A lip lift is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the upper lip, creating a fuller, more youthful look with greater visibility of the vermillion (the red portion of the lip).
Dr. J. David Holcomb, a double board-certified facial plastic and cosmetic laser surgeon and Castle Connolly Top Doctor since 2015, brings unparalleled expertise in facial aesthetics. Dr. Joshua Kreithen and Dr. Marc Salzman, both board-certified plastic surgeons and Castle Connolly Top Doctors with extensive surgical experience, ensure that every patient receives world-class care in our AAAASF-certified facility.
As a 2025 Castle Connolly Practice Center of Excellence, we maintain the highest standards of surgical excellence, patient safety, and comprehensive aesthetic care. Our one-stop-shop approach means you have access to advanced surgical procedures, cutting-edge medspa treatments, and specialized post-operative healing therapies—all under one roof at our convenient Sarasota and Tampa locations.
In this blog, we’ll be discussing what a lip lift is and how it works.
What Is a Lip Lift and How Does It Work?
A lip lift is a facial plastic surgery procedure that addresses age-related changes to the upper lip. During a lip lift, a precise amount of skin is removed from just beneath the nose, allowing the upper lip to elevate and roll outward slightly. This creates several aesthetic improvements:
- Greater visibility of the vermillion (red portion) of the upper lip
- A shorter, more proportionate distance between the nose and lip
- Subtle exposure of the upper teeth when the mouth is at rest
- Enhanced lip fullness without adding volume through fillers
- A more youthful and approachable facial expression
The procedure works by repositioning existing tissue rather than adding foreign materials, which is why results appear natural and last permanently.
Different Types of Lip Lift Procedures
Lip enhancement can be achieved through several surgical techniques, each designed to address specific aesthetic concerns. At Holcomb-Kreithen, our experienced surgeons evaluate your unique facial anatomy to recommend the most appropriate approach.
Sub-Nasal Lift (Bullhorn Lift)
The subnasal lift is the most common lip-lift technique. This procedure shortens the area between the nose and the upper lip border while subtly raising the lip. Dr. Holcomb, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, performs this procedure with meticulous precision, placing the incision directly beneath the nose where it heals virtually imperceptibly. The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery recognizes this as one of the most effective methods for achieving permanent upper lip enhancement.
Lip Advancement
Lip advancement focuses on enhancing the "show" of the vermillion border. This technique involves removing a thin strip of skin along the border between the lip and surrounding skin, then rolling the red portion of the lip outward and upward. This approach is particularly beneficial for patients who have adequate lip volume but want more visible lip color.
Corner Lift
A corner lift addresses downturned mouth corners that can create a perpetually unhappy or tired expression. Small incisions are made at the outer corners of the mouth, and when sutured, they gently elevate the corners to create a more pleasant, approachable appearance. This procedure has exceptionally high patient satisfaction rates and can dramatically transform facial expression.
Lip Augmentation with Natural Tissue
While dermal fillers provide temporary volume enhancement, surgical lip augmentation using fat transfer or tissue grafting offers permanent results. Dr. Kreithen and Dr. Salzman, both board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in aesthetic procedures, can combine lip lift techniques with fat transfer for comprehensive lip rejuvenation.
What to Expect During Your Lip Lift Procedure
Before Surgery
Your surgical day begins in our comfortable pre-operative area. Most lip lifts are performed under IV sedation, allowing you to remain relaxed throughout the procedure.
During Surgery
A sub-nasal lip lift typically takes 20-30 minutes to complete, while more complex procedures may require 45-60 minutes. Your surgeon will make precise incisions, remove the calculated amount of tissue, and meticulously close the incisions with fine sutures designed to minimize visible scarring.
After Surgery
Following your procedure, our compassionate nursing staff will monitor you briefly in our recovery area before discharge. You'll receive detailed post-operative instructions and prescribed medications to manage discomfort and promote optimal healing.
Recovery Timeline and What to Expect
First Week: Expect some swelling and bruising around the lips and nose during recovery. Your mouth may feel tight, so minimize facial expressions. Most patients can return to desk work in 3-5 days, but avoid strenuous activities. Keep your head elevated, use cold compresses as needed, and follow your surgeon's wound care instructions for optimal healing.
Weeks 2-4: Swelling decreases during this time, revealing the results of your procedure. Sutures are usually removed within 5-7 days, and bruising can often be covered with makeup after the first week. Most patients feel ready to return to social activities by week two.
Weeks 4-6: The incision line gradually fades, with final results visible around six weeks post-treatment, after swelling subsides. Incision scars continue to mature over time.
Long-Term Healing: Incision scars fade over months, with most sub-nasal incisions becoming nearly invisible within six months to a year. The results of your lip lift are permanent, though natural aging will continue.
Lip Lift Cost and Consultation Process
The cost of a lip lift varies based on the specific technique used, whether additional procedures are performed simultaneously, and individual patient factors. Each surgical plan we create is customized to your unique situation and includes facility fees, IV sedation, medications, and post-operative appointments.
Expert Lip Lift Care at Holcomb-Kreithen Plastic Surgery & Medspa
A lip lift offers a permanent solution to restore youthful lip proportions, enhance vermillion show, and create a more balanced, approachable facial expression.
From your initial consultation through final results, our team is dedicated to providing the exceptional safety, surgical skill, and personalized attention you deserve. Ready to enhance your natural beauty with a lip lift? Contact Holcomb-Kreithen Plastic Surgery & Medspa today to schedule your consultation at our Sarasota or Tampa location.