A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the skin between the nose and the upper lip (the philtrum), often to increase upper tooth visibility, restore lip proportions, and enhance Cupid’s bow definition. While it can be a powerful rejuvenation tool, it is not suitable for everyone. This guide is designed to help you understand if a lip lift might suit your goals.
Who Is a Good Candidate for an Upper Lip Lift?
You might be a good candidate if you:
- Have a long upper lip that has lengthened with age
- Show little or no upper teeth when the face is at rest
- Desire a more defined Cupid’s bow or upper lip contour
- Prefer a permanent option over temporary volumising treatments
Who Should Avoid a Lip Lift Procedure?
This procedure may not be ideal if you:
- Already show a lot of gum or teeth when smiling
- Are primarily seeking increased lip volume, which may be discussed in a consultation to explore clinically appropriate options
- Have a personal or family history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring
- Are uncomfortable with a scar beneath the nose, even if it typically fades well, as scarring can sometimes result in visible irregularities or asymmetry
What a Lip Lift Surgery Can and Cannot Achieve
What it can do:
- Shorten a lengthened upper lip (cutaneous lip)
- Increase upper incisor display at rest
- Define the shape of the upper lip and Cupid’s bow
What it cannot do:
- Restore volume or fullness to the lips
- Correct a gummy smile caused by muscle movement
- Be reversed easily once performed
Key Lip Lift Considerations: Scarring, Balance & Nasal Impact
Scarring is a key consideration with this procedure. The incision is placed under the nose, and while most patients heal well, all surgery carries scar risks. Proper closure technique and appropriate scar care are essential to support a favourable outcome.
Over-shortening the upper lip can lead to an unnatural appearance. This is why maintaining facial balance and proportion through a measured approach is critical when planning surgery.
Lip lift surgery can also subtly affect nasal appearance. For example, it may alter the nasolabial angle or the contour of the nasal base. These potential changes should be carefully considered, particularly if a rhinoplasty is also being planned.
At-Home Assessment: Should You Consider a Lip Lift?
Stand relaxed in front of a mirror:
- Is your philtrum (the distance from the base of your nose to the border of your upper lip) longer than average?
- For young adults, average philtrum length is approximately 17–19 mm for men and 15–17 mm for women. With age, this may increase to around 21.5 mm in men and 20 mm in women.*
- Do your upper front teeth show at rest? A balanced smile often includes 2–4 mm of visible upper incisor display when the face is relaxed.
Would showing more tooth at rest enhance your smile or overall facial balance?
If you answered “yes” to any of these, a consultation may help determine whether a lip lift could support your goals.
*Â Note: these averages are based on studies in Caucasian populations, and there can be meaningful variations between individuals and ethnic groups.
Booking a Consultation for Lip Lift Surgery in Melbourne
A consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon can help you understand your facial proportions, evaluate your tooth show and lip position, and discuss scar risk, healing expectations, and suitable alternatives. This is an important step in determining if a lip lift is appropriate for your goals and anatomy.
Remember: A lip lift is not a trend. It is a surgical procedure that should be considered thoughtfully, with proper clinical advice and realistic expectations about outcomes and healing.
This information is general in nature and does not replace individual medical advice. A personalised consultation is essential to determine if this procedure is suitable for you.
FAQs:
What are the risks of a lip lift?
All surgical procedures carry risks. For lip lifts, these may include visible scarring, asymmetry, delayed wound healing, altered sensation, and dissatisfaction with cosmetic results. Your surgeon will discuss these risks in detail during your consultation.
How long does it take to recover from a lip lift?
Most patients return to light daily activities within a few days. Swelling and bruising are expected and typically subside within 1-2 weeks. Full scar maturation and refinement can take several months.
Will a lip lift change the way my nose looks?
A subtle change to the base of the nose or nasolabial angle is possible. This is usually minimal when the procedure is carefully planned and performed, especially if rhinoplasty is not being performed concurrently.
Can a lip lift be reversed if I don’t like the results?
Lip lifts are not easily reversible. This is why thorough consultation, precise planning, and realistic expectations are essential before undergoing the procedure.
Facial Surgery
Dr Rodrigo Teixeira, MD, FRACS, is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon based in Melbourne, Australia, at Unveil Plastic Surgery in East Ivanhoe Village.
Dr Teixeira has extensive experience in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, with a clinical focus on procedures such as facelift (meloplasty), blepharoplasty, and rhinoplasty.
He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), and a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). Internationally, he holds memberships in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), and is part of the faculty of the Anatomy for Injectors Course (afi)Â and the Mendelson Advanced Facial Anatomy Course (MAFAC).
Please note that any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks, and outcomes vary between individuals. If you have concerns about your facial appearance or are considering surgery, please speak with your general practitioner, who can provide a referral to a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
For further information, contact Unveil Plastic Surgery on (03) 9000 3800.
