Lip Lift
- Helps restore a more youthful shape and contour to the upper lip
- Can be performed under local anesthesia or with IV sedation
- Complements the deep plane facelift and neck lift well
Contact Us
What is Lip Lift?
The lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the distance between the base of the nose and the lip. The procedure includes two approaches which can be performed individually or together. The first approach, also known as a sub-nasal lip lift, involves the removal of a carefully measured area of skin on the upper lip located at the base of the nose. Designed resembling a gullwing or bullhorn shape, it follows the natural peaks and troughs of the vermillion border, which is the border between the red lip and the lip skin. The incision is placed carefully along the contours of the base of the nose. The second approach, also known as a corner lip lift, involves removal of a small triangle of skin at the corners of the mouth above the upper lip. The incision is placed carefully along the vermillion border.
What Conditions Does the Procedure Address?
The lip lift helps address many of the changes that occur in the upper lip with age. The upper lip is composed of an outer layer of skin and an inner layer of mucosa with muscle, fat, and other tissue in between. The tissue thins and lengthens with age. The overall effect of a lengthened lip is a more bottom-heavy appearance than can obscure the teeth when at rest.
Lengthening of the philtrum, the skin between the base of the nose and the red lip, which can make the lip appear more pendulous and the face more bottom-heavy
A short, narrow red upper lip which can give the impression of volume loss around the upper lip and be apparent even before age-related lengthening of the philtrum occurs
A loss of or decrease in tooth show when the lips are at rest, a common feature of facial aging
Before & After
Explore our galleries to see the stunning, natural results Dr. Harmon delivers.
Why Choose Dr. Harmon
The desire for youthfulness is understandable. There is no area more important than the face. After all, the face cannot be hidden. It is how we present ourselves to the world. Dr. Harmon works with a refined eye and trained hands to develop a personalized treatment plan with you, utilizing advanced techniques in surgical and non-surgical care of the face, nose, eyes, neck and hair.
Fellowship trained facial plastic surgeons have a unique specialized skill set in performing surgical and non-surgical procedures on the face, nose, eyes, neck and hair. The pathway to becoming a facial plastic surgeon begins with five years of rigorous training in head and neck surgery. This training is focused on all aspects of surgery for the head and neck, in addition to aesthetic and reconstructive procedures.
A small pool of top performing graduates from head and neck surgery programs are then selected to complete sub-specialty training as a fellow in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS).
Dr. Harmon completed his fellowship in facial plastic surgery through the AAFPRS with the world-renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Jacono on Park Avenue in New York City. Dr. Jacono is world renowned for developing the extended deep plane facelift technique. Dr. Harmon is one of the few surgeons in the world, and the only surgeon in the Cincinnati area, fellowship trained in this technique by Dr. Jacono.
Quad A Accredited Surgery Suite
Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery is proud to have a Quad A accredited operating room and facility in our office. Our single-physician, single-specialty facility meets or exceeds the strict guidelines and high standards set forth by Quad A, demonstrating our strong commitment to patient safety and excellence in surgical care. We utilize the services of board-certified anesthesiology physicians only as well as our own personal clinical support staff to ensure the most comfortable, safest experience for our clients.
Types of Lip Lift Procedures
There are, broadly, two types of lip lift procedures, the sub-nasal lip lift and the corner lip lift. Each type of lip lift helps address the same above conditions but in slightly different areas of the upper lip.
Sub-nasal Lip Lift
The sub-nasal lip lift helps address age-related changes across most of the upper lip except for the most distant corners near the edge of the mouth, called the oral commissure.
Corner Lip Lift
The corner lip lift helps address age-related changes at the distant corners near the edge of the mouth, called the oral commissure. Importantly, not all individuals who may benefit from a subnasal lip lift need a corner lip lift.
Overview of the Procedure
The team at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery works tirelessly to prepare patients well for their procedure. The time spent with patients and resources provided facilitates a smooth transition from the procedure through recovery. The following overview is a broad summary of the information provided to patients:
Procedure Consultation
Expect a detailed, informative discussion with Dr. Harmon about your concerns and aesthetic goals. He will develop a personalized treatment plan to address these concerns and goals.
Pre-Treatment Preparation
Patients receive a packet with detailed pre-operative instructions prior to surgery. This packet includes information on what supplements and medications to hold prior to surgery, activity restrictions, and what supplies are necessary for post-operative recovery. Prescriptions are sent prior to surgery with instructions on their use. Finally, if medical clearance is required, a form detailing the necessary clearance and testing is provided to present to their primary care provider.
Day of Treatment
Patients are instructed to arrive at the office in comfortable clothes. The surgical plan is discussed with the patient in detail. Paperwork is completed. Photos are usually taken pre-operatively. Finally, the patient meets the surgical team, which may include nurses, anesthesiologists, and/or scrub technologists, depending on the procedure(s) and type of anesthesia used.
