This website contains imagery which is only suitable for audiences 18+ All procedures carry benefits and risks; scroll down to view
The skin between the upper lip and nostrils is called the philtrum, and lip lift surgery slightly reduces its height, making more of the upper lip and teeth visible – without the unnatural appearance that fillers sometime achieve while trying to create this change to the mouth.
Lip lift surgery is also known as philtrum shortening. It involves an incision in the fold under your nose and can be performed under local or general anaesthetic.
During the surgery, a small segment of skin is removed and the incision closed with sutures. The procedure results in a shorter distance between the lip and nose, supporting the ‘cupid’s bow’ and helping the top lip roll outward more, increasing the amount of pink (vermillion) lip showing.
This procedure must consider the balance of their entire oral region – seeking proportion and supporting the natural shape of the lip.
Lip lift surgery is also for men who have previously concealed a long philtrum with a moustache. Lip lift surgery may also be utilised by women and men who want to make changes to their lower face that lip fillers haven’t been able to achieve for them.
The surgery does not increase the size of the lip volume itself.
In our clinics, lip lift surgery is also sometimes combined with facelift surgery or chin augmentation surgery.
Submit the form below for an answer
These two terms are often confused by our patients but describe two very different procedures, to address two very different aims. For patients who experience an over-exposure of gum when smiling (colloquially called ‘gummy smile’), a small amount of muscle relaxing product can be injected into the muscle above the lip, bringing the lip down and helping it project outwards more. This is a non surgical treatment that lasts 3-5 months and is called a lip flick or lip flip. It is sometimes confused with lip lift surgery, but the two are very different and achieve different things for the upper lip.
Feel confident in your choices, supported by gold standard procedure care
It is a minor procedure, and can be performed under local or general anaesthesia for healthy patients. But it’s not for everyone; when patients are not carefully selected, the surgery can unbalance a face that already has good upper lip proportions.
Lip lift also comes with risks and potential complications, such as prominent scarring, nerve damage, nerve damage, asymmetry and unnatural results that are difficult to conceal with makeup. Having lip lift surgery isn’t akin to having lip injections; while dermal fillers can dissolve in a relatively short time, lip lift results are more permanent.
When unfavourable scarring occurs, a combination of laser and topical skin treatments might be recommended, to optimise healing and speed up scar maturation. Deep swelling takes 6 months to resolve and scars take 24 months to mature. Scroll down to read more about general risks of surgery.
Most patients have 1-2 weeks off work after this procedure, to allow for bruising and swelling to reduce. Immediately after surgery patients can be shocked by swelling and a ‘rabbit’ like appearance of the upper lip, due to oedema and the normal tightness involved with surgical healing – this usually resolves over the coming weeks and months. No exercise or physical exertion is allowed for 6 weeks. Patients are encouraged to sleep with their head raised to reduce deeper swelling. Twice daily scar massage is encouraged from 1 week post op using a silicone gel.
While lip lift is not a new procedure, a resurgence in lip lift surgery’s popularity is being noted across the world. As the philtrum drops as we age, the top teeth become hidden and a permanently downturned mouth can occur. All of these factors can contribute to patients seeking the procedure.
Lip liners and dermal fillers play a useful role in improving the appearance of aged, thinning lips, but trying to using these tools to turn a curled-under lip out – or to reduce the length of the philtrum – can create an over-filled, heavy appearance.
In this way, dermal fillers are often over-used, as injectors try to shorten the appearance of the philtrum or achieve the rolled-out lip look, when surgery may be required.
As a lip lift can be performed under local or general anaesthetic, the total cost can vary significantly, as hospital admission and general anaesthetic adds to the costs. If you are considering this procedure, talk to a specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon that is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (denoted by the letters FRACS after their name) to obtain a full facial assessment and ascertain if it is right for you.
Here at Dr Sharp, we provide patients with a Lifetime Follow-up Guarantee ensuring long-term care & support.
View hundreds of clinical before and after photos from Dr David Sharp’s patients. Contact us below for a procedure information pack and access to our extensive gallery.
Our clinics are safe, respectful and inclusive spaces for people of all genders and cultures. We take time to understand our patients’ motivations, expectations and lifestyles, while empowering them to make educated decisions about their bodies. We would love to welcome you to our practice, when the time is right for you to take the next step in your procedure journey.
