Facial Surgery

Lip Lift

A Lip Lift restores youthful proportions by shortening the distance between the nose and upper lip, enhancing shape and creating natural fullness without the need for dermal fillers.

Procedure Time

45-60 minutes

Results Last

Permanent

Hospital Stay

Not usually required

Recovery Time

1-2 weeks

Time Off Work

7-10 days

Anaesthesia

Local anaesthetic

Exercise

2-3 weeks

Price

From £6,500

Procedure

What is a Lip Lift?

As we age, the upper lip naturally lengthens, the lips lose definition, and less of the upper teeth become visible when smiling. A Lip Lift is a refined surgical procedure that restores youthful proportions by shortening the philtrum – the area between the base of the nose and the upper lip – enhancing lip shape and creating a naturally fuller appearance. Performed by Dr Yannis Alexandrides, every Lip Lift is individually planned to complement your facial features, creating subtle, harmonious results that enhance your natural beauty rather than change it.

Expected Effects & Benefits

Increases visible pink lip and upper lip definition
Improves upper tooth show when smiling
Restores balance between the nose, lips and chin

Your Journey

Your Lip Lift Journey

Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr Yannis Alexandrides. He will take time to understand your concerns, medical history, lifestyle and desired result, alongside a detailed assessment of your upper lip, the distance between the nose and lip, tooth show, lip shape, symmetry and overall facial proportions.

This allows Dr Yannis Alexandrides to determine whether a Lip Lift is appropriate for you and create a personalised surgical plan designed to refine the proportions of the upper lip while maintaining natural facial balance and expression.

Ahead of surgery, you will have a comprehensive pre-operative assessment with our nursing team. This includes a review of your medical history, current medications, lifestyle and overall health, alongside any physical assessment or clinical tests required for your individual surgical plan.

Our team will explain what to expect before and after surgery, answer any questions and ensure you are appropriately prepared for your procedure and recovery.

Good nutrition, hydration and healthy lifestyle habits can help prepare your body for surgery and support the healing process. You will receive personalised guidance on diet, medications, exercise, smoking cessation where appropriate, and practical preparation before your procedure.

Every recommendation is tailored to your individual health, lifestyle and surgical plan to ensure your preparation is appropriate for you.

Healthy, well-conditioned skin forms an important part of your preparation for facial surgery. Ahead of your procedure, our team may recommend a personalised programme to optimise skin and tissue quality and prepare the treatment area for surgery.

Where appropriate, this may include LPG Endermologie®, ElixirMD Light Therapy, 111SKIN skincare or Dr Yannis Alexandrides’ Dramatic Healing Serum, selected according to your individual skin, tissues and surgical plan.

Our care continues well beyond your procedure. Following Lip Lift surgery, our clinical team will monitor your healing through scheduled reviews, with particular attention to swelling, the incision site, lip position and your developing result.

You will receive personalised guidance on incision care, eating, facial movement and activity during the early stages of recovery. Where appropriate, an IV drip or other post-operative support may also form part of your individual aftercare programme.

As your recovery progresses, Dr Yannis Alexandrides and our clinical team will review your lip position, symmetry, facial proportions and scar at scheduled follow-up appointments.

Where appropriate, LPG Endermologie®, ElixirMD Light Therapy, personalised scar care and skincare may be recommended to support scar maturation, skin and tissue quality, and the long-term appearance of your result.

Procedure

How does a Lip Lift work?

A Lip Lift works by removing a precisely measured amount of skin through a discreet incision beneath the nose or around the mouth, then gently repositioning the upper lip into a more youthful position. This shortens the philtrum and increases the amount of visible pink lip without adding volume. Unlike dermal fillers, which cannot shorten the philtrum or reposition the lip, a Lip Lift addresses these structural concerns directly for a permanent, natural-looking result.

UNDERSTANDING LIP AGEING:

The philtrum naturally lengthens with age, making the upper lip appear thinner and flatter.
Less of the upper teeth become visible when smiling as this distance increases.
These structural changes cannot be corrected with volume alone.

