Discover how a surgical lip lift at 111 Harley St. can refine lip shape, improve facial proportions and enhance your smile with natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Screen legend Audrey Hepburn knew the value of a beautiful smile and said, “I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls.” A smile can be one of a person’s most striking features. It communicates warmth, confidence, and approachability. All of these, without saying a single word!
The lips play an important role in framing and enhancing a smile. The distance between the nose and upper lip, the shape of the Cupid’s bow, and the fullness of the vermilion border all contribute to a smile’s harmony.
In response to many people’s quest for a perfect pout and smile, surgical lip lifts have become popular. An article on Glob Med says: “Lip enhancement procedures have been very popular in the last few years, with more and more people getting cosmetic treatments for fuller and lifted lip appearance.”
Historically, surgical procedures led the lip enhancement market, but injectable fillers have become increasingly popular. However, for those with a long upper lip or a low upper lip, fillers can sometimes create an unnatural projection. They may also fail to address the vertical proportion between the nose and mouth.
The ‘lip lift’, a procedure offered by 111 Harley St. in London, offers a more permanent, structural improvement.
Dr Yannis Alexandrides, Founder of the clinic, explains, “A lip lift is about harmony. It redefines the balance of the lower face so that the lips sit in proportion with the rest of the features. Our aim is always to create results that look natural, elegant, and personal to each patient.”
The lip lift is typically performed under local anaesthesia. This makes it a relatively quick, low-risk option compared with more invasive facial procedures. The technique involves a carefully planned incision at the base of the nose, from which a small strip of skin is removed. The surgeon gently lifts and reshapes the upper lip before closing the incision with fine sutures, typically hidden within the natural creases of the nose for minimal visible scarring.
The result is an immediate improvement in the lip’s shape and position, creating a more open, inviting smile.
The lip contour is fuller and better defined, and patients often find they no longer need as much lipstick or lip liner afterwards.
Lip lifts can also subtly improve dental show. This is the number of upper teeth visible at rest or when smiling. In youthful faces, the upper teeth are often visible even when the lips are relaxed. However, as we age, the lips can lengthen and cover them. A lip lift can restore this youthful dental exposure, adding vibrancy to a smile.
The 111 Harley St. lip lift procedure combines surgical precision with artistic sensibility to ensure results that suit the patient’s facial anatomy and personal preferences.
Each consultation begins with an in-depth analysis of the face’s proportions. This includes a study of how the lips interact with the nose, chin, and cheeks. This holistic perspective ensures the enhancement blends seamlessly, avoiding the ‘overdone’ look that can occur when only one feature is altered in isolation.
Dr Alexandrides notes, “We always look at the entire face rather than just the lips. The goal is not simply to shorten the upper lip. It’s to create proportions that look natural both at rest and when smiling. This is what makes the difference between a technically successful procedure and a truly beautiful result.”
Recovery from a lip lift is generally straightforward. Most patients experience mild swelling and bruising for the first week, with sutures typically removed after five to seven days. Many can return to work or social activities shortly after, although complete healing and softening of the incision site can take several weeks.
Unlike fillers, lip lift results are permanent. However, natural ageing will continue to influence the lips over time.
Lips are often considered one of the face’s most expressive features, and they play a crucial role in how we are perceived. In a 2020 study published in the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, researchers found that fuller, well-defined lips are strongly associated with perceptions of youth and attractiveness across cultures. This helps explain why treatments that enhance lip structure and balance, rather than simply volume, are growing in popularity.
While lip lifts remain less common than non-surgical lip fillers, awareness is rising rapidly thanks to social media, celebrity influence, and word-of-mouth from satisfied patients. Interestingly, BAAPS reports that many patients who opt for surgical lip enhancement are in their 40s and 50s, using the procedure as a subtle anti-ageing measure rather than a purely cosmetic transformation.
The rise in ‘Zoom face’ awareness during and after the pandemic may have also played a role. With more people scrutinising their facial features on video calls, demand for procedures that enhance symmetry and proportion, especially in the lower third of the face, has surged.
Another fascinating point is that lip lifts, when performed by skilled surgeons, have some of the highest patient satisfaction rates among facial cosmetic surgeries because the results are immediate and long-lasting.
For many patients, the benefits of a lip lift extend far beyond physical appearance. Feeling more confident in your smile can profoundly affect self-esteem, social interactions, and even your professional life. A confident smile can be perceived as more engaging, trustworthy, and approachable. These qualities matter in both personal and business settings.
111 Harley St.’s patients often report that their new lip shape not only enhances their smile but also changes how they carry themselves. “I used to hide my smile in photos,” says one recent patient. “Now I actually look forward to smiling. It’s completely changed how I feel about my appearance.”
All consultations are subject to the applicable charge at the time of booking. This is deducted from the cost of your procedure or treatment*
Surgical Procedures Virtual Consultation Fee
Dr Yannis: £200
Non-Surgical In-Clinic and Virtual Deposit
£50, which is redeemable against your treatment or refunded after your consultation if you decide not to proceed with your treatment plan.
