Upper Lip Shortening

What You Should Know

Upper lip shortening is a surgical procedure that reduces the length of the upper lip to create a more youthful and balanced facial appearance. This treatment is often sought by patients with a long upper lip or a gummy smile. The procedure involves removing a small strip of skin just below the nose and lifting the lip for a fuller, more proportionate look. Recovery is typically quick, with minimal scarring hidden beneath the nose.

What is an Upper Lip Shortening Procedure?

Upper lip shortening, also referred to as a lip lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that shortens the vertical distance from the nose to the upper lip. This lifts the upper lip, making it fuller, more defined, and more youthful, as well as restoring facial balance.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Lip Lift?

You might be a suitable candidate if:

  • You have a long upper lip that covers your upper teeth when relaxed
  • You want more visible fullness in the upper lip without fillers
  • You prefer to add more curvature to the Cupid’s bow
  • You feel your smile is not expressive or your lips become thin with aging
  • You are healthy and have realistic expectations

It’s particularly favored among those who want lasting results over brief dermal fillers.

What Are the Advantages of a Lip Lift?

  • Ramps up pink lip display
  • Sculpting of lip shape and definition
  • Gives a younger and more lifted appearance
  • Facial harmonization and tooth display on smiling
  • Lasting results without continuous filler upkeep

How Is a Lip Lift Conducted?

  • The surgery is performed under local anaesthesia, sometimes accompanied by mild sedation
  • A thin strip of skin is taken just below the nose (usually in a bullhorn-shaped configuration)
  • The skin is then elevated and sewn to reduce the philtrum (the area between the nose and the top lip)
  • The surgery usually lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour

Where Is the Cut Made? Will There Be a Scar?

The cut is made just below the nose base, skillfully concealed in the natural fold. As long as it is well taken care of and with a skilled surgeon, the scarring will normally heal unobtrusively and become almost invisible in the future.

How Long is the Recovery Time After a Lip Lift?

  • Mild swelling, stiffness, and bruising are normal for the initial 5 to 7 days
  • Stitches are usually taken out between 5 to 7 days
  • The majority of the patients can resume work or light social life in 1 week
  • The end results get more defined within 4 to 6 weeks, and the scar keeps on getting better for a few months

Does a Lip Lift Replace the Need for Lip Fillers?

In most instances, yes. A lip lift aesthetically enhances the natural lip structure without the addition of bulk. Some patients, though, will opt to fill in as much fullness after recovery as they had before. It can also be an excellent choice for individuals who desire to discontinue or forego future filler injections.

Are the Results of an Upper Lip Shortening Permanent?

Yes, a surgical lip lift is long lasting and permanent. Aging simply continues on, but the enhancement of lip position and proportion is not fleeting as with fillers.

What Are the Risks or Side Effects?

  • Swelling or bruising
  • Visible scarring (if healing is bad or if improper technique is utilized)
  • Numbness or stiffness in the top lip (temporary, usually)
  • Asymmetry or discontent with the degree of lift (uncommon)

Selecting a skilled, experienced facial or plastic surgeon eliminates these risks by a great measure.

Can an Upper Lip Shortening be combined with Other Operations?

  • Rhinoplasty (nose reconstruction)
  • Facelift or mid-face lift
  • Chin augmentation or cheek augmentation
  • Botox or dermal fillers for total facial renewal

How Is a Lip Lift Different from Lip Fillers?

Feature Lip Lift Lip Fillers
Longevity Permanent Temporary (6–12 months)
Effect Shortens upper lip, lifts shape Adds volume and fullness
Incisions Small surgical incision None (needle only)
Best for Long upper lip, mature faces Younger patients or volume loss

Seek a More Youthful, Defined Lip Line?

A lift of the upper lip can dramatically revitalize your appearance by shortening and defining the upper lip—without adding volume. Schedule an appointment today to learn if this stylish, understated procedure is the ideal solution for your features.

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