Surgical Treatment
Lip Lift
A surgical refinement for a more youthful, balanced upper lip
At a glance
- Anaesthetic
- Local (or general if combined with other surgery)
- Setting
- Day case, no overnight stay
- Procedure time
- Approximately 1 hour
- Recovery
- Discussed at consultation
Overview
A surgical refinement for a more youthful, balanced upper lip
A lip lift is a minor surgical procedure that shortens the distance between the upper lip and the nose, creating a more youthful mouth with better dental show and improved facial harmony. As we age this distance tends to lengthen, and the upper lip can lose definition; a lip lift reverses both effects with a precise, well-concealed incision.
The procedure is most commonly performed under local anaesthetic as a day case, and can also be carried out under general anaesthetic when combined with other facial rejuvenation surgery such as a facelift. The scar is placed carefully in the natural crease beneath the nose, where it typically heals to become very difficult to see.
Recovery is relatively quick for a surgical procedure, and the results are natural-looking and long-lasting. Your surgeon will discuss your individual anatomy and goals at consultation to confirm whether a lip lift is the right option for you.
Benefits
Why patients choose this treatment
- Shortens the upper lip for a more youthful, balanced appearance
- Improves dental show for a more natural smile
- Enhances lip shape and definition without filler
- Scar concealed in the natural crease beneath the nose
- Long-lasting results
- Can be combined with facelift or other facial procedures
Is it right for me?
A lip lift suits patients who have noticed lengthening of the upper lip with age, reduced dental show or a loss of definition in the upper lip that fillers alone cannot address. Suitability is confirmed at a surgical consultation.
What to expect
Your treatment journey
- 1
Consultation
Your surgeon assesses your lip anatomy, discusses your goals and explains the procedure, including the incision placement, expected result and recovery.
- 2
Procedure
A precise amount of skin is removed from beneath the nose under local anaesthetic, then fine sutures are placed to close the incision. The procedure typically takes around an hour.
- 3
Recovery and follow-up
Swelling and bruising settles over the first two weeks. Sutures are removed at a follow-up appointment and your surgeon reviews your healing and the final result.
Aftercare
Keep the incision area clean and follow your surgeon's wound-care instructions carefully. Avoid strenuous activity for the first week. Swelling and minor bruising are normal in the early days and resolve gradually. You will be seen at a follow-up appointment for suture removal and to check healing is progressing well.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Will the scar be visible?
The incision is placed in the natural crease beneath the nose where it heals discreetly. In most patients the scar fades to become very difficult to see once fully healed.
Is a lip lift performed under general or local anaesthetic?
Most lip lifts are performed under local anaesthetic as a day-case procedure, meaning you go home the same day. It can also be carried out under general anaesthetic when combined with a facelift or other surgery.
How is a lip lift different from lip fillers?
A lip lift surgically shortens the space between the nose and the upper lip and the improvement is long-lasting. Fillers add volume and can improve definition but do not change the position of the lip. For some patients a combination of both achieves the best result.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients are comfortable returning to everyday activities within a week or two. Your surgeon will give you a more detailed recovery timeline based on your individual circumstances at consultation.
Can a lip lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes. It is often combined with a facelift, blepharoplasty or other facial rejuvenation procedures for a more comprehensive result. Your surgeon will discuss the options with you.
How much does a lip lift cost?
Pricing depends on the treatment and what is agreed for you and is confirmed in writing at your consultation, with no obligation to proceed.
Considering Lip Lift?
Book a consultation with our specialist team to discuss whether this treatment is right for you.
Book a consultation