Lip Lift Surgery
Lip Lift (Subnasal/Central Lip Shortening)
Refines upper lip proportion and dental show with carefully planned, concealed incisions.
Between the third and seventh decades of life, the upper lip lengthens by approximately 20%. Lip lift surgery shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip, refining facial proportion and increasing upper tooth show. Planning is individualised to facial proportions, dental visibility, skin quality and scar behaviour.
Surgical focus
My approach is considered, curated and grounded in a deep understanding of facial anatomy.
A lip lift is not about changing identity; it is about restoring proportion by balancing philtral length, upper incisor show at rest and the vermilion (red) show of the upper lip.
Understanding Lip Lift Surgery
Lip lift surgery is designed to address the relationship between the nose, upper lip and smile. By shortening the distance between the base of the nose and upper lip, the procedure can increase upper tooth show, enhance lip definition and restore facial proportion. Treatment is tailored to the individual’s anatomy, facial features and aesthetic goals.
What is a Liplift?
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?
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.
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.
Recovery and Aftercare
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.
What Are the Risks of Lip lift Surgery?
All surgery carries risk. Possible complications include:
- 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).
Risks can be minimised through proper planning, patient selection, and adherence to postoperative instructions.
Combine your Lip Lift
Harmonising the Lower Face
Closed preservation rhinoplasty (when indicated)
Aligns nasal base proportions and upper-lip balance.
Peri-oral rejuvenation
Fat grafting (micro/nanofat) or conservative HA to refine volume; skin resurfacing (laser or chemical peel) for vertical lines.
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.
WHAT TO EXPECT
From Consultation to Recovery
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.
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.
5. Continuity of Care
Continuity of care in accredited settings, from consultation through follow-up, with clear, guideline-compliant counselling.
Lip Lift FAQs
