Lip Lift
Lower Manhattan, New York, NY
The upper lip elongates and flattens as the face ages. More specifically, the distance from the base of the nose to the vermilion border increases, the cupid's bow loses its definition, and the teeth become less visible with animation. Injectable fillers can temporarily restore volume but cannot address the fundamental issue of lip length. The subnasal lip lift — performed through a discreet incision concealed in the natural crease at the base of the nose — surgically shortens the distance between the base of the nose and the top of the upper lip (an area known as the philtrum), increases vermilion show, and restores the upturned, defined appearance of a youthful mouth. Dr. Pierce Janssen performs this procedure under local anesthesia at the 111 Broadway office, offering patients a transformative result with minimal downtime. By focusing on anatomical balance, we create a naturally rejuvenated smile that fillers alone cannot achieve.
Shortens the upper lip, increases vermilion (red lip) show, refines the cupid's bow, increases upper lip fullness, and improves tooth show with natural animation.
Subnasal (bull-horn) incision concealed in the natural crease beneath the nostrils. Performed under local anesthesia.
Sutures removed within 7 days. Most patients return to social settings within 7 days as well.
Results are permanent — the structural shortening of the lip does not reverse over time.
The ideal upper lip has a white lip (philtrum) length of approximately 12 to 14 mm in women and 14 to 18 mm in men. With aging and gravity, this distance increases — often to 18 to 22 mm or beyond — causing the lip to appear long, flat, and thin. Fillers can add volume to the vermilion but cannot shorten the white lip. In fact, excessive filler to address a long lip often creates a disproportionate, unnatural 'duck' appearance.
A subnasal lip lift is a permanent alternative or elective enhancement to dermal fillers. The lip lift directly addresses the structural proportions of the lower face by removing a precisely measured ellipse of skin at the base of the nose. This "rolls" the lip upward, creating a more defined Cupid’s bow and a poutier, more youthful expression. The resulting scar falls perfectly within the anatomic shadow of the nostrils and, when meticulously closed, is virtually imperceptible within weeks. The result — increased vermilion show, a more pronounced cupid's bow, enhanced tooth display — is immediate, natural, and permanent.
The lip lift is performed comfortably under local anesthesia in our office, allowing you to remain awake and comfortable throughout the procedure. A small amount of topical numbing cream is applied, followed by local anesthetic injection. Once comfortable, a precise excision of skin hidden within the natural creases and shadows at the base of the nose is performed. The lip is elevated and secured to the underlying tissues to ensure a tension-free closure in its new position with fine sutures. This meticulous suturing technique is vital for creating an inconspicuous scar that fades into the natural contours of the face. The entire procedure typically takes less than an hour, offering a high-impact transformation with minimal clinical overhead. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and can return to work within days. Sutures are removed at five to seven days, at which point the result is immediately visible. Swelling and firmness at the scar site resolve fully over six to eight weeks.
The ideal candidate has a white upper lip (philtrum) that they feel is too long, reduced vermilion show, a flattened cupid's bow, and decreased dental show at rest or with animation. If you feel your upper lip is too thin, or if the space between your nose and mouth has lengthened over time, you may be an ideal candidate. It is also an excellent option for patients whose upper teeth are completely hidden when they smile or speak.
Unlike fillers, which require maintenance and can sometimes look "overfilled," a lip lift provides a permanent change in lip shape and position. It restores youthful proportions, enhances the vermillion (pink) part of the lip, and creates a more aesthetically pleasing balance to the lower face.
Patients typically experience swelling for the first 3 to 5 days. While the area may feel tight, discomfort is minimal and easily managed. Sutures are removed around the one-week mark. Most of our downtown NYC patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities shortly after the stitches are out.
While the lift is visible immediately, significant swelling in the lip area is common. You will see a refined version of your result at the two-week mark, with the final, soft contour and inconspicuous scarring fully realized within 3 to 6 months.
The scar at the base of the nose heals remarkably well when the incision is precisely planned and meticulously closed off tension. It falls within the natural anatomic contour of the nostrils, where it blends into the shadow of the nose. Most patients are comfortable in public within two weeks, and the scar continues to fade and flatten over the following three to six months.
Yes — a lip lift and injectable filler serve complementary functions. The lip lift provides structural shortening and improved contour, while a small amount of filler can add targeted volume to the vermilion body. The combination is often more satisfying than either treatment alone. The lip lift can also be combined with rhinoplasty, facelift, or other facial procedures.
The results of a lip lift are permanent. The structural shortening of the white upper lip does not reverse with time. While ongoing facial aging continues, the improved lip proportion and vermilion show achieved by the lift are maintained indefinitely.