Follow-Up Appointment
Patients typically follow up for suture removal on days three (3) and five (5) or six (6) after surgery. Patients are on a strict regimen of topical medications to encourage healing for three (3) months after surgery. Subsequent follow up can vary and depends on multiple factors.
Social Readiness
Patients are generally permitted to wear makeup on the surgical site after all sutures are removed. The time to resolution of bruising and swelling varies and depends on multiple patient-specific factors. The incision can take months to heal completely. However, many feel ready to socialize approximately one (1) to two (2) weeks after surgery.
Ideal Candidates for a Lip Lift
Ideal candidates for a lip lift include those patients who have a thinner, drooping upper lip that may obscure the central upper teeth and/or who feel they lack fullness and roundedness to their red upper lip. Ideal candidates:
- May feel their upper lip appears flat and pendulous
- May feel their red upper lip appears thin
- May feel they have no central tooth show when their lips are at rest
- Have either always demonstrated the above features or developed them over time
Most candidates for a lip lift range in age from thirties (30s) to seventies (70s). A consultation is essential to determine candidacy for the procedure, because there may be factors that preclude this procedure for certain individuals. Reasonable expectations must be established about what a lip lift can and cannot accomplish as with all plastic surgery procedures. As with all facial plastic surgery procedures, results can vary.
Benefits of a Lip Lift
A lip lift helps address many features of age-related changes to the upper lip. It helps:
- Reduce the distance between the base of the nose and the red lip, resulting in more youthful proportions to the region around the mouth
- Increase the height of the red lip while preserving the natural existing peaks and troughs, which distinguish the upper lip from the lower lip
- Establish or increase central upper tooth show when the lips are at rest, a hallmark of a youthful upper lip
- Increase the roundedness of the red upper lip by rolling some of the red lip up and out
The total amount of skin removed and, therefore, the results, depends on several factors specific to the patient. They include, but are not limited to, the length of the lip, the height of the red lip, and the amount of tooth show present prior to surgery.
Risks of a Lip Lift
The risks of a lip lift primarily relate to healing at the incision site, like almost all facial plastic surgery procedures. Meticulous surgery and appropriate post-operative incision care can minimize these low risks. The potential risks include, but are not limited to:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Infection
- Abnormal scarring
Combine the Lip Lift with Other Facial Enhancements
The lip lift procedure complements other surgical and non-surgical procedures well. It complements other surgical procedures that lift drooping tissue by further emphasizing an elevation of the focal areas of facial aesthetics. It complements other non-surgical procedures by addressing age-related changes that develop concurrently but that they do not.
Deep Plane Facelift
A deep plane facelift helps restore youthful facial contours, and when paired with a lip lift, may enhance overall facial harmony by balancing the midface and perioral region.
Brow Lift
A deep plane facelift helps restore youthful facial contours, and when paired with a lip lift, may enhance overall facial harmony by balancing the midface and perioral region.
Blepharoplasty
Combining blepharoplasty with a lip lift can draw attention to the eyes and mouth, two central features of the face, helping to create a more refreshed and balanced appearance.
Botox©
Botox© can be used around the mouth to soften lines and refine movement, complementing the definition and lift achieved through a lip lift for a polished, youthful result.
Fillers
Lip lifts can provide structural enhancement, while fillers can subtly enhance lip volume or smooth surrounding lines. Together, they help refine both shape and softness around the mouth.
Book Your Consultation
Take the first step toward your aesthetic goals with a personalized consultation. Dr. Harmon will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and guide you through your options. Schedule your consultation today and discover how expert care can make a difference.
Read More About Lip Lift
Lip Lift versus Lip Filler
Have you wondered whether placement of hyaluronic acid filler such as Restylane© in the lips can impart a more voluminous and youthful appearance to...
Peri-Oral Rejuvenation: An Explainer
The lips consist of complex anatomy that includes more than simply the red portion of the lips. Each anatomic area of the lip ages and may benefit...
Three Procedures to Address the Signs of an Aging Face Comprehensively
People generally know their body better than anyone else, including their physician. However, people do not always have the medical language to...
FAQ
Does a lip lift require general anesthesia to perform?
No, a lip lift can be performed very comfortably while awake and under local anesthesia, thereby avoiding post-operative anesthesia recovery. This can be an especially good option for someone who seeks a lip lift without other complementary procedures. Some individuals may require IV sedation or general anesthesia.
How does the lip lift differ from lip filler?
The lip lift addresses aspects of aging that lip filler cannot. For example, the lip lift can increase the height of the lip and create "poutiness" to the lip without overinflating the lip and while preserving the natural peaks and contours of the lip. It can also shorten the skin of the upper lip, which often lengthens as we age. Lip filler can do neither of these things.
Is the lip lift incision obviously visible?
