Lip Surgery

What is a lift?

A lip is an in-office surgical procedure that shortens the space between the nose and the top of the lip, known as the “philtrum.” The procedure increases the amount of pink tissue that’s visible which makes the lips look fuller and more pronounced. It also increases how much of your upper central teeth show when your lips are resting.

Types of lip Surgery

There are several types of lip Surgery. It’s important to know the types and techniques so you can have an informed discussion with your surgeon about which is right for you.

Direct lip

A direct lip lift, sometimes called a gullwing lip lift, creates a more defined lip border. A thin strip of skin is removed just above the upper lip, and the skin is pulled upwards, creating the illusion of a more pronounced vermillion (the pink part of the lips). This procedure typically leaves behind a scar on the upper lip area.

Subnasal bullhorn

The subnasal bullhorn is one of the more common lip lift procedures. A surgeon will make an incision that’s typically hidden along the base of the nose where it’s less visible. The incision is often made in the shape of a bullhorn and the center, right, and left of the lip are all pulled up toward the nose. Central lip lift A central lip lift is similar to a subnasal bullhorn lift. It shortens the space between the nose and the lips by an incision at the lower nose.

Corner lip

A corner lip lift is sometimes called a “grin lift” because it gives the face a more smiley appearance. It’s done by making small incisions at both corners of the mouth and removing a small amount of skin. Some people will get this in tandem with another lip lift to give fuller lips. It’s an option for people who feel they have downturned lips.

Italian lip

An Italian lip lift requires incisions below each nostril, and other than that detail, it’s very similar to the bullhorn. It typically doesn’t involve a noticeable scar.