What is a lip lift?
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the distance between the base of the nose and the red part of the upper lip (the vermilion). In the most widely used technique, a thin strip of skin is removed through an incision along the base of the nostrils, shaped a little like a bull's horns. That is why it is known as a "bullhorn" or subnasal lip lift.
The area between the nose and the upper lip is called the philtrum. Shortening it moves the upper lip upwards, turns the vermilion slightly outwards and lets a little of the upper front teeth show at rest. The lip can then look more defined, and the lower third of the face younger and better balanced.
Because a lip lift is performed right under the nose, the shape of the nostril base, the position of the nasal tip and the nose-to-lip angle are an essential part of the plan. As an ENT and facial surgeon, Op. Dr. Özlem Yüksel Coşar evaluates this area together with the nose.
Who is a good candidate for a lip lift?
A lip lift may be considered for people whose upper lip is long in relation to the rest of the face and who are bothered by it. Situations we commonly see include:
- A naturally long philtrum with a thin-looking upper lip
- An upper lip that has lengthened and thinned with age
- Little or no upper tooth show at rest
- A vermilion that seems to roll inwards
- A nose-to-lip distance that is large for the facial proportions
There are two main reasons for a long-looking upper lip. For some people it is an inherited facial feature, noticeable from a young age. For others, the skin and lip tissue thin and lengthen with age; the vermilion narrows and the teeth show less and less. A lip lift can be considered in both situations, but with age-related change the overall descent of the lower face should be assessed too.
A lip lift is usually not suitable for people whose philtrum is already short, whose teeth show prominently at rest, or who show a lot of gum when smiling, as these features can compromise the result. Active smoking, poorly controlled chronic illness and a history of problematic scarring (such as keloids) are also taken into account.
Lip lift vs lip fillers
Lip fillers and lip lifts are often confused, but they address different problems. Filler adds volume; a lip lift changes the position of the lip and its distance from the nose.
| Lip filler | Lip lift | |
|---|---|---|
| Effect | Adds volume to the lip | Shortens the philtrum, lifts and everts the lip |
| Long upper lip | Does not correct length; too much filler can make the lip look heavier | Shortens the length directly |
| Duration | Temporary, usually repeated within months | Long-lasting |
| Scar | No incision | A fine scar under the nose |
| Recovery | A few days of mild swelling | About one week of social downtime |
Adding filler to a long upper lip can make the lip project forwards while the droopy look remains. In some patients the two methods complement each other: the lip lift corrects the proportion, and volume can be added afterwards if needed.
Consultation and planning
At the first consultation we listen to your expectations. We then measure the length of the philtrum, the height of the vermilion, how much of your teeth show at rest and when smiling, the width of the nostril base and the shape of the nostrils. If you are travelling from abroad, front and side photographs taken at rest and smiling help us give a preliminary opinion before you book your trip.
The amount of skin to be removed is determined to the millimetre from these measurements. The aim is not to shorten the lip as much as possible but to reach a distance in proportion with your face. An over-shortened philtrum can create an unnatural, permanently "surprised" look and excessive tooth show at rest. Photographs are taken from several angles and the planned change is discussed using them.
Dental and jaw structure also influence the result. A gummy smile or a marked bite problem is not corrected by a lip lift and may even become more noticeable; in such cases we may recommend an opinion from a dentist or orthodontist. We also review blood-thinning medication and herbal supplements, and ask smokers to stop before and after surgery, as smoking impairs wound and scar healing.
How is a lip lift performed?
A lip lift is usually carried out under local anaesthetic, with light sedation if needed, and generally takes 45–90 minutes. If it is combined with another operation, general anaesthesia may be preferred.
- The planned incision is marked along the natural crease at the base of the nostrils.
- A strip of skin of the planned width is removed. Depending on the technique, the deeper tissue is also anchored to firmer structures higher up to reduce tension on the suture line.
- The skin is closed in layers with fine stitches to support good scar quality.
Most patients go home a few hours after the procedure; with general anaesthesia, an overnight stay in hospital may be required.
The scar under the nose
The scar is the most frequently asked-about aspect of a lip lift. The incision is planned so that it sits in the base of the nostrils and the naturally shadowed line beside the nose. In most patients the scar becomes much less noticeable over time, but it would not be honest to say there will be no scar at all.
In the first weeks the scar may look pink-red and slightly raised. It usually takes 6–12 months to mature, and during this time sun protection and the recommended scar care are important. In darker skin types, or in people prone to scarring, there is a higher chance of the scar remaining more visible. If needed, its appearance can later be improved with treatments such as laser or dermabrasion.
Corner lip lift and combined procedures
Downturned corners of the mouth can give a tired or unhappy expression. A corner lip lift removes a small piece of skin just above the corners of the mouth to raise them. Because it leaves a scar at the corner of the mouth that may be visible, we do not recommend it for everyone and assess candidacy carefully.
A lip lift can be planned together with rhinoplasty, a facelift or fat grafting. A rhinoplasty that rotates the nasal tip upwards can also change the apparent length of the philtrum, so measurements are adjusted when both are planned. For an overview of options for the whole face, see our facial aesthetics page.
Recovery after a lip lift
Recovery varies from person to person, but the typical timeline is:
- First 2–3 days: swelling, tightness and mild bruising of the upper lip. Discomfort is usually well controlled with simple painkillers. Keeping your head elevated and using cold compresses helps.
- First week: the suture line is kept clean and the recommended ointment applied. Avoid opening the mouth very wide and eating hard foods.
- Days 5–7: stitches are removed; most patients return to social life after this.
- Weeks 2–4: swelling decreases considerably, and the lip settles from its initial "over-lifted" look into a more natural position.
- Month 3: the shape of the lip is largely settled.
- Months 6–12: the scar matures and the final appearance emerges.
For patients travelling from abroad, we recommend staying in Izmir until the stitches have been removed; later check-ups can continue by video call. Consultations and follow-up are available in English.
Risks and things to consider
Although a lip lift is a small operation, it carries risks like any surgery. These include a noticeable or thickened scar, asymmetry, under- or over-correction of the lip, changes in the shape of the nostril base, temporary numbness or tightness of the upper lip, bleeding and infection. Some patients may need a minor revision later.
Careful patient selection, precise measurement and following aftercare advice are the most effective ways to reduce these risks. Before surgery, we go through the risks that apply to you in detail as part of the written consent process.
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. The right treatment for you can only be decided after an examination, and results vary from person to person.