Upper Lip Lift (Subnasal Lip Lift)
Overview
An upper lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the distance between the nose and the upper lip, creating a fuller, more youthful appearance. By gently lifting the upper lip, more of the natural pink lip becomes visible, improving facial balance and enhancing the smile without the need for fillers.
Unlike injectable treatments, an upper lip lift provides a permanent improvement by repositioning the lip rather than simply adding volume.
What Can an Upper Lip Lift Treat?
An upper lip lift can improve several aesthetic concerns, including:
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A long distance between the nose and upper lip
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A thin or inward-turned upper lip
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An upper lip that hides the upper teeth when smiling
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Loss of lip definition due to aging
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Fine vertical wrinkles above the lip ("smoker's lines")
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Poor balance between the upper and lower lips
The procedure restores youthful proportions while maintaining a natural appearance.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for an upper lip lift if you:
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Feel your upper lip appears too long or thin
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Want a permanent alternative to lip fillers
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Notice that your upper teeth are barely visible when you smile
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Are in good overall health
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Do not smoke, or are willing to stop before surgery
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Have realistic expectations about the results
During your consultation, Dr. Danino will evaluate your facial proportions and determine whether an upper lip lift is the most appropriate treatment for your goals.
How the Procedure Is Performed
An upper lip lift is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia, with or without light sedation.
A thin strip of skin is carefully removed just beneath the base of the nose (the subnasal or "bullhorn" technique).
The upper lip is then gently elevated and secured in its new position, reducing the distance between the nose and the lip while increasing the visible pink portion of the upper lip.
The incision follows the natural contours of the nostrils, allowing the scar to remain discreet and well concealed after healing.
Depending on the patient's needs, additional procedures may include:
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Fat grafting (lipofilling) to restore volume
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Botox®
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Dermal fillers such as Juvéderm®
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Face and neck lift
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Rhinoplasty
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Facial rejuvenation procedures
The procedure typically lasts 45 to 90 minutes.
Types of Upper Lip Lift
Central (Subnasal) Upper Lip Lift
The central upper lip lift shortens the middle portion of the upper lip, increasing the visible pink lip and improving tooth show when smiling. This is the most commonly performed technique and produces subtle, natural-looking rejuvenation.
Corner Lip Lift
A corner lip lift elevates the outer corners of the mouth, reducing the appearance of a downturned or sad expression. Small incisions are placed at the corners of the lips, resulting in discreet but slightly more visible scars than the central lip lift.
Anesthesia
Upper lip lift surgery is generally performed under:
- General anesthesia, or
- Local anesthesia with light intravenous sedation when appropriate
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.
Recovery
Most patients experience a relatively quick recovery.
During the first week, it is common to experience:
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Mild swelling
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Bruising
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Tightness of the upper lip
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Temporary discomfort
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Mild numbness around the incision
Sutures are typically removed within 5 to 7 days.
Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and normal daily activities within 7 to 10 days, although the scar continues to mature and fade over several months.
Strenuous physical activity should generally be avoided for approximately 2 to 3 weeks.
Results
The improvement is immediately noticeable once the initial swelling subsides.
An upper lip lift produces:
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A shorter, more youthful upper lip
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Greater visibility of the natural pink lip
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Improved upper tooth show when smiling
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Better facial balance
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A more refreshed, youthful appearance
Unlike injectable fillers, the results are long-lasting, as the procedure permanently repositions the upper lip.
Combining Procedures
An upper lip lift is commonly combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures to create balanced, harmonious results.
Common combinations include:
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Rhinoplasty
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Face and neck lift
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Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
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Chin augmentation
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Facial fat grafting
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Botox®
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Dermal fillers such as Juvéderm®
Combining procedures often allows patients to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation during a single recovery period.
Risks and Possible Complications
As with any surgical procedure, an upper lip lift carries certain risks. Fortunately, complications are uncommon when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon.
Potential complications include:
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Bleeding
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Infection
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Temporary swelling or numbness
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Delayed wound healing
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Visible scarring
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Minor asymmetry
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Under- or over-correction
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Need for revision surgery
During your consultation, Dr. Danino will review the expected outcomes, recovery process, and potential risks in detail.
Locations
Adress
4150 rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest
Suite 402 - 4e étage
Let’s Talk
info@mysite.com
Phone
514-845-9898