Facial Procedures
Lip Lift
Enhance your natural lip shape with permanent, elegant results through surgical lip lift.
Enhance your natural lip shape with permanent, elegant results through surgical lip lift.
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the distance between the upper lip and the base of the nose (known as the philtrum), gently lifting the upper lip to create a more defined and youthful lip contour, increased visibility of the upper teeth when the lips are at rest and a subtle boost in upper lip volume. This procedure does not add volume to the lips like injectable fillers but instead enhances the natural shape and position of the lips for a permanent, elegant result.
As we age, the philtrum naturally lengthens, which can cause the upper lip to appear thinner and less defined. A lip lift reverses these changes by restoring youthful proportions to the lower face.
While both procedures enhance the lips, they work in fundamentally different ways:
Some patients may benefit from combining a lip lift with injectable fillers for comprehensive lip enhancement. During your consultation, Dr. Howley will help determine which approach best suits your goals.
A lip lift is performed using local anesthesia and typically takes about one hour. The most common technique is the bullhorn lip lift (also called a subnasal lip lift), where a small incision is made just beneath the nose, following the natural contour of the nostrils.
A precise amount of skin is removed, and the upper lip is lifted to its new position. The incision is carefully closed with fine sutures, and the resulting scar is hidden in the natural crease at the base of the nose, making it virtually invisible once healed.
Most patients can return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks. Initial swelling and bruising around the lips is normal and subsides within the first week. Sutures are typically removed within 5-7 days.
You should avoid strenuous activities and excessive facial movements for the first two weeks to ensure optimal healing. Final results become apparent once all swelling has resolved, usually within 2-3 months, revealing a natural, refreshed appearance.
The incision is carefully placed in the natural crease at the base of the nose, where it heals to become virtually invisible. Dr. Howley uses meticulous surgical techniques and fine sutures to minimize scarring. Most patients find that any residual scar is easily concealed and unnoticeable to others.
Ideal candidates typically have a longer philtrum (the distance between the nose and upper lip), desire more upper tooth show, or want to restore a more youthful lip position. During your consultation, Dr. Howley will assess your facial proportions and discuss whether a lip lift, fillers, or a combination approach would best achieve your goals.
Yes, a lip lift and lip fillers complement each other well. The lip lift addresses the shape and position of the lip, while fillers can add volume if desired. Many patients find that after a lip lift, they need less filler to achieve their desired fullness.
Unlike temporary fillers that require ongoing maintenance, a lip lift provides permanent results. While natural aging will continue, the improved lip position and shortened philtrum are lasting. This makes a lip lift an excellent long-term investment for patients seeking permanent enhancement.
Schedule a consultation to discuss lip lift surgery with Dr. Howley.