Lip Lift
(Upper Lip Lift, Subnasal Lip Enhancement)
—
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the space between your nose and upper lip, increasing the prominence of your upper lip. The result is a more youthful, balanced appearance—and a subtle enhancement of lip shape without fillers.
At Appleby Plastic Surgery, we perform lip lifts with surgical precision, tailored to your facial proportions and aesthetic goals. This small change can create a powerful impact, especially if you are looking to reverse the signs of aging or improve facial harmony.
As we age, the space between the nose and upper lip often lengthens, making the lips appear thinner and the mouth more downturned. A lip lift corrects this by removing a small strip of skin just beneath the nose (called a subnasal or bullhorn incision) and lifting the upper lip into a higher position.
This surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia and takes under one hour. It involves:
works—
how it
Creating a discreet
incision at the base of the nose
Removing a narrow
strip of skin to shorten the philtrum
Lifting the upper
lip to reveal more pink tissue
Carefully closing
the incision to minimize visible scarring
In general, here’s what most lip lift patients experience:
Some tightness or pulling as the incision heals.
Stitches are typically removed in 5 to 7 days.
Most patients return to light activity in 3 to 5 days.
expect—
what to
Your surgeon and nurse will walk you through your personalized recovery plan.
& recovery
timeline —
stage
what to expect
Consultation
We’ll review your facial structure and goals, and recommend whether a lip lift is right for you.
Surgery
30 to 60 minutes under local anesthesia. Incision hidden at the base of the nose.
First week
Swelling, tightness, and mild bruising. Stitches removed around day 5 to 7.
4–6 weeks
Scars begin to fade. Most patients return to full social activity by week 2.
Full result
Visible improvement by 2 to 3 months as swelling resolves and the scar continues to fade.
Procedure —
Lip Lift
Seamless care
to ensure your entire experience, from consult to recovery, is positive.
Precision-focused results
A final result that meets our high standards and achieves your goal.
to handle complex cases and deliver results that restore confidence.
Technical mastery
collaborating to craft your ideal outcome.
Team of top-tier surgeons
Our clinic was designed to make your experience easier—from streamlined consults to overnight care, and everything in between.
appleby—
why choose
The incision is hidden at the base of the nose and fades over time. Most patients find it unnoticeable after full healing.
Can a lip lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Many patients combine it with a Facelift, Brow Lift, or Eyelid Surgery for full facial rejuvenation.
Does a lip lift make you look younger?
Yes. By shortening the philtrum and revealing more of the pink lip, it restores youthful proportions and softens the mouth area.
How long do results last?
A lip lift offers permanent enhancement. While aging continues, the structural changes from the lift remain.
01.
02.
03.
04.
05.
Will the scar be visible?
Fillers add volume but do not lift the upper lip. A lip lift physically shortens the distance between the nose and lip for a more permanent change in shape.