When it comes to rejuvenating the lips and enhancing facial balance, a lip lift offers results that fillers and implants alone simply cannot achieve. At FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery in Denver and Lone Tree, our board-certified surgeons specialize in a variety of lip lift techniques tailored to each patient’s needs. If you’re considering this procedure, here’s what you should know about the different types of lip lifts, recovery expectations, and the benefits you can achieve.

What Is a Lip Lift?

A lip lift is a minor surgical procedure that shortens the space between the bottom of the nose and the upper lip, also called the “white lip.” By reducing this distance, the procedure creates a more youthful, balanced appearance. This procedure enhances the pout of the upper lip, reveals more of the upper teeth when smiling, and restores harmony to the overall facial proportions. Unlike fillers, which add temporary volume, a lip lift reshapes and repositions the lip for long-lasting, natural results.

Types of Lip Lifts

Different patients have different goals, and the right type of lip lift depends on lip length, shape, and facial balance. The most common option at FacesFirst is the subnasal bullhorn lip lift, which is performed just beneath the base of the nose. This technique lifts the entire central upper lip while hiding the scar along the natural crease under the nostrils. It is often recommended for patients whose upper lip length is longer than 16 to 17 millimeters.

Another option is the corner lip lift, designed to improve downturned corners of the mouth. This technique creates a more upturned, youthful appearance but may leave a slightly more visible scar at the corners of the lips.

The gullwing lip lift is performed along the upper lip line, lifting and defining the vermilion border. While this technique enhances the shape of the lips, it is less common due to the potential for visible scarring. 

Some patients may benefit from a combination of techniques, such as pairing a bullhorn lift with a corner lift, for more comprehensive results.

What to Expect During the Procedure

A lip lift at FacesFirst can typically be completed in under an hour. When performed alone, this procedure can be completed in the office under local anesthesia, making the procedure both comfortable and convenient. Because each patient’s lips and facial proportions are unique, the surgeons customize their approach to deliver results that align with each individual’s aesthetic goals.

Recovery and Downtime

The recovery process following a lip lift is relatively quick and straightforward. During the first week, patients will have stitches beneath the nostrils and often choose to take a week off from work or work from home. Sutures are usually removed after one week, at which point swelling and redness begin to fade. Many patients feel comfortable using makeup to cover any residual redness, and wearing a mask can also help to disguise healing.

By about six weeks, the lip is fully settled, and patients enjoy their final results. Around this time, roughly 30% of patients choose a CO₂ laser treatment to further refine scar healing and enhance their outcome.

Benefits of a Lip Lift vs. Fillers

• Reveals more of the upper teeth, creating a youthful and attractive smile
• Everts the lip upward for a natural pout rather than simply adding bulk
• Restores harmony to the face by balancing facial thirds
• Provides permanent results unlike temporary filler treatments

How Long Do Lip Lift Results Last?

Results from a lip lift are considered permanent. Because the procedure shortens and repositions the upper lip, the results do not wear off over time, the way injectable fillers do. While the natural aging process will continue, patients can expect to enjoy long-lasting improvements in lip shape and overall facial balance.

Combining Lip Lifts with Other Procedures

For even greater results, lip lifts are often combined with other facial procedures. Many patients choose to have a facelift at the same time, which addresses sagging in the lower face and neck while restoring upper lip balance. Fat transfer can also be performed during a lip lift to add natural volume to the lips or face using the patient’s own tissue. In some cases, a corner lip lift may be combined with a bullhorn lift to enhance both the central and corner areas of the upper lip.

Is a Lip Lift Right for You?

If you are considering a lip lift, the best way to know whether the procedure is right for you is through a personal consultation. At FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery in Denver and Lone Tree, our surgeons will assess your facial proportions, lip length, and cosmetic goals to determine the most effective approach.

Schedule your consultation with the expert team today. We are committed to helping you achieve natural results that enhance your overall appearance with precision and care.

Nicolette Picerno, M.D.

Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon at FacesFirst | Website

Dr. Nicolette Picerno is a double-board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. She received her medical degree from Hahnemann University, School of Medicine in Philadelphia, and completed her fellowship for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Beeson Aesthetic Surgery Institute in Carmel, IN. She also completed the Cenegenics Physician Training and Certification in Age Management Medicine program in 2012 and became a certified BioTE provider in 2014. When not in the office, Dr. Picerno enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, skiing, playing tennis, and running her doggie daycare with her husband.