WHY STRUCTURE MATTERS:

Fillers add volume but cannot reposition the upper lip or shorten the philtrum.
A Lip Lift addresses the underlying proportions of the face directly.

The result is a more balanced, elegant smile that looks entirely natural.

Procedure

Surgical Techniques & Technology

Upper Lip Lift (Bullhorn)

The most commonly performed technique, shortening the philtrum via a concealed incision beneath the nose shaped like a bull’s horns.

Corner Lip Lift

Gently elevates the outer corners of the mouth to soften a tired or downturned expression.

Lower Lip Lift

Improves the balance between the upper and lower lips by adjusting lip position and contour.

Your Journey

The 5-Step Process

Consultation

A comprehensive facial and lip assessment with Dr Yannis Alexandrides to understand your concerns, assess your upper-lip proportions and determine the most appropriate surgical plan.

1

Preparation

Pre-operative health assessment, medication review and personalised guidance on nutrition, lifestyle, skin and tissue preparation.

2

Surgery

Lip Lift surgery performed under local anaesthesia, using a technique tailored to your individual lip anatomy, facial proportions and desired result.

3

Recovery

Personalised incision-care and activity guidance, with structured clinical reviews as swelling subsides and the upper lip begins to settle.

4

Long Term Care

Ongoing clinical review, personalised scar and skin care and selected treatments where appropriate to support scar maturation, skin quality and the long-term appearance of your result.

5

Your Journey

Recovery Timeline

1–2 Weeks

Initial swelling, bruising and tightness around the upper lip progressively subside as the area begins to heal. Your clinical team will provide personalised guidance on incision care, eating, facial movement and everyday activity during this early stage.

2–6 Weeks

Swelling continues to reduce and the upper lip gradually settles into a more natural position. Everyday activity can progressively increase, with exercise reintroduced according to your recovery and the guidance of your surgical team.

6 Weeks–6 Months

The upper lip continues to settle and the relationship between the lip, nose and smile becomes increasingly refined. The incision line continues to soften and mature during this period.

6–12 Months

The longer-term result becomes increasingly established as the tissues fully settle. The scar continues to mature and generally becomes softer and less noticeable over time.

Long-Term Care

Once fully healed, a Lip Lift is designed to provide a long-lasting change to the proportions of the upper lip. Consistent sun protection, personalised scar care and an appropriate skincare routine can help support scar quality and the long-term appearance of your result.

Your Journey

Post surgery activity guidelines

Shower

48 HOURS

Keep the incision clean and follow your surgeon’s wound care guidance.

Driving

3-5 DAYS

Resume only when comfortable, alert and no longer taking strong pain relief.

Work

5-7 DAYS

Timing depends on your role, swelling and confidence returning to work.

Exercise

2-3 WEEKS

Avoid strenuous exercise and excessive mouth stretching until cleared by your surgeon.

Suitability & Safety

Am I suitable for a Lip Lift?

Ideal Candidate Profile

A Lip Lift may be suitable for patients who: – Feel the distance between their nose and upper lip is longer than they would like – Feel their upper lip appears thin or lacks natural definition – Show very little of their upper teeth when smiling – Have downturned corners of the mouth – Have previously relied on dermal fillers but seek a longer-lasting solution Suitability is determined by the overall relationship between the lips, nose, chin and surrounding features, confirmed during consultation.

Risks & Complications

As with any surgery, risks may include bleeding, infection, swelling, altered sensation, visible scarring, asymmetry, delayed healing and anaesthetic risks. These risks are discussed in detail during consultation, alongside the steps taken to reduce them through careful planning, surgical technique and aftercare.

Your Surgeon

Dr Yannis Alexandrides

Dr Yannis Alexandrides is an internationally recognised, triple board-certified plastic surgeon with more than three decades of experience in facial surgery and facial rejuvenation. His background in craniofacial surgery provides an exceptional understanding of the complex anatomical relationships that influence the appearance of the lips, nose and lower face, allowing every procedure to be planned with remarkable precision.

