Discomfort is usually mild and temporary. Most patients describe tightness or soreness rather than sharp pain.
How long do lip lift results last?
Lip lift results are considered permanent. Because the lip’s position is surgically adjusted, results do not fade like fillers.
Can a lip lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes. A lip lift is often combined with other procedures such as lip augmentation, fillers, or facial rejuvenation to enhance overall facial aesthetics.
Will I have visible scars?
Scars are typically hidden under the nose or within natural folds. With proper healing, they usually fade and become hard to notice.
Is a lip lift better than a lip flip?
A lip flip relaxes the muscle temporarily, while a lip lift permanently changes lip position. For patients seeking lasting improvement, a lip lift is often the better option.
Contact Us Today to Learn More About Lip Lift Surgery
If you are considering a lip lift and want personalized guidance, the best next step is a one-on-one consultation with an experienced surgeon.
At Aesthera Plastic Surgery by Dr. CV Chegireddy, each lip lift is carefully planned to match your facial structure, aesthetic goals, and long-term expectations. During your visit, you will discuss candidacy, recovery, and expected results in detail.
Schedule today to learn whether a lip lift is right for you and take the first step toward a more balanced, youthful appearance.
