Lip Lift
A surgical change to upper lip proportions that can increase visible lip height.
Consult with Dr. Henry Huson at Queen City Plastic Surgery in West Chester, Ohio, serving the Cincinnati area.
- Setting
- Confirmed with your treatment plan
- Anesthesia
- Local
- Procedure time
- Individual estimate at consultation
- Recovery
- Initial healing over 1 to 2 weeks; swelling may persist
- Results
- Develop over months; results vary
General planning information. Your procedure, anesthesia, recovery, and results depend on your health and treatment plan. Returning to work does not mean full healing.
About the procedure
An upper lip lift removes a small amount of skin beneath the nose to shorten the distance to the upper lip. It can increase visible pink lip and tooth show in selected patients. A corner lip lift addresses a different concern and uses a different incision.
This changes lip proportions rather than simply adding volume. The scar sits at the base of the nose and can remain visible. Although the tissue removal is lasting, swelling, scar maturation, and continued aging affect the final appearance. Local anesthesia is often possible; your plan and recovery restrictions are individualized.
Good candidates
- A long space between the nose and upper lip
- A thin upper lip that shows little tooth when smiling
- A flattened cupid's bow
- Patients who want a natural alternative to repeated filler
Candidacy is confirmed at your consultation. Dr. Huson will tell you honestly if a different approach would serve you better.
Before & after
Coming soon
Before and after photos for lip lift will be added here.
What to expect
Your consultation
The consultation reviews your goals, medical history, medications, nicotine use, and examination findings. Discuss alternatives, the proposed setting and anesthesia, realistic changes, costs, and the support you will need during recovery.
The procedure
A small strip of skin is removed just beneath the nose, which shortens the distance to the lip and rolls the pink of the lip gently upward. The incision sits in the natural shadow of the nose.
Recovery
Swelling, tenderness, and wound care can affect eating and public-facing work. Sutures may be removed after about a week, depending on the closure. Final scar appearance takes longer; return to activity follows your surgeon’s advice.
Risks and limitations
- A visible or widened scar, asymmetry, and changes at the base of the nose can occur.
- Infection, wound separation, altered sensation, or an unwanted change in tooth show may need further treatment.
This is not a complete list. Your clinician should explain the risks of the specific procedure and anesthesia, including bleeding, infection, healing problems, and any medical factors that change your risk.
Other options
Filler may suit a goal of added volume, while observation avoids surgery. A lip lift, corner lift, and injectable treatment change different aspects of the mouth; compare the exact goal before deciding.
Planning your consultation
Bring your medication list and relevant medical history. Ask about the facility, anesthesia team, follow-up, time away from work, and help at home. Request an itemized estimate covering the procedure, anesthesia, facility, and any additional care; confirm coverage directly if insurance may apply.
Common questions
Bring the rest to your consultation. There is no such thing as too many.
Will there be a visible scar?
Yes, the operation leaves a scar, usually beneath the nose. It may fade but can remain noticeable or need further treatment.
Can I still have filler afterward?
It may be an option once healing is complete and the lip has been reassessed. Additional treatment has its own risks.
How is a lip lift different from filler?
Filler adds volume. A lip lift removes skin to change proportions. The tissue removal is lasting, but appearance continues to change with aging.
Related procedures
View all 13Sources and further reading
Patient education from Queen City Plastic Surgery. Updated . General information does not replace a personal medical assessment. Sources explain general procedures and do not establish the services or protocols of this practice. Contact the practice with questions or to request a correction.
Ready to talk about Lip Lift?
Consultations are free, unhurried, and educational. Bring your questions and your goals; leave with an honest plan.