The mouth is one of the first areas to show visible signs of aging. Fine lines, wrinkles, and a lengthening upper lip can subtly change facial balance over time, often making the face appear tired or less youthful. While dermal fillers and skincare treatments can offer temporary improvements, they do not always address the underlying structural changes that occur with age.
An upper deep plane lip lift is a facial procedure that restores youthful proportions and enhances the natural shape of the lips. At her Beverly Hills practice, Dr. Tania Hassanzadeh offers personalized upper lip lift procedures designed to soften age-related changes while preserving natural-looking results.
Why the Area Around the Mouth Ages First
As we age, collagen and elastin production naturally decline. This leads to thinner skin, reduced firmness, and the development of fine lines around the mouth, commonly called perioral wrinkles. The distance between the nose and the upper lip gradually increases over time. This elongation can cause the upper lip to roll inward, making it appear thinner and less defined.
Sun exposure, repetitive facial movements, genetics, and lifestyle factors all contribute to aging around the mouth. Even individuals who have taken excellent care of their skin may notice changes that cannot be fully corrected with topical treatments alone.
What Is an Upper Lip Lift?
An upper deep plane lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the space between the base of the nose and the upper lip. By gently lifting the lip into a more youthful position, the procedure enhances lip shape, improves definition, and restores balance to the lower face.
Unlike fillers that add volume, an upper lip lift repositions the lip itself. This allows more of the pink portion of the lip to be visible, creating a fuller appearance without looking overdone. The results are permanent and do not rely on ongoing injections to maintain their effect.
How Upper Lip Lifts Address Age-Related Concerns
An upper lip lift can dramatically improve several common concerns associated with aging around the mouth.
Softening Wrinkles and Fine Lines
By lifting and repositioning the upper lip, tension around the mouth is reduced. This can soften the appearance of fine lines and vertical lip wrinkles, especially when combined with complementary treatments such as laser resurfacing or skin rejuvenation.
Restoring Youthful Lip Proportions
A longer upper lip can throw off facial harmony. Shortening this distance restores youthful proportions and helps the lips look naturally fuller and more defined.
Enhancing Lip Shape Without Fillers
For patients who prefer not to use dermal fillers or who feel fillers no longer provide the desired result, an upper lip lift offers a refined alternative. The lips appear fuller because more of the natural lip tissue is visible, not because volume has been artificially added.
Improving Smile Aesthetics
An upper lip lift can enhance the way the lips move when smiling, often allowing more of the upper teeth to show. This subtle change can make the smile appear brighter and more youthful.
Who Is a Good Candidate for an Upper Deep Plane Lip Lift?
Ideal candidates are individuals who are bothered by a thinning or elongated upper lip, wrinkles around the mouth, or a loss of lip definition due to aging. Many patients seeking upper lip lifts are in their 40s, 50s, or beyond, though younger patients with naturally longer upper lips may also benefit.
Good candidates are generally in good health, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes. A personalized consultation with Dr. Hassanzadeh is essential to determine whether an upper lip lift or a combination of treatments will best achieve your goals.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery from an upper lip lift is typically straightforward. Mild swelling and bruising are common in the first week, with most patients returning to normal activities shortly afterward. The incision is carefully placed at the base of the nose, where it heals discreetly and fades over time.
Dr. Hassanzadeh provides detailed aftercare instructions to support optimal healing and beautiful results. Most patients notice continued improvement as swelling subsides and the lip settles into its new position.
A Refined, Expert-Led Approach
As a dual fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Tania Hassanzadeh brings an exceptional level of precision and expertise to every upper lip lift she performs. Her advanced training focuses exclusively on the face, allowing her to address delicate age-related changes around the mouth with artistry, balance, and surgical finesse.
Dr. Hassanzadeh is known for her detail-oriented approach to facial rejuvenation. Rather than creating an overcorrected or artificial look, she prioritizes natural harmony and refined enhancement. Each upper lip lift is carefully customized to the patient’s facial anatomy, ensuring results that appear elegant, refreshed, and beautifully proportioned.
Schedule a Consultation in Beverly Hills
If you are noticing wrinkles, thinning, or changes around your mouth that do not reflect how youthful you feel, an upper lip lift may be the solution you have been searching for.
To learn more about upper lip lift surgery and whether it is right for you, schedule a private consultation with Dr. Tania Hassanzadeh in Beverly Hills.
Dr. Tania Hassanzadeh
Dr. Tania Hassanzadeh, MD, is a fellowship-trained Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon based in Beverly Hills, CA. She earned her medical degree from the University of Arizona College of Medicine and completed rigorous training in Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery at Tufts Medical Center. Dr. Hassanzadeh then completed dual fellowships in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, gaining expertise in rhinoplasty and facial reconstruction. Known for her warm and empathetic approach, she is dedicated to helping patients restore confidence and natural beauty through both surgical and non-surgical treatments, including facelifts, eyelid surgery, lip lifts, and injectables.