Lip Lift
All cosmetic surgery involves risks and individual results vary. The outcomes shown in any images on this page are relevant only to the specific patient depicted and do not reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may differ due to factors including genetics, diet, and exercise. Cosmetic surgery is a serious decision. Decisions about whether to proceed should be made after careful consideration and consultation with a qualified medical practitioner.
A lip lift — also known as an upper lip lift — is a surgical procedure that shortens the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip. With age, the upper lip tends to elongate due to the effects of gravity and a gradual reduction in skin and muscle elasticity. This lengthening increases the distance from the nose to the lip border and can cause the upper teeth to become less visible when the mouth is relaxed. Genetic factors and cumulative sun exposure contribute to how quickly this change occurs.
A lip lift addresses these changes by removing a precisely measured strip of skin from beneath the nose, reducing the length of the upper lip and increasing the visibility of the upper lip’s vermillion border. It can be performed as a standalone procedure or in combination with a facelift or other facial surgery.
Alternative non-surgical treatments to this area include lip filler injections and lip implants. These options, and their respective advantages and limitations, can be discussed at consultation.
Cosmetic surgery is a serious decision. Full information about the risks of a lip lift is available on our lip lift risks page.
Who May Consider a Lip Lift
A lip lift may be considered by patients who:
- Have noticed elongation of the upper lip with age and wish to address this
- Have reduced upper tooth visibility when the mouth is in a relaxed position
- Have an upper lip length that they have always found disproportionate to their other facial features
- Have found that lip filler injections do not adequately address their concerns, or prefer a longer-lasting surgical result
Suitability is assessed individually at consultation. Not all patients are good candidates, and Dr Roth will advise whether a lip lift, a non-surgical alternative, or a combination approach is most appropriate for your circumstances.
The Procedure — Bullhorn Lip Lift
The most widely performed lip lift technique is the bullhorn lip lift (also called a subnasal lip lift). A small strip of skin is removed from just beneath the nose, with the excision shaped to follow the natural contours of the nostrils — resembling the outline of a bull horn. This design allows the resulting scar to sit within the natural shadow of the base of the nose, where it is least visible.
The shape and dimensions of the excision are customised to each patient. More tissue can be removed from the central portion or the lateral portions depending on the degree of change required and the patient’s existing lip anatomy. Before finalising the markings, Dr Roth asks patients to demonstrate the lip position they are seeking, which assists in precise surgical planning.
Duration
Approximately 60 minutes
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia (most cases) or local anaesthesia with sedation
Setting
Accredited private hospital or day surgery facility
Sutures
Two-layer closure; external sutures removed at 5–7 days
The amount of skin removed is planned carefully and typically ranges from 3 to 8mm, with 4–5mm being most common. A normal upper lip length (vermillion border to base of nose) is approximately 13–14mm. The appropriate target length is discussed in the context of your individual facial proportions at consultation — outcomes depend on individual anatomy and cannot be standardised across patients.
Recovery
Recovery from a lip lift is generally well tolerated. Swelling and bruising around the lips and nose peak within the first 48–72 hours and gradually resolve over the following week or two. Discomfort is usually mild and managed with paracetamol.
| Timeframe | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day of surgery | A companion must drive you home and stay with you overnight. Apply cold compresses (wrapped in cloth) for 15–20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling. |
| Days 1–3 | Swelling and bruising most pronounced. Keep the incision clean and dry. Apply prescribed antibiotic ointment as directed. Soft or liquid diet recommended — avoid hot, spicy, or acidic foods. Do not use straws. |
| Days 3–7 | Swelling improving. Limit wide mouth opening, laughing, or exaggerated facial movements to avoid stress on the incision. Gentle mouth rinsing with antiseptic mouthwash or saltwater. Careful tooth brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush. |
| Days 5–7 | External sutures removed at follow-up review with Dr Roth. |
| 1–2 weeks | Most patients return to normal daily activities. Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least one week. |
| Weeks 3 onwards | Incision line continues to fade. Protect the scar from direct sun exposure — use SPF50+ sunscreen and a hat outdoors. Sun exposure during healing can darken the scar. |
| Several months | Final result apparent as the incision line matures to a fine pale line. Scar treatments such as silicone gel may be recommended if the scar requires further management. |
Smoking and alcohol impair healing and increase the risk of complications. Patients are advised to cease smoking well in advance of surgery and avoid alcohol during the recovery period.
When to Contact Dr Roth
Contact the practice promptly if you experience any of the following after surgery:
- Swelling or bruising that is increasing rather than improving after the first few days
- Signs of infection — increasing redness, warmth, or discharge at the incision site
- Severe pain not relieved by prescribed medications
- Persistent or heavy bleeding
- Fever or chills
Risks and Potential Complications
All surgery carries risk. Potential risks and complications of a lip lift include, but are not limited to:
- Swelling and bruising (expected as part of normal healing)
- Infection
- Bleeding or haematoma
- Scarring — the incision is designed to sit within the natural shadow beneath the nose, but scar quality varies between individuals
- Asymmetry of the upper lip
- Over- or under-correction of lip length
- Changes in sensation around the lip and nose area
- Poor wound healing (risk is higher in smokers)
- Need for revision surgery
- Adverse reaction to anaesthesia
Risks are minimised through careful patient selection, precise surgical planning, and thorough post-operative care, but cannot be eliminated entirely. A full discussion of risks relevant to your individual circumstances takes place at consultation and before consent is obtained.
Read the full lip lift risks page →
What Outcomes Can I Expect?
Initial swelling resolves over the first one to two weeks, after which the change in lip proportions becomes visible. The final result — including full maturation of the incision line — becomes apparent over several months.
Outcomes vary between individuals and depend on anatomy, skin quality, healing, and lifestyle. Results are discussed in the context of your individual facial proportions at consultation. No surgery can guarantee a specific result, and individual responses to surgery differ.
If you have questions or would like to arrange a consultation, please contact the practice. You are encouraged to take as much time as you need before deciding whether to proceed.
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Specialist Otolaryngologist & Head and Neck Surgeon
Specialist registration — Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery
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