Upper lip lift : What is it?

What is an upper-lip lift?

The upper lip forms the upper part of the mouth, located just below the nose. It is composed of two distinct zones: the white lip, covered by skin, and the red lip, which corresponds to the visible, dry portion of the oral mucosa. The ageing process is accompanied by a reduction in the prominence of the philtral ridges, which shape the Cupid’s bow, as well as a loss of volume at the vermilion border. It is observed that young, balanced faces consistently show a reduced skin height between the nose and the upper lip, generally ranging from 9 to 14 mm. This proportion appears to be universal, independent of ethnic origin or historical period.

The lip lift, or upper lip lift, is an aesthetic procedure that involves removing a thin band of skin located between the nose and the upper lip. This reduction in the nasolabial distance aims to elevate the lip, creating a more youthful appearance, a more harmonious profile and improved facial volume proportions. The primary objective of this procedure is purely aesthetic: to shorten the distance between the nose and the upper lip in order to increase its apparent height. The upper lip should appear fuller and better defined, which softens the appearance of thin lips.

The lip lift is a surgical procedure that requires the expertise of a healthcare professional. In other words, only a qualified plastic surgeon can carry out the intervention.

How is the upper lip lift carried out?

The upper lip lift involves removing a thin strip of skin located between the nose and the lip. By shortening this area, the upper lip is slightly lifted, which could increase its apparent height and better expose the vermilion border.

Before the procedure, a consultation with a surgeon authorised to perform the facelift is essential. This consultation serves as an interview during which the surgeon provides all relevant information about the procedure, detailing the precise steps of the intervention, the potential risks and the postoperative follow-up schedule. Certain personal patient data must also be submitted to the surgeon. By analysing the patient’s medical history, any allergies and any current medication, the clinician can determine whether to authorise the procedure.

Once approval is granted, the patient enters a preparatory phase during which they must adopt a healthy lifestyle (no alcohol, no smoking, certain foods and medications to be avoided, etc.), and maintain this until the day of the operation and throughout the period of convalescence. Moreover, anticoagulants, as well as potentially dietary supplements and certain additives, must be discontinued as they tend to increase bleeding. This preparatory phase is essential because it promotes optimal wound healing and reduces the risk of post-operative complications.

There are several techniques for lifting the upper lip. Although they are based on a similar surgical principle, they are primarily distinguished by the location of the incisions:

Operative techniques	Characteristics
Lip lift, also known as the bullhorn lip lift	The classic lip lift is the most widely used technique. It involves removing a thin band of skin beneath the base of the nose, in a “bull’s horns” pattern, to shorten the distance between the nose and the upper lip and to provide an overall elevation of the upper lip.
Cupid lip lift	This increasingly used technique involves a more targeted central incision that follows the natural shape of the Cupid’s bow. This method enables a more precise redefinition of the Cupid’s bow to accentuate the central contour of the lip, which may result in a more slender appearance.
Corner lip lift	Increasingly prevalent in recent years, this technique aims to lift the drooping corners of the mouth by making small incisions at the outer angles of the lips and excising a strip of skin to elevate the commissures.
Central lip lift	This procedure involves lifting only the central portion of the upper lip by making an incision centred beneath the nose, with targeted removal of skin.

Comparative analysis of the various upper lip lift techniques according to incision location.

For the various techniques, the procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia and carried out on an outpatient basis. It generally takes between 30 and 45 minutes. After the incision and precise removal of the skin, the surgeon repositions the tissues and places fine, discreet sutures at the base of the nose. The scars, well concealed within the natural folds, usually become barely noticeable over time.

After surgery, a few side effects may occur, such as mild swelling, bruising and a sensation of tightness, but these subside within one to two weeks. The result of the lip lift is quickly apparent, with progressive improvement over the following weeks until complete healing. Once the operation is finished, the treated area of the upper lip is dressed so as to protect the scar while promoting recovery. The antibiotic ointments are sometimes best avoided, as some studies suggest they could encourage skin rashes or allergic reactions. Patients must then return after 3 to 5 days to have the sutures removed.

Potential complications associated with an upper lip lift.

The lip lift of the upper lip consistently results in mild swelling and the appearance of small bruises around the mouth.

These side effects are normal and transient and usually disappear within a few days.

However, as with any surgical procedure, certain complications can occur, although these remain uncommon. These may be infections, persistent bleeding, bruising more pronounced than normal, or visible and unsightly scarring. A lip asymmetry or a temporary loss of sensation in the upper lip may also be observed. Moreover, if sutures are left in place for too long, this can lead to skin hypopigmentation, the formation of streaks or a delay in wound healing, particularly affecting the re-epithelialisation process between the incision edges. Careful postoperative monitoring and adherence to the surgeon's instructions generally help to prevent or minimise these issues.