Ready to get started?
Upper Lip Lift
Enhance your smile with an upper lip lift that shortens the philtrum, reveals more of your upper lip, and creates a naturally youthful, refreshed appearance.
Ready to get started?
Enhance your smile with an upper lip lift that shortens the philtrum, reveals more of your upper lip, and creates a naturally youthful, refreshed appearance.
An upper lip lift, also known as a subnasal lip lift or bullhorn lip lift, is a refined surgical procedure designed to shorten the distance between your nose and upper lip (the philtrum). As we age, the philtrum naturally lengthens, causing the upper lip to appear thinner and less visible when smiling. This elegant procedure removes a small crescent of skin just beneath the nose, lifting the upper lip to reveal more of the pink vermilion border and creating a more youthful, balanced facial appearance.
Upper lip lifts are performed with meticulous precision, focusing on natural-looking results that enhance the smile without appearing overdone. Unlike lip fillers that add volume, an upper lip lift permanently repositions the natural lip for a subtle yet transformative improvement in facial aesthetics.
Whether you were born with a naturally long philtrum or have noticed changes with aging, an upper lip lift can restore youthful proportions to your face. The procedure is ideal for patients seeking permanent enhancement without the ongoing maintenance of injectable treatments, and it can be performed alone or combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures for comprehensive results.
Restore youthful facial proportions by shortening an elongated philtrum, creating a more vibrant and refreshed overall appearance.
Reveal more of your natural upper lip vermilion, creating a fuller, more defined lip appearance without artificial volume.
Achieve noticeable yet natural-looking improvement that enhances your smile without appearing obviously surgical.
Unlike lip fillers that require regular maintenance, an upper lip lift provides lasting results that you can enjoy for years to come.
Return to most daily activities relatively quickly, with a convenient in-office procedure.
Strategic incision placement beneath the nose ensures scars heal virtually invisibly, preserving a completely natural appearance.
An upper lip lift can benefit individuals seeking permanent lip enhancement and facial rejuvenation. Ideal candidates typically meet the following criteria:
Have a long philtrum (distance between nose and upper lip exceeds 15-17mm)
Desire a more youthful appearance with fuller-looking upper lip
Want permanent results rather than ongoing filler maintenance
In good overall health without conditions that impair healing
Non-smoker or willing to quit before and after surgery
Have realistic expectations about procedure outcomes
Experience age-related upper lip thinning or elongation
Prefer natural enhancement over artificial volume augmentation
The incision for an upper lip lift is strategically placed at the base of the nose, following the natural crease where the nose meets the upper lip. This location heals remarkably well and, in most cases, becomes virtually invisible once fully healed. your surgeon uses meticulous suturing techniques to ensure the finest possible scar. During the healing process, the incision will initially appear pink or red, but it fades to a fine line that is typically unnoticeable as your body heals.
While both procedures enhance the appearance of the upper lip, they work differently. Lip fillers add volume to the lips and require periodic maintenance injections. An upper lip lift surgically shortens the philtrum to reveal more of your natural lip, providing lasting results without adding artificial volume. Many patients choose an upper lip lift because they prefer permanent enhancement or desire a more natural-looking result. Some patients combine both procedures for comprehensive lip rejuvenation.
Yes, an upper lip lift is frequently combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures for comprehensive results. Common combinations include facelift surgery, rhinoplasty, lip fillers (for added volume), and corner lip lift (for addressing downturned mouth corners). During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss which combination, if any, would best achieve your aesthetic goals.
Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after an upper lip lift. The procedure is performed with local anesthesia, so you won't feel pain during surgery. Afterward, patients typically describe mild discomfort, tightness, and swelling rather than significant pain. Any discomfort is easily managed with prescribed pain medication initially, and most patients transition to over-the-counter pain relievers. The manageable recovery is one reason this procedure is so popular.
An upper lip lift may not be ideal for individuals with a naturally short philtrum (less than 12-13mm), those with active infections near the mouth or nose, patients with unrealistic expectations, or those unable to follow post-operative care instructions. Smokers need to quit before and after surgery to ensure proper healing. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your facial proportions and discuss whether an upper lip lift is the right choice for achieving your goals.
An upper lip lift typically shortens the philtrum by 3-5mm, revealing more of the upper lip vermilion and creating a more youthful, balanced facial appearance. Results look natural because the procedure works with your existing lip rather than adding foreign material. You can expect a more defined Cupid's bow, increased upper tooth show when smiling, and improved facial proportions. The key is subtle enhancement that looks like a naturally beautiful lip, not an obviously surgical result.