Lip lift

A lip lift is a surgical procedure undertaken to change the shape, position and definition of the upper lip relative to the upper teeth and other surrounding facial structures.

A small area of skin underneath the base of the nose is excised, and in doing so the length of the skin of the upper lip is reduced. This has the effect of shortening the upper lip slightly, as well as rotating out the vermillion (red surface) of the upper lip, to give added fullness. It can be used to promote a more youthful appearance, or to restore facial proportions. The surgical incision is hidden in the crease of the skin under the nose and usually heals without any obvious scar. There are other approaches (e.g. lateral lip lift, at the junction of the skin and the pink part of the lip) that may be used to further define shape and lip position if required.

With aging, along with relaxation of all facial soft tissues, the lower lip lengthens and loses definition. A lip lift helps to re-establish upper lip length and restore upper lip shape and fullness, or to better define the philtrum (central groove of the upper lip), and can have a profound effect in restoring the aging face, or correcting a congenitally altered lip position or shape.

While a lip lift is a very powerful technique which can give excellent results, it also needs very careful consideration and assessment to ensure that it is the right approach and the right procedure to address your concerns. In some cases, a lip lift may be done at the same time as other facial procedures. As an isolated procedure, it can be done under local or general anaesthetic. A lip lift is a simple procedure but one which demands careful judgement and precise execution.

Your surgeon will undertake a thorough assessment and in-depth discussion of the procedure, as well as the options available for treatment. Like any surgical procedure, there are some associated risks, which may include issues with wound healing, scarring, infection, and asymmetry; your surgeon will discuss these further with you at the time of your consultation.