Lip Lift
IN SYDNEY
Lip Lift (Subnasal/Central Lip Shortening)
Refines upper lip proportion and dental show with carefully planned, concealed incisions.
My approach is considered, curated, and grounded in anatomy. We know that between the 3rd and the 7th decades of life, the adult lip lengthens by approximately 20%. A lip lift is not about changing identity; it’s about restoring proportion - balancing philtral length, upper-incisor show at rest, and the vermilion (red) show of the upper lip. Planning is individualised to facial proportions, dental visibility, skin quality, and scar behaviour.
What is a Lip Lift?
A lip lift shortens the philtrum (the space between the base of the nose and the upper lip) to increase tooth show at rest and enhance the visible vermilion. The most common technique places an incision hidden along the alar base and columella (under the nose). Unlike fillers, which add volume, a lip lift changes structure and position.
What Are the Different Types of Lip Lift?
Technique selection depends on philtral length, dental show at rest, lip thickness, smile dynamics, and scar tendencies.
Subnasal “Bullhorn” / Central Lip Lift (most common)
Incision concealed at the base of the nose; tailored resection shortens the philtrum and everts the central vermilion.
Best for: Long philtrum with limited tooth show; flat central vermilion.
Italian Lip Lift
Two small crescent excisions beneath the nostril bases to minimise central columellar incision length.
Best for: Subtle central shortening with emphasis on scar placement preferences.
Corner Lip Lift (Commissure Lift)
Small, localised lifts at the mouth corners to address down-turning.
Often combined with a central lift when corners slope downward.
Modified / Extended Subnasal Lift
Pattern extends laterally to influence more of the upper lip length/eversion.
Used when central lift alone would leave lateral vermilion comparatively flat.
Mucosal V–Y Advancement (Intra-oral “Lip Eversion”) - adjacent concept
Moves inner lip mucosa outward to increase red show without altering philtral length.
Consider when philtral length is appropriate but vermilion is deficient.
COMBINE YOUR LIP LIFT
Harmonises the Lower-Face
Closed preservation rhinoplasty (when indicated) - aligns nasal base proportions and upper-lip balance.
Corner lip lift - for down-turned commissures.
Chin augmentation/reduction - harmonises lower-face projection with upper-lip changes.
Dental collaboration - where worn/incisor height or occlusion influences show, we coordinate with your dentist.
Same-session vs staged: Peri-oral resurfacing and rhinoplasty are often staged ~6–12 weeks from a lip lift to separate swelling patterns and optimise scar care.
WHY CONSIDER A LIP LIFT?
Who Is the Ideal Candidate?
Long philtrum with limited upper incisor show at rest.
Flat/rolled-in vermilion (central or lateral).
Down-turned mouth corners (with or without central changes).
Good skin health, non-smoker or willing to cease, and realistic goals.
When another approach may be better:
Very short philtrum or prominent tooth show at rest.
Goals primarily about volume - consider fillers/fat grafting ± resurfacing.
Dental/tooth-wear issues that reduce tooth show - address dentally first.
History or risk of poor scarring requiring modified planning.
WHAT TO EXPECT
From Consultation to Recovery
Undergoing lip lift surgery is a detailed and personalised process. From your first consultation to your final review, every stage is carefully planned to support your comfort, safety, and optimal healing. Timelines vary; your plan is individualised.
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Your Initial Consultation
Proportion analysis (philtral length, tooth show at rest, vermilion show), smile dynamics, scar history, and skin type.
Technique selection (central, Italian, corner, combined, or mucosal V–Y).
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Preoperative Planning
Smoking cessation, medication review, antiseptic prep, and post-op scar care plan (silicone, SPF).
Discussion of staging if combining with rhinoplasty/resurfacing.
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Surgery Day
Setting: Accredited day surgery/clinic procedure room.
Anaesthesia: Local with or without sedation.
Duration: ~45–90 minutes depending on extent.
Incisions: Along the subnasal crease (and/or small corner sites) with layered closure; steri-strips/tape applied.
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Week 1 Post-Op
Swelling peaks 48–72 hours; sutures typically removed day 5–7.
Talking/eating normally with simple modifications; apply prescribed ointment.
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Week 2–3 Post-Op
Bruising largely settled; tape/silicone per protocol; light social activities resume.
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6 Weeks+ Post-Op
Scar softens and lightens progressively; ongoing refinement over months.
Timelines vary; your plan is individualised.
YOUR RECOVERY
Postoperative Care & Follow-up
Cold compress: first 48 hours; head elevation for sleep.
Wound care: Gentle cleansing; thin layer of ointment as directed.
Scar care: Begin silicone therapy once closed; strict sun protection.
Activity: Walk daily; avoid heavy exercise for ~1–2 weeks.
Diet: Soft foods initially if tender; avoid very wide mouth opening for ~1 week.
Follow-up: Return for scheduled reviews; contact sooner for unexpected redness, discharge, or increasing pain..
SURGICAL RISKS
What Are the Risks of Lip Lift Surgery?
Bleeding/haematoma, infection.
Scarring (hypertrophic or widened), pigment change; scar camouflage strategies discussed in advance.
Asymmetry or under/over-correction.
Nasal base changes (alar flare/shape) or tension if over-resected.
Altered sensation (usually temporary).
Delayed healing (higher risk in smokers).
Anaesthetic risks (if sedation used).
Why Choose Dr Karagiannis for your Lip Lift?
1. Multiple Facial Aesthetic Fellowships
Including dedicated lip-lift training with Facelift Masters in London, Belgium, and Italy, alongside broader fellowships across Europe and Australia.
2. Anatomy-First Planning
Anatomy-first, proportion-led planning focused on philtral length, dental show, vermilion and smile dynamics.
4. Continuity of Care
Continuity of care in accredited settings, from consultation through follow-up, with clear, guideline-compliant counselling.
3. Measured Technique Selection
Measured technique selection (central, Italian, corner, modified) to minimise visible scarring and maintain nasal base harmony.
4. Combined Approach
Integration with perioral resurfacing, fat grafting, and rhinoplasty when indicated, with sensible staging.
Lip Lift FAQS
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It sits under the nose along natural curves. With careful closure, silicone therapy and sun protection, most scars settle gradually.
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Discomfort is usually mild–moderate and managed with oral analgesia. Tightness is expected for several days.
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Most people feel comfortable in low-key settings by 7–10 days; scar maturation continues for months.
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They do different things. A lip lift shortens philtrum/everts lip, while fillers add volume. They are often complementary.
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Yes, but we often stage rhinoplasty or resurfacing to separate swelling and optimise scar care.
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Cosmetic lip lift is generally not eligible for rebates unless specific reconstructive criteria are met.
Request a Consultation
We’ll review your goals, assess philtral length, dental show and vermilion, and confirm whether a central/Italian/corner approach - or a staged plan - best suits you.