What is an Upper Lip Lift?

An upper lip lift is a cosmetic procedure designed to shorten the space between the nose and the upper lip.

In this blog, we will walk you through the details of how the procedure works.

How Does the Upper Lip Lift Procedure Work?

The upper lip lift is a surgical procedure aimed at reducing the distance between the base of the nose and the top of the upper lip, an area called the philtrum. As people age, the philtrum often elongates, causing the upper lip to appear thinner, less defined, and flatter.

Some individuals may seek cosmetic surgeries like an upper lip lift to remove a small section of skin just beneath the nose and pulling the lip upward, revealing more of the pink lip tissue and upper teeth.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the steps involved:

1. Incision Placement: A small incision is made just under the base of the nose. The most common approach is called the subnasal bullhorn lift, where the incision is hidden in the natural creases of the nostrils.
2. Excess Skin Removal: The surgeon removes a strip of skin from this area, which shortens the distance between the nose and the lip.
3. Lifting the Lip: The upper lip is pulled upwards and sutured into place, giving the lips a naturally fuller look without adding volume.

The entire procedure typically takes between 1 to 2 hours and is often performed under local anaesthesia.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for an Upper Lip Lift?

Getting a GP referral and a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon are essential to determine if this procedure is right for you. Your facial structure, skin type, and goals will help the surgeon recommend the best approach. Good candidates for this procedure can be people who:

• Are in good health: Like any surgical procedure, being in good physical health with no conditions that may interfere with healing is crucial.
• Have realistic expectations: People who are good candidates for an upper lip lift are those with realistic expectations about the results and understand the limitations of the procedure.
• Do not have existing medical conditions: Your surgeon will undergo a comprehensive health assessment which includes reviewing your overall health history, pre-existing medical conditions, and current medication. Understanding your medical background allows the surgeon to determine whether a lip lift is both safe and feasible for you.
• Certain health factors can affect healing and increase risks during or after surgery, so full disclosure of your health history ensures the best possible approach to meet your goals while prioritising safety. Your surgeon may also recommend additional assessments or consultations with other healthcare professionals as part of a well-rounded evaluation.

Recovery After an Upper Lip Lift

It’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions closely to ensure optimal healing. Most patients experience mild swelling and bruising around the lips for the first week, which gradually subsides.

Stitches are usually removed after 5 to 7 days, and during this time, it’s important to avoid strenuous activities, smoking, or stretching the lips too much. You’ll need to sleep with your head elevated and follow your surgeon’s instructions for cleaning and caring for the area.

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, an upper lip lift does come with some risks. It’s important to understand these before deciding to proceed. Some of the possible risks include scarring, infection, or prolonged swelling. In rare cases, patients may experience numbness, tightness, or asymmetry in the lip area. Poor wound healing or noticeable scars can occur, especially if post-operative care instructions aren’t followed. 

Choosing a Qualified and Experienced Plastic Surgeon

If you want to learn more about lip lift surgery, reach out to Artiste Plastic Surgery. Our Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Jack Zoumaras, can help you understand everything about the surgery, its risks, and other questions you may have so that you can make an informed decision. Book a consultation today. 

Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons.

Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence:

Level V:  How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery.

The blogs are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.