Lip lift

A lip lift is a surgical procedure undertaken to change the shape or position of the upper lip relative to the upper teeth.

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.

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, and can have a profound effect in restoring the aging face.

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.

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