What Is a Lip Lift
A lip lift is a delicate surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the upper lip by shortening the distance between the base of the nose and the red part of the lip (the vermilion). With age, this area—called the philtrum—can lengthen and flatten, making the mouth appear less expressive and hiding the upper teeth.
During a lip lift, the surgeon removes a thin strip of skin just beneath the nose and gently raises the lip. This restores youthful proportions, reveals more of the red lip, and often enhances tooth visibility. Unlike fillers, which add temporary volume, a lip lift repositions your own tissue, creating a lasting structural improvement that doesn’t depend on repeated treatments.
When performed with precision and the right indication, it enhances the harmony between the lips, teeth, and lower face—refreshing your expression without changing who you are.
Why Patients Choose a Lip Lift
The motivation behind a lip lift goes beyond beauty. It’s often about restoring balance, vitality, and confidence in facial expression.
Common reasons include:
- A long or flattened upper lip that makes the mouth look less defined.
- Reduced tooth show when smiling or speaking.
- Loss of natural lip curve or volume despite previous filler treatments.
- A desire for a permanent improvement instead of ongoing injections.
- Early signs of aging, such as drooping mouth corners or a tired appearance.
The best candidates are healthy, non-smokers (or willing to pause smoking), and have realistic expectations about recovery and scarring. For mild concerns, non-surgical alternatives like fillers or a lip flip may still be appropriate.
How the Procedure Works
There are several surgical variations, and your surgeon will choose the best technique according to your anatomy and goals.
Subnasal or “Bullhorn” Lip Lift
The most common approach. A thin, bullhorn-shaped piece of skin is removed just beneath the nostrils. The lip is lifted and anchored higher, reducing the philtrum length and increasing the visible height of the red lip.
Corner Lip Lift
Used when the mouth corners naturally turn downward, giving a sad or tired expression. Small incisions at each corner elevate them slightly, often combined with the subnasal lift.
Endonasal (Internal) Lip Lift
A less common variation performed from inside the nostrils or mouth, leaving no external scar. It’s reserved for patients needing subtle correction.
Deep-Plane or Modified Techniques
Some surgeons use deeper dissection to reposition the underlying muscle and create a more even, tension-free lift. Studies show that these deep-plane variations can provide greater symmetry and stability over time.
In some cases, a lower lip lift (lip advancement) may also be proposed to rebalance lips that appear uneven.
The surgery takes about one to two hours and is usually performed under local anesthesia with light sedation. Because a small portion of skin is removed, the result is permanent, though natural aging continues.
Recovery and Healing
Recovery after a lip lift is usually simple but requires care and patience.
- Swelling and bruising are normal for the first few days and subside within one to two weeks.
- Sutures are typically removed around day five to seven.
- Avoid excessive lip movement, smiling, or using straws during early healing.
- The scar, hidden beneath the nose, fades gradually over several months.
- Most patients feel comfortable returning to work or daily activities after 7–10 days.
Cold compresses and gentle cleaning can help reduce swelling. Avoid makeup on the area for two weeks. Final results continue to refine for three to six months as tissues settle.
Results and Longevity
Once healed, the improvement is visible, natural, and long-lasting. The upper lip appears shorter and more defined, with a balanced relationship between the nose, lips, and chin.
Scientific studies confirm that surgical lip lifts increase vermilion height and tooth show while restoring the curvature of the Cupid’s bow. Because the tissues are repositioned—not filled—the result ages gracefully and typically lasts 10 years or more.
Beyond appearance, many patients describe a renewed sense of confidence and natural expressiveness.
Pros and Cons of a Lip Lift
Advantages
- Permanent enhancement without ongoing filler maintenance.
- Restores youthful proportion and tooth visibility.
- Improves lip shape and definition.
- Combines easily with other rejuvenation procedures.
Limitations
- Small but permanent scar under the nose.
- Overcorrection can cause excessive tooth show.
- Minor risk of asymmetry or tightness during early healing.
- Requires a skilled surgeon for optimal balance and fixation.
Risks and Safety Considerations
When performed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon, a lip lift is a safe procedure. However, like all surgery, it carries potential risks:
- Visible or thickened scarring under the nose.
- Asymmetry between sides.
- Over- or under-correction.
- Temporary numbness, tightness, or altered sensation.
- Infection or bleeding (rare).
- Subtle changes in nasal base shape or, in rare cases, excess tooth show (gummy smile) if too much skin is removed.
Complications remain uncommon in modern practice, especially when patients follow pre- and post-operative care instructions carefully.
Lip Lift vs. Fillers – Understanding the Difference
Fillers add temporary volume but cannot correct a long or aged upper lip. Too much filler can even weigh the lip down or distort its curve.
A lip lift, on the other hand, restores proportion by shortening and lifting the lip, creating a more open, youthful appearance.
Many surgeons recommend a combination approach: structural correction with a lip lift, followed later by gentle filler refinement for added balance and softness.
Is It Right for You?
A lip lift is best suited for individuals who notice a long, flattened, or aged upper lip and want a subtle, natural improvement instead of an exaggerated change. It’s also a great complement to procedures such as a facelift, blepharoplasty, or laser resurfacing.
Choosing a qualified facial plastic or aesthetic surgeon is essential. Always ask to see before-and-after photos, discuss your goals clearly, and ensure your anatomy supports the change you’re seeking.
Price of a Lip Lift in Belgium
In Belgium, the cost of a lip lift typically ranges between €1,350 and €2,500, depending on the clinic, surgeon’s expertise, and whether it’s combined with other treatments.
A simple subnasal (bullhorn) lip lift under local anesthesia usually costs around €1,500 to €2,000, while combination procedures—such as a corner lift, fat grafting, or laser resurfacing—can reach €3,000 to €3,500.
For comparison, prices in the United States range from $2,000 to $9,000 USD.
As it’s considered a purely aesthetic surgery, there is no reimbursement by mutual insurance (mutuelle). Patients are advised to request a detailed written estimate before scheduling.
Alternatives to a Lip Lift
Although a lip lift offers a structural, lasting result, some patients may prefer or combine non-surgical options:
- Botox lip flip: Micro-doses of Botox relax the upper lip muscle, making the red lip appear slightly fuller. Lasts about three months.
- Lip fillers: Hyaluronic acid fillers (e.g., Juvéderm, Restylane) enhance volume and shape. Results last four to twelve months.
- Fat transfer: Uses the patient’s own fat for long-lasting natural fullness.
- Lip implants: Silicone implants offer a permanent volume solution but carry higher risk of asymmetry or shifting.
Summary
A lip lift is a precise yet simple surgical procedure that restores proportion, vitality, and expressiveness to the lower face. It shortens an elongated upper lip, reveals more of the red vermilion, and creates a more harmonious balance between the lips and surrounding features—without relying on added volume.
Recovery requires care and patience, but results are natural, long-lasting, and confidence-boosting. In skilled hands, a lip lift remains one of the most effective ways to subtly rejuvenate the face while preserving authenticity.
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