Pricing

Overview

Every patient and procedure at 111 Harley St. is unique, which is why surgical pricing is tailored to your individual case rather than based on a one-size-fits-all approach.

The cost of your procedure will depend on factors such as your anatomy, the complexity of surgery, the technique required and your personalised treatment plan.

Following your consultation and assessment, our team will provide a clear, individualised quotation based on the surgery recommended for you.

Finance Calculator

Loan Amount: £5,000

£5,000 £7,500 £10,000 £12,500 £15,000

Term: 12 months

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First Payment

0 Monthly Payment

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*Interest rates are subject to status and individual credit score.

Resources

Reviews

     
 
 
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   Ellie Hook 
 3 September 2026
 
 
  I came to the 111 Harley Street for UltraClear laser treatment with Claudia Brand. She was absolutely incredible, talking me through the process and made me feel very safe. She was also brilliant throughout the process. I cannot wait to see my result! Thank you Claudia!
  
 
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   Jenna Nicholls 
 2 September 2026
 
 
  Really lovely team - thank you Anna and Jamy for looking after me during treatment! Can’t wait for the results 🥰
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Edward Smith 
 31 August 2026
 
 
  Very Impressed With My Rhinoplasty I had been unhappy with the shape of my nose for years and finally decided to look into rhinoplasty. Choosing the right surgeon and clinic was extremely important to me, so I spent a lot of time researching before booking my consultation at 111 Harley St. The consultation was detailed and reassuring, and I appreciated the focus on achieving a result that suited my face rather than simply changing my nose. The whole process was handled professionally, from the initial consultation through to the follow-up appointments. My nose now looks much more balanced with the rest of my face, and the improvement is significant without looking artificial.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Louise F 
 28 August 2026
 
 
  I had my consultation with Anna and honestly couldn’t have been happier with the experience. She took the time to really listen to all of my concerns and went through everything with me in so much detail, including the different treatment options. I really appreciated how thorough and attentive she was, and the whole consultation felt very personal and tailored specifically to me rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. I felt really comfortable and well looked after. I’m really happy with the experience and will definitely be coming back for my treatment. Thank you so much, Anna!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Mily Barnett 
 27 August 2026
 
 
  Spoke to Anna about all my skin concerns over a consultation - she was super helpful, knowledgeable and can’t wait to start my journey with 111 Skin. Thank you Anna.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Mia Raggett 
 25 August 2026
 
 
  Had a lovely consultation with Anna, helped me so much with my questions and was very friendly. Thanks!
  
 
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   Yasmine Rabah 
 20 August 2026
 
 
  Just did the thermale treatment and the whole experience with the staff and the treatment and care has been superb. I highly recommend. Will let you know how it goes with the other treatments that I will do:)
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Kat M 
 19 August 2026
 
 
  Fantastic facial with Jamy and consultation with Anna. Would 100% recommend!
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Rosie Walker 
 17 August 2026
 
 
  A Wonderful Experience I decided to explore a Y Facelift after becoming increasingly unhappy with the loss of definition around my lower face. I was initially quite nervous about having facial surgery, so having a detailed consultation was really important to me. Everything was explained clearly and I felt comfortable asking lots of questions. I’m so pleased with the outcome my face looks fresher and more defined, but it still looks completely like me.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Anna 
 10 August 2026
 
 
  Amazing experience with Claudia. I was really nervous but she put me at ease and explained the process to me. I would definitely recommend coming here for all aesthetic treatments!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Altay Ali 
 7 August 2026
 
 
  Claudia Is always amazing, and I would highly recommend her services.
  
