Lip Lift Surgery: Plastic Surgery

Overview

A lip lift can help improve visible signs of aging by enhancing the appearance of the upper lip. Such indicators of aging are a long upper lip, down-turned corners of the mouth, covering of the upper teeth by the upper lip or smoker’s lines. These changes with aging may cause unwelcome effects and an older appearance.

Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center offers various types of lip lift procedures, including a central lip lift, a lateral or corner lip lift and lip enlargement (with filler or fat).

The central lip lift shortens the upper lip (which tends to lengthen with age). It also increases the red portion of the lip and adds a fullness or "pout" to the upper lip. Finally, in can increase the visibility of the upper teeth (which can be hidden by the upper lip as we age).

Why choose us?

Experts at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Center have advanced training in lip lift. When considering lip lift, always look for a surgeon with significant experience. A good rule of thumb is to see a surgeon recommended by your primary care doctor, family members or friends who have had a positive experience.

You should feel comfortable with the surgeon. You should ask how many procedures the surgeon has done, and you should review before and after photographs of their past procedures. Make sure to ask your cosmetic surgeon about their credentials, training and how many procedures they have performed.

Learn more about Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center.

Before & After Photos

This is a woman in her late fifties who desired correction of a thinning upper lip with loss of the pink part of her lip. She is shown before corner liplift (left) and after (right)
This is a woman in her mid-fifties who was concerned about a long upper lip with lack of lip showing. She is shown before central liplift (left) and less than 1 month after (right).
This is a woman in her late forties who was concerned about a long and thinning upper lip. She is shown before central and corner lipliftst (left) and just 1 month after (right).
This is a woman in her early sixties who was concerned about a long and thinning upper lip as well as down-turned corners of the mouth. She is shown before surgery (left) and 4 months after (right).

How to Prepare

Am I a candidate for a lip lift?

If you are concerned with visible signs of facial aging around the mouth area, then a lip lift may be right for you. Additional factors of an ideal candidate include:

A thin upper lip.
A long upper lip (the upper lip should be approximately one half the height of the chin)
No upper tooth showing when you smile or relax your jaw

How do I prepare for a lip lift?

Although typically performed in an outpatient setting using local anesthesia, preparation for your lip lift at Cleveland Clinic’s Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center will include a discussion with your cosmetic surgeon about your health, desires and lifestyle. They will evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors as part of your consultation.

To ensure the best results from your lip lift surgery, be prepared to discuss:

Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome.
Any medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments.
Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
Previous surgeries.

Your cosmetic surgeon will also:

Discuss the options available to you for lip lift and other facial rejuvenation procedures.
Examine and measure your face.
Take photographs for your medical record.
Discuss your lip lift surgery options and recommend a course of treatment.
Discuss likely outcomes of a lip lift and any risks or potential complications.

What to Expect

How is a lip lift performed?

Lip lift at Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center can be performed in a variety of ways, and procedures are highly individualized to a patient’s specific needs.

Central Lip Lift

A central lip lift shortens the upper lip and advances the red portion to help give the appearance of greater volume in the upper lip. This procedure is done by an incision directly under the nose.

Down-Turned Corners of the Mouth

Down-turned corners of the mouth can be addressed by performing a similar surgery as a central lip lift, with a small incision being made on the side of the mouth. This procedure helps place the corners of the mouth in a more attractive position.

Wrinkles or Lines in the Upper Lip:

Upper lip lines often accompany thin or long upper lips. Such lines can be addressed at the same time as a lip lift with a chemical or laser peel (or alternatively with filler injections). With either approach, very fine sutures are placed during surgery and are generally removed four to five days after surgery.

Is a lip lift safe?

Lip lift surgery is a straight-forward operation to make the lips younger and more attractive. It is a minimally invasive procedure with very little downtime. Rarely, a scar may be visible. Otherwise, there tends to be little risk involved with this procedure.

Results

What results can I expect?

Patients can expect to experience minimal bruising after surgery (typically lasts less than one week).

Results from your lip lift will be long lasting. You can help maintain your rejuvenated, more youthful appearance through life-long sun protection and a healthy lifestyle. Following up with your cosmetic surgeon will help ensure your lip lift results are maintained. View our lip surgery before and after photos to see results from actual patients.

What is the involved recovery?

After your lip lift, you may experience minimal bruising that is resolved in approximately one week. Sutures are required, and they are removed after five to seven days. Your Cleveland Clinic Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center cosmetic surgeon will advise you on the best recovery plan.

Insurance & Financing

Insurance rarely covers the cost of elective cosmetic surgery and procedures. Please call 216.444.4004 and ask to speak with one of our financial representatives who can explain payment options, including CareCredit financing.