Visit our clinic in
Brisbane
Need a consultation with one of our friendly team members?
Every procedure comes with the risk of complications, and specific risks may accompany certain procedures. The general risks of procedure may include:
When the body goes through a healing phase after a procedure incision, scarring is a common outcome. The way scars appear and their level of severity depends on various factors, including the type of skin, genetic factors, as well as the size and location of the cut. Certain individuals might notice their scars becoming raised or enlarged, resulting in hypertrophic or keloid scars. In cases where a patient does not like the visual outcome of their scars, treatment options are available, but these should only be considered following advice from a surgeon.
Any procedure, plastic procedure included, carries the risk of infection. This occurs when harmful microbes invade the procedure site, leading to symptoms such as swelling, heightened pain, formation of pus, and wounds that don’t seem to heal. Surgeons follow rigorous cleanliness procedures to minimise this risk, but it is crucial for patients to follow all post-surgical care directions meticulously. Quick recognition of symptoms and immediate intervention with antibiotics are key in addressing and eliminating infections.
It is normal to experience pain following procedure procedures, with the intensity and length of pain differing based on the procedure method and the individual’s tolerance to pain. A certain level of discomfort is to be expected, but if the pain becomes severe or lasts for an extended period, it may be indicative of a complication and should be looked into without delay. Pain management strategies, including prescribed medications and guidelines for rest and recovery, will be provided by the surgeon.
Surgical procedures can sometimes result in bleeding, which can be external at the site of procedure or internal, leading to a condition known as hematoma. Signs of internal bleeding may include pain, pressure, and swelling in the area affected. It is critical to seek immediate medical help if you notice unusual bleeding or swelling after procedure.
A seroma is an accumulation of clear lymph fluid under the skin, which can happen after procedure. This is due to the procedure disruption of lymph vessels, causing fluid to build up. Symptoms to look out for include pain, a sensation of pressure, and a noticeable swelling or clear fluid drainage at the procedure site. Generally, seromas are minor complications, but they may necessitate drainage or further treatment to ensure proper healing.
Although anesthesia is crucial for managing pain during procedure, it does come with its own set of risks. These risks include allergic reactions, damage during intubation, malignant hyperthermia, as well as blood pressure or respiratory problems. Continuous monitoring during the procedure allows the procedure team to detect and deal with these complications quickly.
Despite the use of tried-and-tested medical procedures and the experience of a qualified surgeon, there’s always a risk of not achieving the desired aesthetic result after plastic procedure. This could manifest as unevenness, skin puckering, or outcomes that don’t align with the patient’s expectations. It’s imperative to maintain realistic expectations and to discuss potential results during consultation sessions thoroughly. While revision procedure may be an option, it doesn’t guarantee correction of the issue.
Although it’s a rare occurrence, nerve damage is a possible complication of plastic procedure, potentially resulting from the manipulation of tissues or accidental nerve injury during the operation. Signs of nerve damage can include numbness, a tingling sensation, or a loss of feeling in the affected area. While nerve function typically restores over a period of weeks to months, there are instances where changes could be permanent. Prompt reporting of any unusual sensations after procedure is crucial.
Bruising and swelling are typical responses of the body to procedure intervention. While these are normal parts of the healing process, excessive or extended periods of bruising and swelling require attention. Adhering to post-surgical care instructions, such as keeping the affected area elevated, applying cold packs, and refraining from intense activities, is essential. However, should you notice prolonged swelling or deep, extensive bruising, it’s vital to get in touch for a thorough evaluation.
Death is an extremely rare but real risk in any procedure. Causes could range from severe complications, adverse reactions to anesthesia, or pre-existing health conditions. Patient safety is paramount for surgeons and their teams, ensuring thorough pre-surgical screening and adherence to the latest procedure procedures and safety protocols. Being completely open about your medical history during consultations and following all given pre- and post-surgical instructions closely is of utmost importance.
© Dr David Sharp 2024
Dr David Sharp FRACS Plast is a qualified specialist plastic surgeon in Brisbane. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). AHPRA registration number MED0000962857 | * All treatments carry benefits, risks and a recovery period. To learn more, visit the procedure page on our website. Results vary and cannot be guaranteed. Book a consultation to determine whether a procedure or treatment is suitable for you and seek at least two opinions before proceeding.
