Lip Lift

We all know and probably have done lip injections or lip fillers or perhaps lip implants. These procedures can create great looking lips if performed by an experienced injector or a surgeon who performs lip implants, however lip augmentation surgical or non-surgical can give that bee-stung look to the lips.

There’s another surgical procedure known as a lip lift that can give you a different kind of pout. Unlike lip fillers, it’s permanent and very natural looking.

Keep reading to learn more about lip lifts, including the different types, what the procedure and recovery are like, and whether you’re a good candidate.

What is a lip lift?

As we age, the distance between the nose and lip called the philtrum drops and covers the upper teeth to give a more aged appearance.

A lip lift is an in-office, quick surgical procedure that shortens the space between the bottom of the nose or the nostrils and the top of the lip, known as the “philtrum.”

An upper lip lift procedure increases the amount of vermillion show or the visible dry section of the lip which makes the lips look fuller and more pronounced. It also increases how much of your upper central teeth show when your lips are resting.  This procedure restores the youth lip appearance with an appropriate increase in tooth show. Lip lifts are a trendy and a powerful procedure to restore youth and balance to the lower face.

What are the types of Lip Lifts?

There are several types of lip lifts. It’s important to know the types and techniques so you can have an informed discussion with your surgeon about which is right for you.

Our signature modified deep plane sub-nasal bullhorn lip lift

The deep plane sub-nasal bullhorn is one of the more common lip lift procedures. A surgeon will make an incision that’s typically hidden along the base of the nose where it’s less visible. The incision is often made in the shape of a bullhorn, a deeper plane dissection is made towards the lip philtrum. The delicate flap is then rotated and the center, right, and left of the lip are all pulled up toward the nose. The incision is hidden underneath the nose in the natural creases and becomes near invisible in the vast majority of patients once healed.

Lift lip illustration

A bullhorn lip lift, also sometimes called a sub-nasal lip lift, is a procedure that can make the lips look fuller without the use of fillers. Good candidates for sub-nasal bullhorn lip lifts include people who want to make their lips look fuller, or those who want their lips to be higher or poutier without added plumping. Those with smaller mouths and broader nasal bases are also considered good candidates. Experience is essential to provide a natural and beautiful lip lift result.

What is Direct Lip Lift?

A direct lip lift, sometimes called a gullwing lip lift, creates a more defined lip border. A thin strip of skin is removed just above the upper lip, and the skin is pulled upwards, creating the illusion of a more pronounced vermillion (the pink part of the lips). At times the direct lip lift is performed in conjunction with our modified deep plane sub-nasal bullhorn lip lift.

Who’s a good candidate for a lip lift?

A lip lift is a good option for those who want to reduce the space between the lips and the nose. Whether is age related or genetics, the increase in space can make the face look longer and perhaps unattractive.

Younger people who haven’t achieved the look they want from fillers, or if they find that fillers make their lips look unnaturally plump or duck-like, may prefer a lip lift. Lip lifts are also a permanent solution, so they can be helpful for people who are tired of the upkeep of filler.

How about men and Lip lift?

Men also see many benefits from a lip lift procedure. For a man a modified deep plane lip lift procedure could be used to reverse the visible signs of aging on and around the lips, or it could be used to create a more youthful expression. Even younger men with genetically inherited thin lips or elongated philtrum are getting lip lifts done to create an improved facial appearance.

So, what are the goals in men wanting lip lift procedure?

  • Improve Symmetry: Aging or even genetics may contribute to lips being unevenly shaped. Dr. Bolourian is experienced in corrective lip surgery and lip lift procedure to address the asymmetries of the lips.
  • Add Volume: Men are also susceptible to thin lips, and they can become thinner as we age. The right lip lift procedure can create fullness.
  • Shorten the distance from the base of the nose to the pink part of the upper lip: This procedure will help with increase teeth show which brings a naturally youthful appearance.

Who is not a candidate for a lip lift?

If a person does not have enough space between the base of the nose and the top of the lip (typically about 1.5 cm or less), is generally not a good candidate for lip lift procedure.

We always encourage and advise to avoid smoking for 2 weeks prior to and two weeks after lip lift procedure.

Ultimately, a patient’s medical history is reviewed by Dr. Bolourian to determine if one is a good candidate for Lip Lift procedure.