Lip Lift
Even a subtle shift in the upper lip can change the entire character of the face. The lip lift is a short surgical procedure that permanently shortens the space between the nose and the upper lip to reveal more of the pink lip tissue and create a fuller, more defined mouth without implants or filler. Board-certified Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Glenn Vallecillos performs lip lifts as a standalone procedure and as part of comprehensive facial rejuvenation plans, delivering results that are immediately visible and built to last.
Lip Lift Overview
The lip lift works by removing a small strip of skin from just beneath the nose, shortening the philtrum (the groove or notch between the upper lip and nose) and rolling the lip upward into a more aesthetically pleasing position. The incision is carefully concealed in the natural crease where the nose meets the upper lip, making scarring virtually invisible once healed.
The most commonly performed technique is the bullhorn lip lift, named for the shape of the incision that runs along the natural contour of the nostrils. For patients concerned about scar visibility near the nose, a direct lip lift (placed at the upper border of the lip itself) may be a more appropriate option. Dr. Vallecillos carefully evaluates each patient's anatomy, skin quality and aesthetic goals before recommending a technique.
This procedure addresses issues that injectable lip fillers cannot completely resolve on their own: a long, flat philtrum, a downturned mouth, or a lip that has thinned with age. The results are permanent, setting the lip lift apart from temporary alternatives.
Should I Get a Lip Lift?
Patients choose the lip lift because it delivers long-lasting, fundamental changes to the structure and position of the lip rather than volume alone. Key advantages include:
- Permanent results with no need for repeat treatments or maintenance injections
- Fuller appearance: more of the pink lip is visible at rest, creating the appearance of a fuller mouth
- Visible upper teeth: a lifted lip reveals a subtle hint of the upper teeth, which is widely associated with a more youthful facial aesthetic
- Natural-looking definition along the cupid's bow area.
- Complements other procedures such as rhinoplasty, facelift and blepharoplasty for cohesive facial harmony
How Are Lip Lifts Customized for Each Patient?
No two lip lifts are performed the same way. The distance between the upper lip and nose, the natural curvature of the cupid's bow, the width of the nostrils and the amount of existing lip tissue all inform how Dr. Vallecillos plans and executes the procedure.
For patients with a wide philtrum and healthy lip volume, the priority is shortening without adding bulk. For patients who also want greater fullness, a lip lift can be combined with fat grafting or lip filler for more well-rounded results.
For patients whose primary concern is the corners of the mouth rather than the philtrum length, Dr. Vallecillos also performs a corner lip lift, which is a targeted procedure that corrects commisural ptosis (the downward turning of the mouth corners). This is often an age-related change, as the depressor muscles gradually pull the corners downward over time, lending the face a permanently stern or fatigued expression. A corner lip lift can be performed on its own or alongside a traditional bullhorn lift for patients dealing with both concerns simultaneously.
Skin type and healing history also factor into which technique Dr. Vallecillos chooses. Patients with a tendency toward visible scarring may be better suited for the bullhorn approach, where the incision is hidden within the base of the nose, than for a direct lift placed at the lip border. During your consultation, Dr. Vallecillos will walk you through every aspect of your individualized treatment plan so you understand exactly what to expect.
Procedure Walkthrough
The lip lift is performed as an outpatient procedure, typically under local anesthesia with or without light sedation. The full procedure takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour.
There is no general anesthesia required for most patients, making this a lower-risk procedure with a straightforward recovery.
Consultation and Markings
Dr. Vallecillos carefully maps the incision lines prior to the procedure, taking precise measurements of the philtrum and designing the excision pattern to achieve your target outcome.
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area. IV sedation can be added for patients who prefer a more relaxed experience.
Tissue Removal
A precisely measured strip of skin is excised just beneath the nose. The amount removed is calculated to lift the lip by the desired degree without overcorrecting or distorting the natural shape of the nostrils.
Closure
The incision is closed in layers with fine sutures designed to minimize tension on the skin and promote clean healing.
Aftercare and Results Timeline
Recovery from a lip lift is relatively mild compared to more intensive facial surgeries. Swelling and bruising around the mouth are normal in the first week and resolve steadily from there. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities within seven to 10 days, once the sutures have been removed.
Dr. Vallecillos provides every patient with personalized aftercare instructions, including guidance on sun protection, scar management and follow-up scheduling. Protecting the healing scar from UV exposure during the first several months is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your results over the long term.
Week 1
Expect mild to moderate swelling, some tightness and minor bruising. Sutures are typically removed at five to seven days post-op. Avoid pursing the lips, eating hard foods or engaging in any activity that stretches the mouth excessively.
Weeks 2 to 4
Swelling continues to subside. The lip may feel slightly firm or numb, which is a normal part of healing. The incision site will begin to fade.
Months 2 to 6
The scar softens and blends into the skin at the base of the nose. Final results, including the full shape of the lifted lip, are visible around the three-month mark, with continued refinement through month six.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a good candidate for a lip lift?
Am I a good candidate for a lip lift?
Ideal candidates are in good general health and have a philtrum length of 15 mm or more, a flat or thin upper lip, limited tooth show when relaxed or smiling, or a mouth that appears to turn downward. A consultation with Dr. Vallecillos is the best way to determine your candidacy.
How is a lip lift different from lip filler?
How is a lip lift different from lip filler?
Lip filler adds volume by injecting hyaluronic acid into the lip tissue; it does not change the position or structure of the lip. A lip lift physically repositions the lip upward, revealing more of the vermillion border and improving the overall shape.
Will there be a visible scar?
Will there be a visible scar?
The bullhorn lip lift incision is placed in the natural crease between the nose and upper lip, making it well-concealed as it heals. With proper aftercare, including consistent sun protection, most patients find their scar becomes nearly invisible within six months to a year.
How long do lip lift results last?
How long do lip lift results last?
Lip lift results are permanent. Because the procedure physically shortens the philtrum and repositions tissue, the structural change does not reverse over time. Natural aging will continue to affect the face, but the lifted position of the lip will remain.
How much does a lip lift cost?
How much does a lip lift cost?
The cost of a lip lift varies based on the technique used, anesthesia fees and any complementary procedures included in the treatment plan. Contact our office at (310) 273-3007 for a personalized quote following your consultation with Dr. Vallecillos.