 
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   Robert White 
 4 August 2026
 
 
  Claudia was amazing! Really friendly, polite and professional. Will 100% be coming back.
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Jessica Thomas 
 4 August 2026
 
 
  The Best Decision I Made I had a facelift at 111 Harley Street. From my very first consultation, I felt completely comfortable and confident that I was in safe hands. The surgeon took the time to understand what I wanted to achieve and explained every stage of the process clearly, from the operation itself to the recovery and expected results. The care I received was outstanding from start to finish. Every member of the team was kind, professional, and incredibly supportive. They were always available to answer any questions, and I felt genuinely looked after throughout my entire journey. Now that I've fully recovered, I am absolutely delighted with the results. I look refreshed, younger, and far more confident, while still looking completely natural. The best compliment I've received is that people keep telling me I look really well without realising I've had surgery. It's exactly the subtle, natural result I was hoping for. Choosing 111 Harley Street was one of the best decisions I've made. The expertise, attention to detail, and exceptional aftercare exceeded all of my expectations. I would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone considering a facelift.
  
 
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   Hannah Lucy 
 31 July 2026
 
 
  I had a consultation with Anna who was so knowledgeable and extremely friendly. The team were welcoming and I look forward to starting treatment.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Aashika Balaji 
 31 July 2026
 
 
  Claudia is excellent and incredibly intuitive
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   William Julian Taranu-Lee 
 29 July 2026
 
 
  Had such a lovely consultation at 111 Harley St. I felt so welcomed and comfortable in their hands, and really appreciated their honest cosmetic advice. Would absolutely recommend having a consultation at 111 Harley St. You won’t regret it :)
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Bilgi P 
 28 July 2026
 
 
  +0
I had plastic surgery from doctor Ashvani in 2019 and he messed up my tummy completely. I lost all my sensation in my tummy area and after 7 years, I still regret of having tummy tuck with him. He stitched my whole tummy tuck area without leaving drainage after the operation. I ended up having this massive hole in my tummy area. I have the most horrible scars and I don’t wear bikini for not showing my belly button. You can see how bad his stitches are from the photo. Please do your research before you trust him so you don’t regret like I did. My friend had similar operation in Turkey and you would not even notice she had plastic surgery.my advice is  go to Turkey to have proper plastic surgery with surgeons who knows how do operate.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Georgia Westley 
 28 July 2026
 
 
  Had a consultation with Anna who helped with my skin concerns, she helped advice on treatments and products to support on my hyper pigmentation and dryness. Would highly recommend
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Chloe L 
 27 July 2026
 
 
  Really pleased with my consultation with Anna. She explained everything clearly, and the skin scanning was very insightful. Everyone was warm and friendly – I’d highly recommend.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Zara Walsh 
 27 July 2026
 
 
  Thank you so much, great experience!
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Trustindex rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 856 reviews,showing our latest reviews

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a suitable candidate for a Lip Lift?

A Lip Lift is best suited to patients who wish to improve the position, shape and definition of the upper lip rather than simply increase its volume – particularly those with a naturally long philtrum, age-related thinning or a smile that shows little of the upper teeth.

Will a Lip Lift look natural?

Yes. The aim is not to create dramatically larger lips, but to restore youthful proportions and improve natural definition by shortening the philtrum and revealing more of your natural pink lip.

What is the difference between a Lip Lift and Lip Fillers?

Dermal fillers increase lip volume with hyaluronic acid but cannot shorten the philtrum or reposition the upper lip, and results are temporary. A Lip Lift is a surgical procedure that improves underlying facial proportions permanently by repositioning the upper lip itself.

Will I have a visible scar?

For an Upper Lip Lift, the incision is positioned within the natural crease beneath the nose where it is well concealed. During healing, the scar gradually softens, fades and becomes increasingly difficult to notice.

How long is the recovery?

Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities within seven to ten days. Sutures are usually removed around one week after surgery, with the scar continuing to mature over the following months.

How long do the results last?

A Lip Lift delivers a permanent improvement to the position of the upper lip. While natural ageing continues, the structural improvements in lip position and facial balance remain long term.

Can a Lip Lift be combined with other facial procedures?

Yes. A Lip Lift is frequently combined with dermal fillers, facial fat transfer, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty or a facelift as part of a comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan.

How much does a Lip Lift cost?

Lip Lift pricing begins from £6,500. The final cost depends on the surgical technique required and whether it is performed alongside other facial surgeries; a personalised quotation is provided following consultation.