The lip lift incision is tucked in a natural crease under the nose. This location, as well as the fact that the specialized technique is performed in a deep plane in order to minimize tension, maximizes the healing of this incision and minimizes its appearance.
Can a lip lift be performed at the same time as the treatment of smoker's lines (perioral rhytids)?
Yes. A lip lift can be performed as the same time as the treatment of smoker's lines.
Can a lip lift improve the symmetry of the lips?
Yes, though within a narrow range. There is some flexibility when designed the surgical site for a lip lift to address minor asymmetries in the height of the red lip. However, this extends only approximately one to two millimeters. More significant asymmetry generally cannot be treated completely with a lip lift.
Is the lip lift a permanent procedure?
Yes. A lip lift can provide a permanent improvement in the appearance of the upper lip by (1) reducing the distance between the base of the nose and the edge of the red lip, (2) increasing the height of the red upper lip, and (3) increasing the projecting or "pout" of the red upper lip. It does not, however, stop the aging process. Therefore, the lip could lengthen from its new baseline over many years.
Is there an equivalent "lip lift" procedure for the bottom lip?
No matching equivalent procedure is available. While there are surgical procedures available to reduce the size of the lower lip, there is no surgical corollary to the lip lift for the lower lip. Options to increase the volume of the lower lip include hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, fat augmentation, and the placement of SMAS (deep fascia) taken during a facelift procedure.
Is the lip lift procedure painful?
Facial plastic surgery procedures are generally well-tolerated by patients and typically involve little pain, especially when compared with surgery on other areas of the body. Patients are usually prescribed just a small amount of pain medication for after surgery. In fact, we have found most use only over-the-counter pain medication including acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen after surgery instead. And those who do use the prescribed pain medication usually only use it the first night after surgery. With that in mind, it is important to note that every patient perceives and processes pain differently. Some patients have a high pain tolerance. Others may be more predisposed to be more sensitive to pain. We at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery are focused on balancing minimizing post-operative discomfort and maximizing safety.
Can the lip lift be performed as a standalone procedure or must it be performed with other procedures?
The lip lift can be performed either as a standalone procedure or with other procedures. However, it is potentially a powerful complement to the extended deep plane facelift, neck lift, and brow lift (lateral temporal lift) in addressing the signs of aging of the face comprehensively.
Does this prevent me from having lip filler placed in the future?
No, lip filler can be useful to restore volume to the "deflated" lip, making it plumper and smoother, thereby enhancing the effects of the lip lift.
How long after a lip lift can filler be placed in the lips?
There are no established guidelines recommending a specific time frame pass after a lip lift to receive lip filler. It is generally recommended that at least six months pass after a lip lift before considering placing lip filler.
Can a lip lift be performed at the same time as nose surgery (rhinoplasty)?
It is usually best to perform a lip lift separate from nose surgery (rhinoplasty). The lip lift incision sits hidden at the base of the nose. A rhinoplasty incision is usually placed in the middle of the central pillar of the nose, called the columella. While the incisions are separate, only millimeters separate them. As a result, there is an increased risk of poor blood flow post-operatively to the small island of skin between them. One exception to this restriction includes endonasal rhinoplasty procedures, which involve no external nasal incision and, therefore, no small island of skin between external incisions.
Is a "lip flip" non-surgical procedure using Botox© an alternative to a surgical lip lift?
No. Dr. Harmon does not offer a "lip flip" procedure using Botox© due to the fact that there is a risk of oral incompetence and asymmetry with this procedure.
Is lip lift surgery reversable?
No. However, additional procedures to lift the lip farther are possible. It is generally recommended to err towards a more conservative, though effective, lift for those reasons.
Does a lip lift affect the shape of the nose?
No. The lip lift has not been shown to permanently alter the shape of the nose. However, as expected after most surgical procedures, post-operative swelling can affect the surrounding tissue. As a result, the base of the nose often temporarily swells along with the upper lip itself.
Why do individuals who receive tooth veneers or undergo other cosmetic dental procedures often seek a lip lift?
Youthful lips often sit apart at rest, demonstrating approximately 1 - 3 mm of tooth show in many individuals. This tooth show can be reduced or eliminated as the upper lip lengthens with age. The lip lift can restore some of this tooth show and, therefore, newly straight and white teeth. The lip lift and veneers are two components of peri-oral rejuvenation.
Written by Dr. Harmon
Discover the expertise and compassionate care of Dr. Jeff Harmon, a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon deeply rooted in the Cincinnati community. A former collegiate athlete and Cornell University graduate, Dr. Harmon brings discipline, precision, and a global perspective to his surgical practice—refined through elite fellowship training in New York City.
Located in Hyde Park, Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery proudly serves patients throughout the Cincinnati area offering personalized facial aesthetics with world-class skill and a hometown heart.