Quick Summary
- A cosmetic lip lift shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip to improve lip definition, facial proportions, and upper tooth show.
- Central, subnasal, and corner lip lift techniques can be customized based on the patient’s anatomy and desired changes.
- The procedure is typically performed in about an hour using local anesthesia, with or without mild sedation.
- Most patients experience swelling and bruising for one to two weeks and can generally return to work or social activities within that period.
- Fante Eye & Face Center carefully plans incision placement, lift amount, and complementary treatments to create balanced, natural-looking results.
A cosmetic lip lift is a surgical procedure that enhances the shape and position of the upper lip by shortening the space between the nose and the lip. Unlike temporary fillers, a lip lift creates a lasting change in lip proportions, helping the upper lip appear more defined while improving tooth show when speaking or smiling.
At Fante Eye & Face Center, patients from Denver, Greenwood Village, and surrounding Colorado communities receive lip lift care from doctors with specialized training in facial cosmetic and oculofacial plastic surgery. Dr. Robert Fante has extensive experience in facial cosmetic surgery, while both Dr. Levitt and Dr. Huang are ASOPRS-trained surgeons and ASOPRS Candidate Members. Their combined expertise allows the team to approach lip lift surgery with careful attention to facial balance, natural expression, incision placement, and scar healing.
What is a Lip Lift?
Lip Lifts are a permanent procedure customized to each patient’s needs and preferences. A “central” lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the distance between the upper lip and the base of the nose. This may be done with a single central incision at the base of the nose or a wider incision called a “bullhorn” or “subnasal” lip lift. The incision width and shape is determined in consultation with your surgeon based on your goals.
This technique results in a more pronounced and lifted upper lip, enhancing the overall proportions of the lip and surrounding structures. The procedure can create a more youthful and balanced appearance by increasing the visible portion of the lips. It also helps to softly reveal the upper teeth when speaking and smiling, which confers a more youthful appearance.
Some patients will see additional benefit from a “corner lip lift,” which may be performed at the same time and corrects the descent of the outer corners of the mouth, subtly improving the unhappy expression often abbreviated as “RBF.”
Although cosmetic lip lifts will often improve the horizontal lines in the upper lip near the nose, they usually don’t have much effect on vertical lip lines. To improve those, it may be necessary to add volume to the lips (typically through filler or fat grafting) and/or incorporate skin resurfacing.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Lip Lift?
Ideal candidates for a lip lift include individuals who:
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Want prettier, younger-looking lips
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Want to see a little of their upper teeth when smiling
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Have a longer than desired distance between the upper lip and the nose.
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Desire a fuller upper lip and increased vertical height of the lip without the use of fillers.
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May also desire improvement in the downward angles at the outer corners of their mouth.
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Are healthy non-smokers, or willing to quit smoking before and after the procedure to ensure proper healing.
What are the Alternatives to a Lip Lift?
No other procedure will shorten the distance between the upper lip and the nose, and improve the show of the upper teeth when smiling. Chemical peels or laser skin resurfacing can improve some fine lip lines and skin texture, but will not significantly change lip size, shape, and structure. However, improved lip shape and fullness can be achieved with fillers or fat grafting. Both may provide somewhat greater improvement in vertical lip lines, known as smoker’s lines, than a lip lift alone.
What to Expect From Your Lip Lift Surgery
The lip lift procedure typically involves a detailed consultation. It may or may not be recommended that existing lip filler be dissolved to give optimal and predictable results. This procedure can be safely and comfortably performed in the office using local anesthetic, with or without a mild sedative. The procedure usually takes about an hour.
After the procedure, almost everyone experiences swelling and bruising of the lips and surrounding area, but not much pain. You will receive prescriptions for antibiotics and pain medicine, and we provide detailed post-operative care instructions and are always available to address any concerns during your recovery period.
Bruising and swelling should be expected during the first 1-2 weeks. Patients are advised to eat healthy, stay hydrated, rest, and apply ice frequently. Strenuous activity, smoking, exposure of the surgical site to direct sun, and swimming should be avoided for 2 weeks after surgery.
Most people will be able to return to work and social life about 1-2 weeks after the procedure. Surface stitches are typically removed within a week, and follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing as the deeper dissolving stitches disappear. Our staff is always happy to provide scar care education and support throughout the recovery process.
Outcomes of a Lip Lift
As previously stated, a lip lift is a permanent procedure. The outcomes of a lip lift can be transformative, offering:
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A shorter and more defined upper lip.
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Enhanced visibility of the upper teeth when smiling.
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A more youthful and balanced facial appearance.
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Long-lasting results compared to temporary fillers.
Before and 1 year after upper lip lift
Before and 2 months after upper lip lift
What are the Risks of a Lip Lift?
Like any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of infection, bleeding, scarring, nerve injury, and need for further procedures. A lip lift typically results in fine, delicate scar(s) that are hidden at the base of the nose, or at the vermilion-skin border where they are easily covered by lipstick.
Smokers have an increased risk for visible scars. Our team can address scarring with topical creams/gels, lasers, or microneedling at our medical spa. Some patients may have difficulty adjusting to the new lip position and the appearance. Asymmetry is possible based on a patient’s anatomy or challenges with recovery, which the surgeon will monitor and address if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
A lip lift surgically shortens the skin between the nose and upper lip, creating a lasting change in lip position and tooth show. A lip flip uses a neuromodulator to temporarily relax muscles around the upper lip, causing the lip edge to turn outward slightly without removing skin.
Yes. Depending on your concerns, a lip lift may be combined with eyelid surgery, fat grafting, fillers, skin resurfacing, or another facial procedure. The doctors at Fante Eye & Face Center will determine whether combining treatments can safely create a more balanced result.
Temporary tightness, swelling, or changes in movement may occur while the area heals. The procedure is carefully planned to improve lip position while preserving natural expression and function. Your doctor will monitor your smile, lip closure, and healing during follow-up visits.
Why Choose Fante Eye & Face Center for a Cosmetic Lip Lift?
A lip lift requires precise planning because small changes to the upper lip can affect the smile, tooth show, nasal base, facial proportions, and overall expression. At Fante Eye & Face Center, our doctors evaluate the lips in relation to the nose, chin, cheeks, and surrounding facial features so the result looks balanced rather than overdone.
The team takes a conservative, individualized approach to lip lift surgery. Incision design, lift amount, and scar placement are carefully planned based on each patient’s anatomy and goals, whether the concern is a long upper lip, reduced tooth show, loss of lip shape, or downturning at the corners of the mouth.
Because some patients may benefit more from fillers, fat grafting, resurfacing, or a combination approach, our doctors will also explain your alternatives before recommending surgery.
Cosmetic Lip Lift Consultation in Denver, Greenwood Village, Castle Pines and Highlands Ranch
If you are considering a cosmetic lip lift to improve upper lip shape, tooth show, or overall facial balance, Fante Eye & Face Center can help you understand your options. During your consultation, our doctors will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals, and explain whether a lip lift, filler, fat grafting, skin resurfacing, or another approach may be right for you.
To book a consultation with Fante Eye & Face Center in Denver, CO, serving patients from Greenwood Village, Castle Pines and the surrounding communities, call (303) 839-1616 today.