Lip Lift

Ideal candidates have an elongated philtrum — typically measuring more than 15 to 18mm from the base of the columella to the peak of the Cupid's bow — combined with reduced upper vermilion show or diminished tooth visibility at rest. The procedure suits both younger patients with a naturally long philtrum and older patients in whom ageing has lengthened the upper lip over time. Good general health, a non-smoking status, and realistic expectations are important prerequisites.

Lip filler adds volume to the lip body and can slightly evert the vermilion — but it does not shorten the philtrum or structurally lift a descended upper lip. For patients whose concern is a long, flat upper lip that shows little vermilion at rest, filler produces a heavy, inflated appearance rather than the light, youthful lift they are seeking. The lip lift is the only intervention that directly shortens the philtrum and elevates the lip border — and it does so permanently.

The incision is placed in a bullhorn shape at the base of the nose — following the natural contour of the nostril sills and columella. This area already carries natural shadowing, skin texture variation, and subtle irregularity, which assists scar concealment considerably. With careful closure, appropriate aftercare, and sun protection, the scar typically becomes very faint — and in most patients, it is imperceptible at normal conversational distance within three to six months.

The amount of tissue excised is planned with precision before surgery, based on the patient's current philtrum length, desired lip position, and the tension that would result. Typically, between 4 and 8mm of skin is removed — though this varies considerably by individual. The surgical plan is carefully mapped pre-operatively and confirmed intraoperatively to ensure the result is proportionate and natural. Over-resection — which produces a lip that sits too high or appears tethered — is actively avoided.

Swelling is the primary post-operative concern, and it is most pronounced in the first three to five days. Some patients find that the lip appears over-elevated in the first week — this is normal and resolves as swelling subsides. Sutures are removed at 5 to 7 days, after which the area continues to soften and settle. Most patients are comfortable being seen socially within 10 to 14 days. Scar maturation continues over several months, during which sun protection is strongly recommended.

Yes — and many patients benefit from both. The lip lift corrects the structural position of the upper lip; filler can then be added conservatively to refine volume in the body of the lip or define the vermilion border further. When combined thoughtfully, the two treatments complement each other to produce a result that is youthful, balanced, and natural — rather than the heavy, projected look that filler alone tends to create when used to compensate for an elongated philtrum.

In inexperienced hands, a lip lift can widen the base of the nose or cause the nostrils to flare — a recognised complication of poor technique or over-resection. At The Face Institute, we design the excision pattern and tension vectors carefully to avoid any distortion of the nasal base. For patients with pre-existing concerns about nasal width, this is discussed transparently at consultation and, where relevant, addressed concurrently.