Lip Lift
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A lip lift is a small change with a powerful impact. At Wick Facial Plastics, we use this subtle procedure to restore balance, improve lip shape, and elevate your confidence—without fillers, overdone volume, or repeat treatments. Dr. Wick specializes in natural-looking results that enhance facial harmony and restore youthful lip pout with minimal downtime.
A lip lift is a minor surgical procedure that elevates the position of the upper lip by removing a small strip of skin beneath the nose. This shortens the philtrum (the space between the nose and lip), giving the lips a fuller, more youthful appearance without fillers. Unlike injectable treatments, a lip lift offers permanent results and improves lip shape, definition, and tooth show–enhancing the perception of youth and happiness, without creating a “duck lip” deformity from lip filler. Dr. Wick has published several articles explaining this and comparing the effects of lip filler and lip lifting on lip shape and facial balance.
Common types of lip lift procedures include:
- Subnasal (Bullhorn) Lip Lift – the most common technique, hidden under the nose
- Corner Lip Lift – elevates the corners of the mouth, combined with other approaches for a more customized outcome
- Italian Lip Lift – two smaller incisions under each nostril for subtle lift
Before + after resultsUnlock Your Potential, Enhance Your Confidence
The Procedure
Lip lift surgery is an ideal option for individuals seeking to:
- Shorten the distance between the nose and upper lip for improved facial balance
- Enhance the natural pout and visible fullness of the upper lip
- Refine lip shape and improve definition at the lip border
- Reveal more upper teeth when smiling—a subtle sign of youth and warmth
- Restore a rested, more youthful facial expression
- Achieve permanent lip enhancement without the need for ongoing filler treatments
Dr. Wick also often combines a lip lift with a facial rejuvenation procedure for a more comprehensive natural-appearing outcome. These procedures most commonly include a deep-plane or mini facelift, chin implant, skin resurfacing, or fat transfer.
Recovery &
Results
Recovery & Results
During
Lip lift surgery is performed under local anesthesia, while awake in the office, and takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes.
Day 1–3
Mild swelling, tightness, and some bruising around the upper lip
Week 1
Sutures are typically removed around day 5–7; swelling begins to subside
Week 2–3
Most patients feel comfortable returning to social activities
6 Weeks
Incision site continues to mature, and results become more refined
Recovery
The incision is discreetly hidden at the base of the nose and typically heals to a fine, barely visible line with proper care.
Common Questions
Am I a good candidate for a lip lift?
You may be a candidate if you are otherwise healthy and feel your upper lip is too long or too thin. This procedure has also become more popular for younger patients seeking a more lasting alternative to fillers.
How is a lip lift different from lip filler?
A lip lift reshapes the structure of the upper lip by lifting the front part of the white surgically. Fillers add volume, often with less precision over time. A lift shortens the vertical height of the upper lip “curtain”—increasing tooth show with smiling. Fillers cannot achieve this. In comparison, fillers improve hydration and treat early volume loss of the red lip. Over time, repeat filler may lead to “filler fatigue” or over projection of the upper lip—referred to as “duck lip”.
Is the scar visible?
The incision is placed at the base of the nose, hidden in plain sight. Most patients find the scar becomes virtually undetectable over time because of the nasal anatomy and shadows. Corner-lift techniques are meticulously closed along the edge of the lip.
Does a lip lift hurt?
Most patients report mild discomfort during the first several days of recovery.
Can this procedure be done while awake?
Yes–a lip lift is done in the office, while awake with local numbing medicine. It does not require general sedation. The total office appointment takes 1-2 hours with procedural time limited to about half that time.
Can I combine a lip lift with other procedures?
Yes, a lip lift is often paired with a facelift, eyelid lift, or skin resurfacing for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
What Is the Cost of a Lip Lift?
The average cost of a lip lift ranges from $3,500 to $6,000, depending on the surgeon’s expertise, technique used, and the complexity of the procedure. This typically includes surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, and follow-up care. At Wick Facial Plastics, we provide a personalized quote during your consultation and offer financing options to support your aesthetic goals.
Schedule Your Lip Lift Consultation
If you’re ready to achieve a more defined, youthful, and confident smile, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wick, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Cleveland, OH. Discover if a custom lip lift is the right step toward your most confident self.