Upper Lip Lift

An upper lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the space between the nose and upper lip (the philtrum), creating a more youthful, balanced, and defined lip shape. Unlike fillers, which add temporary volume, a lip lift permanently enhances the visible portion of the pink lip without increasing fullness artificially.

The most common technique is the subnasal “bullhorn” lip lift, where a small incision is hidden beneath the base of the nose. Dr. Hassanzadeh has mastered the deep-plane lip lifting technique, which is a new approach that enhances the longevity of your results. Other variations include the corner lip lift and Italian lip lift, depending on your anatomy and goals. Dr. Hassanzadeh will recommend the best approach for natural-looking results.

The scar is discreetly hidden at the base of the nose and becomes barely noticeable as it heals. Scar care instructions and follow-up treatments (like laser or microneedling) can further minimize visibility.

Results are considered permanent, though natural aging will continue. Patients can expect to enjoy a refreshed, lifted look for many years without the need for repeat procedures.

Yes! Many patients combine their lip lift with a facelift, neck lift, or blepharoplasty for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. It also pairs beautifully with fat transfer or fillers in the lower lip for balance.

Yes. Prior lip fillers or injectables generally do not prevent you from having an upper lip lift. However, it may be necessary to dissolve your lip filler first, depending on the volume. During your consultation, Dr. Hassanzadeh will evaluate your lips and discuss the best approach to achieve a natural, balanced result.

An upper lip lift can subtly enhance your smile by shortening the distance between your upper lip and nose, allowing more of your teeth to show when you smile. The procedure is designed to maintain a natural expression, so your smile should look refreshed and youthful, not “overdone” or unnatural.

Recovery is typically quick. Most patients experience mild swelling and bruising for about 1–2 weeks. Stitches are usually removed or dissolve within a week, and most people feel comfortable returning to work and social activities within 7–10 days. Full results become more apparent as swelling subsides over several weeks.

Absolutely. As we age, the upper lip can elongate and lose volume, making the face appear less youthful. An upper lip lift restores balance by shortening the distance between the nose and lip, enhancing lip projection, and creating a more vibrant, youthful appearance. It’s often combined with other rejuvenation treatments for optimal results.

There is no single “best” age for a lip lift; instead, it depends on anatomy, skin quality, and goals, but many patients seek the procedure in their late 20s through their 60s, when lip lengthening or thinning becomes noticeable.

Yes, patients can often use small, strategic amounts of filler after healing to fine-tune volume and shape, while the lift provides the overall structural improvement in lip position.

Lip position looks noticeably different right away, but swelling can take a couple weeks to settle; the most refined results are usually visible after a few months once tissues fully soften.

An upper lip lift is most often done under local anesthesia, sometimes with light oral or IV sedation, so the area is completely numbed while the patient remains awake and comfortable. General anesthesia is usually reserved for cases where the lip lift is combined with other procedures, such as a facelift, or when there is a specific medical or patient comfort reason to do the surgery with the patient fully asleep.

No, a properly executed upper lip lift should not negatively affect the animation of your face. In fact, for many patients, it can make their smile appear more relaxed, youthful, and vibrant.

No, the incision is rarely able to be seen once healed. The placement is strategically concealed inside a natural crease at the junction of your lip and nose and is hidden by the shadows cast by your nose. Initially, after surgery, the area can be mildly pink, but this is easily concealed by light makeup until the incision has fully healed.