What is a lip lift?

A lip lift is an in-office surgical procedure that shortens the space between the nose and the top of the lip, known as the “philtrum.”

The procedure increases the amount of pink tissue that’s visible which makes the lips look fuller and more pronounced. It also increases how much of your upper central teeth show when your lips are resting.

It’s a good option for people who want to add height instead of volume to their lips.

 

Types of lip lifts

There are several types of lip lifts. It’s important to know the types and techniques so you can have an informed discussion with your surgeon about which is right for you.

Direct lip lift

Direct Lip Flip

  • A direct lip lift, sometimes called a gullwing lip lift, creates a more defined lip border.
  • A thin strip of skin is removed just above the upper lip, and the skin is pulled upwards, creating the illusion of a more pronounced vermillion (the pink part of the lips).
  • This procedure typically leaves behind a scar on the upper lip area.

Subnasal Bullhorn

Subnasal Bullhorn

  • The subnasal bullhorn is one of the more common lip lift procedures.
  • A surgeon will make an incision that’s typically hidden along the base of the nose where it’s less visible.
  • The incision is often made in the shape of a bullhorn and the center, right, and left of the lip are all pulled up toward the nose.

Central Lip Lift

Central Lip Lift

  • A central lip lift is similar to a subnasal bullhorn lift. It shortens the space between the nose and the lips by an incision at the lower nose.

Corner Lip Lift

Corner Lip Lift

  • A corner lip lift is sometimes called a “grin lift” because it gives the face a more smiley appearance.

  • It’s done by making two small incisions at both corners of the mouth and removing a small amount of skin. Some people will get this in tandem with another lip lift to give fuller lips.

  • It’s an option for people who feel they have downturned lips.

Italian Lip Lift

Italian Lip Lift

  • An Italian lip lift requires two incisions below each nostril, and other than that detail, it’s very similar to the bullhorn. It typically doesn’t involve a noticeable scar.

Who’s a good candidate for a lip lift?

  1.  A lip lift can be a good option for older people who want to reduce the space between the lips and the nose. With age, this space typically increases and can make lips look thinner.
  2.  Younger people who haven’t achieved the look they want from fillers, or if they find that fillers make their lips look unnaturally plump or duck-like, may prefer a lip lift.
  3.  Lip lifts are also a permanent solution, so they can be helpful for people who are tired of the upkeep of filler.