Upper lip lift, also known as a lip lift, is primarily a cosmetic procedure. Its objective is to elevate the upper lip to restore a more youthful and harmonious facial appearance. But what precisely does this procedure involve? Discover all the details.
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Upper lip lift: what does this procedure involve?
Summary
- What is an upper lip lift?
- How is the upper lip lift procedure performed?
- Potential complications of an upper lip lift
- Sources
Published August 27, 2025,
updated on August 28, 2025,
by
Lilia, Scientific Editor
—
8 min read
What is an upper lip lift?
The upper lip forms the upper part of the mouth, located just below the nose. It consists of two distinct zones: on one hand, the white lip, covered by skin, and on the other, the red lip, which corresponds to the visible and dry portion of the oral mucosa. The aging process is accompanied by a decrease in the prominence of the philtral ridges, which outline the cupid’s bow, as well as a loss of volume at the vermilion border. It has been observed that young, balanced faces consistently exhibit a reduced cutaneous height between the nose and the upper lip, typically ranging from 9 to 14 mm. This proportion appears to be universal, independent of ethnic origin or the historical period represented.
The lip lift, or upper lip lift, is a cosmetic procedure that involves removing a thin strip of skin located between the nose and the upper lip. This reduction of the nasolabial distance is intended to elevate the lip, creating a more youthful appearance, a more harmonious profile, and better facial volume proportions. The primary objective of this procedure is purely aesthetic: to shorten the distance between the nose and the lip in order to increase its apparent height. The upper lip should appear fuller and better defined, which diminishes the appearance of thin lips.
The lip lift is a surgical procedure that requires the expertise of a healthcare professional. In other words, only a qualified plastic surgeon can perform the intervention.
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How is the upper lip lift procedure performed?
Upper lip lifting consists of removing a thin band of skin located between the nose and the lip. By shortening this area, the upper lip is slightly elevated, which may increase its apparent height and better expose the vermilion border.
Before surgery, a consultation with a surgeon qualified to perform the facelift is essential. This appointment allows the specialist to provide you with all relevant details about the surgery, including the exact steps of the procedure, the potential risks, and the postoperative follow-up. Certain personal patient information must be provided to the surgeon. By reviewing the medical history, allergies, and any current medications, the specialist can decide whether to proceed with the surgery.
Once the go-ahead is given, the patient enters a preparatory phase during which they must adopt a healthy lifestyle (no alcohol, no tobacco, and avoiding certain foods and medications, etc.) until the day of surgery and throughout the convalescence period. In addition, anticoagulants, as well as possibly dietary supplements and certain additives, must be discontinued because they tend to increase bleeding. This preparatory phase is essential because it promotes optimal wound healing and reduces the risk of postoperative complications.
There are several upper lip lift techniques. Although they rely on a similar operative principle, they are primarily distinguished by the placement of the incisions:
| Operative Techniques | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Lip lift or Bullhorn lip lift | The classic lip lift is the most widely performed technique. It involves removing a thin strip of skin just beneath the base of the nose, shaped like “bull’s horns,” to shorten the distance between the nose and the upper lip and to elevate the overall projection of the upper lip. |
| Cupid’s bow lip lift | This increasingly used technique involves a more targeted central incision that follows the natural shape of the Cupid’s bow. This method allows for a more precise redefinition of the Cupid’s bow to accentuate the lip’s central contour, which can result in a finer appearance. |
| … | Increasingly widespread in recent years, this technique is designed to lift the drooping corners of the mouth by making small incisions at the outer oral commissures and excising skin to elevate the commissures. |
| Central lip lift | This procedure involves elevating only the central portion of the upper lip by making an incision centered beneath the nose, with targeted removal of skin. |
Comparison of different upper lip lift techniques based on incision location.
For the different techniques, the procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. It lasts on average 30 to 45 minutes. After making the incision and precisely removing the skin, the surgeon repositions the tissues and places fine, discreet sutures at the base of the nose. The scars, well concealed within the natural creases, generally become barely visible over time.
After surgery, some side effects may appear, such as mild swelling, bruising, and a sensation of tightness, but they subside within one to two weeks. The result of the facelift is rapidly visible, with gradual improvement over the ensuing weeks until full healing is achieved. Upon completion of the procedure, the treated area of the upper lip is dressed to protect the scar while fostering recovery. The antibiotic ointments are sometimes best avoided, as some studies suggest they may encourage the development of skin eruptions or allergic reactions. Patients should then return 3 to 5 days later to have their sutures removed.
Potential complications of an upper lip lift.
The lip lift of the upper lip systematically leads to mild swelling and the appearance of small bruises around the mouth.
These side effects are normal and transient and generally resolve within a few days.
However, as with any surgical procedure, certain complications may arise, although they remain rare. These may include infections, persistent bleeding, bruising more pronounced than usual, or visible and unaesthetic scarring. A lip asymmetry or a temporary loss of sensation in the upper lip area can also be observed. Furthermore, if sutures are left in place for too long, this can lead to skin hypopigmentation, the formation of streaks, or delayed wound healing, particularly in the process of epithelial reconstitution between the incision edges. Careful postoperative follow-up and adherence to the surgeon’s instructions generally help to avoid or minimize these discomforts.
The essential point to remember.
The lip lift shortens the distance between the nose and the upper lip.
The upper lip lift elevates the lip and rejuvenates the face.
Several techniques are available depending on the incision, but the most common are: the classic lip lift, the Cupid lip lift, and the corner lip lift.
The operation lasts 30 to 45 minutes, under local anesthesia.
Potential risks include swelling, scarring, asymmetry, and infection.
Sources
AUSTIN H.W. & al. The lip lift. Plastic Reconstructive Surgery (1986).
AUSTIN H.W. & al. Lifting lips: 28 years of experience using the direct excision approach to rejuvenating the aging mouth. Aesthetic Surgery Journal (2009).
PREVOT H. & al. Upper lip lift. Annales de chirurgie Plastique et Esthétique (2017).
PEARLMAN S.J. & al. CUPID lip lift: Advanced lip design using the deep plane upper lip lift and simplified corner lift. Aesthetic Surgery Journal (2022).
YANG K. & al. Different techniques and quantitative measurements in upper lip lift: A systematic review. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (2023).
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