Our lips play a significant role in our overall facial aesthetics. They help define the lower third of the face, and full, well-shaped lips contribute to overall facial symmetry. Plump, smooth lips are also commonly associated with youth.
According to various studies, from a beauty perspective, over 60% of men find women with slightly fuller lips more attractive, and around 85% of women consider lip shape an important factor in overall attractiveness.
Naturally, lip fillers are often the first thing that comes to mind when people think about lip augmentation. However, unlike fillers, which plump up the lips temporarily, a lip lift offers a permanent solution for individuals desiring a more defined cupid’s bow, a shorter philtrum (the space between the nose and the upper lip), and a more youthful smile. It also reinforces the natural contour of the lips, providing a subtle yet noticeable augmentation without artificial substances. It is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures available today.
Understanding A Lip Lift Procedure
A lip lift is a minor surgical procedure designed to create a more youthful and balanced appearance without the need for injectables. For many years, the lips were largely overlooked in surgical procedures until the 1970s. Only then did surgeons begin to appreciate the upper lip’s crucial role in creating facial harmony. Early methods to shorten the upper lip involved removing a strip of skin just above the lip line, which often resulted in visible scarring and unnatural outcomes.
The modern approach to lip lifting began to take shape in the 1990s with the introduction of the ‘bullhorn’ or subnasal lip lift technique. This method involves removing a small strip of skin just beneath the nose, with the incision carefully hidden along the natural creases at the base of the nose. This allows the surgeon to lift the upper lip, making it more visible and giving your face a more defined, yet natural look.
At 111 Harley St., we offer our patients an upper lip lift, lower lip lift, and corner lift, depending on their aesthetic goals. During an upper lip lift, the surgeon makes a small incision just under the nose and removes a bullhorn-shaped piece of skin. This helps to lift the upper lip and make it appear fuller. The skin is then carefully stitched into place using fine threads to support healing and reduce visible scarring.
A lower lip lift can use a method called the V-Y plasty, which can also be done on the upper lip. This technique is used to reduce signs of ageing or fix a gummy smile. It involves making a V-shaped incision, tightening the muscles slightly, and rearranging the tissue to improve the lip’s shape.
A corner lip lift lifts the drooping corners of the mouth, which can make someone look sad or tired. The surgeon positions the cuts at the mouth’s outer corners so they are more difficult to see. Sometimes, the surgeon also works on a muscle inside the mouth that pulls the corners down, releasing it to create a more lifted and cheerful look.
Why A Lip Lift Might Be A Good Choice
Fillers require maintenance every 6 to 12 months, as they offer a non-surgical (and thus are temporary) way to plump your lips. Since a lip lift is a surgical procedure, it offers a one-time solution that comes with permanent results.
A lip lift also provides a more natural, refined enhancement, avoiding the overfilled look. It is an ideal solution for those with a long or drooping upper lip, too. This procedure is suitable for both younger and older patients.
Younger patients (especially those in their 20s or 30s) may opt for the lip lift to achieve a more defined lip shape and greater visibility of the upper lip, especially if they have a long philtrum due to genetics.
Older patients may choose the procedure to reverse age-related elongation of the upper lip and restore youthful facial contours.
You may be a good candidate for a lip lift if you feel your upper lip is too long or thin, if your upper teeth are not visible when you smile, if you have tried lip fillers but want a more permanent or natural result, or if you want to enhance your lips without significantly increasing volume.
What To Know Beforehand
Like any surgery, a lip lift comes with some risks, including infection, scarring, asymmetry, or changes in sensation, although serious complications are rare.
The most common concern is visible scarring. However, due to how the incision is made, scarring is generally minimal, with only 5 to 10% of patients experiencing noticeable marks (mostly small and hidden).
Smoking or poor circulation can increase the risk of delayed healing, which could lead to potential complications. For example, smokers have a 30 to 40% higher chance of complications like wound healing problems or infections compared to non-smokers. We highly advise quitting smoking at least two weeks before any surgery.
Infections (smoker or non-smoker) are also fairly rare and happen in only about 1 to 2% of lip lift surgeries. Of course, proper aftercare and antibiotics can significantly lower this risk. Asymmetry, where the lips heal unevenly, is also possible, but it happens in fewer than 5% of cases, especially if a skilled surgeon performs the procedure.
Having realistic expectations and discussing your goals with your surgeon during your initial consultation is also important.
We know that lips have always been a powerful symbol of beauty throughout history, from bold red lips to soft, pale shades, and full, plump styles, depending on the era. No matter the trend, lips have always had their moment. A lip lift offers more than just a cosmetic change, it reflects a move toward natural, long-lasting enhancements that respect the unique anatomy of your face.
Whether you are hoping to soften the signs of ageing or enhance overall facial harmony, this subtle yet powerful procedure can bring refined definition and let your lips shine, beautifully and naturally.
