Lip Lift
Lip Lift
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that changes the position and visible height of the lip.
Depending on the technique, a lip lift can increase the amount of visible lip, improve lip shape and definition, and create the appearance of greater fullness without adding volume with filler.
"I’m super pleased with the results, as they are exactly what he promised they would be."
About Lip Lift
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that changes the position and shape of the lip to increase the amount of visible lip tissue and improve definition. Upper lip lift techniques can also shorten the distance between the upper lip and the base of the nose.
An upper lip lift can increase the amount of visible vermilion and, in some patients, upper tooth show. Other lip lift techniques can be performed on the lower lip or through incisions inside the mouth, depending on the patient’s anatomy and goals.
Key Takeaways
- Enhanced Upper Lip: Can increase visible upper-lip height and create the appearance of greater fullness and definition.
- Local Anesthesia: Lip lift surgery can often be performed under local anesthesia, depending on the technique and whether it is combined with other procedures.
- Long-Lasting Results: A lip lift creates a lasting structural change, although the lips and surrounding tissues continue to change with natural aging.
- Personalized Approach: Dr. Athré tailors the procedure to your specific goals and facial anatomy.
Before & After Photos
Lip Lift Gallery
About Lip Lift
What is a Lip Lift?
Lip lift surgery can change the shape, position, and visible height of the upper or lower lip.
Lip lift surgery can be performed on the upper or lower lip and is usually performed under local anesthesia. It can also be combined with other facial procedures when appropriate.
For the upper lip, Dr. Athré may use an external approach, with an incision placed just below the nose, or an internal approach, with incisions placed inside the mouth. For lower lip lift procedures, Dr. Athré uses an internal approach. The internal approach is designed to enhance the central portion of the upper or lower lip without an external incision.
A lip lift of either the upper or lower lip typically takes approximately one hour. When both the upper and lower lips are treated, the procedure takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes.
Watch a Video of Lip Lift Surgery
Upper/Lower Lip Lift Pricing
Upper Lip Lift
$4,000 Starting Range
- + Facility Fees ($1,000)
- + Anesthesia (Local $1,000)
Lower Lip Lift
$3,500 Starting Range
- + Facility Fees ($1,000)
- + Anesthesia (Local $1,000)
Explore Facial Rejuvenation Options
A lip lift can be combined with other facial procedures when appropriate, including:
- Blepharoplasty
- Chin augmentation
- Cheek augmentation
Benefits of Lip Lift Surgery
How Long Do Lip Lift Results Last?
An upper lip lift can increase the amount of visible upper lip, improve lip definition, and create the appearance of greater fullness without adding volume with filler.
Unlike temporary lip fillers, a lip lift creates a lasting structural change. The lips and surrounding tissues will continue to change with natural aging, but the surgical alteration itself does not simply wear off over time.
Candidacy
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Lip Lift?
A lip lift may be appropriate for people who want to change the visible height, shape, or definition of the lips.
Depending on the technique, a lip lift may be considered for patients who:
- Want to increase the amount of visible upper lip or create the appearance of greater fullness
- Have a naturally thin upper lip or have noticed changes in lip shape or visibility with aging
- Have a longer distance between the base of the nose and upper lip and would like to shorten it
- Notice that the upper lip becomes less visible or rolls inward when smiling
Candidacy also depends on your facial anatomy, overall health, healing considerations, and expectations for the procedure. Dr. Athré can determine which approach, if any, is appropriate after evaluating these factors during a consultation.
Lip Lift Recovery
What to Expect During Lip Lift Recovery
Swelling and bruising are common after a lip lift and are typically most noticeable during the early stages of recovery. Some tightness around the lips may persist for several weeks or longer as the tissues heal.
The surgical area may initially appear red, swollen, or bruised. Although much of the early swelling improves during the first several weeks, residual swelling and scar maturation can continue beyond that point. Follow Dr. Athré’s postoperative instructions for managing swelling and discomfort, including guidance on cold compresses and pain medication. Dr. Athré will also provide individualized guidance on when you can return to work, exercise, normal eating, and other activities based on the technique performed and your healing progress.
Why Choose Dr. Athré for Lip Lift Surgery?
Dr. Raghu Athré is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who combines technical precision with an individualized approach to facial surgery.
With a background in both engineering and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Athré evaluates lip lift patients with attention to facial structure, proportions, and the relationship between the lips and surrounding features. Because different lip lift techniques can produce different changes, he tailors the surgical approach to each patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals.
During your consultation, Dr. Athré will evaluate whether a lip lift is appropriate for you, discuss the available techniques, and explain expected results, recovery, and potential risks so you can make an informed decision about treatment.
Lip Lift FAQs
See below for frequently asked questions about lip lift surgery.
Patient Review
"From consultation to post-op, Dr. Athré and the entire process has been great, including my results. I was incredibly nervous, but Dr. Athré made me feel comfortable, and I felt like he genuinely had my best interests in mind. He thoroughly explained what to expect, answered all my questions, and reassured me that I had nothing to fear. I’m super pleased with the results, as they are exactly what he promised they would be."
