Surgical Lip Lift with Dr. Javaheri, Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Rediscover a Fuller, Youthful Smile — Without Fillers

What Is a Lip Lift?

As we age, the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip can lengthen. At the same time, the vermillion (the pink portion of the lip) may begin to thin, and the youthful upward curve of the smile can gradually flatten.

Lip fillers can help restore volume, but they cannot shorten the distance between the nose and upper lip. In some cases, repeated filler treatments may create a fuller appearance without addressing the underlying proportions.

A surgical lip lift, performed by Dr. Javaheri, addresses the underlying anatomy by shortening the space between the nose and upper lip and revealing more of the natural pink lip border.

The result is a naturally fuller, more lifted appearance that can provide a long-lasting alternative to temporary injectable treatments.

Who Is the Right Candidate?

A surgical lip lift may be an excellent option for patients who:

• Have a long or lengthened distance between the nose and upper lip
• Notice that their upper lip has become thinner or flatter with age
• See less of the pink lip border when their face is at rest
• Want fuller-looking lips without the ongoing cost and maintenance associated with dermal fillers
• Have tried lip fillers but felt the results looked artificial, overfilled, or unnatural
• Are in good general health
• Are non-smokers or are willing to stop smoking around the time of surgery
• Have realistic expectations about the potential results
• Prefer a permanent or long-lasting correction rather than a temporary treatment

Who May Not Be a Good Candidate?

A surgical lip lift is not typically recommended for patients who already have a naturally short distance between the nose and upper lip, as further shortening may create an unnatural appearance.

During your consultation, Dr. Javaheri will evaluate your facial proportions and anatomy to determine whether a surgical lip lift, injectable treatment, another lip-enhancement technique, or a combination approach is best suited to your goals.

Benefits of a Surgical Lip Lift

A surgical lip lift may provide several aesthetic benefits, including:

• Shortened nose-to-lip distance: Creates more balanced facial proportions.
• More visible vermillion: Reveals more of the natural pink portion of the upper lip.
• Fuller-looking lips: Enhances the appearance of lip volume without adding injectable filler.
• Improved smile: Can restore a more youthful upward curvature to the upper lip.
• Long-lasting results: Unlike temporary fillers, the structural change created by surgery is designed to be long-lasting.
• Natural-looking enhancement: A carefully performed lip lift works with your existing facial anatomy rather than simply adding volume.

Risks to Consider

As with any surgical procedure, a lip lift carries potential risks. These should be discussed thoroughly with Dr. Javaheri during your consultation.

Potential risks and considerations include:

• Scarring: A scar is created at the base of the nose. It is typically positioned within the natural crease, although visibility varies depending on individual healing.
• Asymmetry: The two sides of the upper lip may heal differently.
• Numbness: Temporary numbness or altered sensation may occur in the upper lip area and, rarely, may persist longer.
• Overcorrection: Removing too much tissue can create an overly elevated or unnatural appearance, including an excessive display of the gums when smiling.
• Temporary changes in lip movement: Some patients may experience difficulty with normal lip mobility or facial expression during the early healing period.
• Infection or delayed healing: These are possible with any incision-based surgical procedure.
• Dissatisfaction with results: Individual healing and expectations can affect the final outcome.

Choosing an experienced, double board-certified plastic surgeon is an important part of achieving a natural-looking result. Careful measurement, appropriate technique, and conservative tissue removal can help minimize the risk of an overcorrected appearance.

Recovery: What to Expect

Recovery varies from patient to patient, but the typical healing process may include:

Procedure Time

A surgical lip lift is typically performed in under an hour and may be performed under local anesthesia with optional light sedation, depending on the surgical plan.

Immediately After Surgery

Swelling and bruising around the upper lip and base of the nose are normal. These symptoms generally become most noticeable during the first 2–3 days.

First Week

If non-dissolvable sutures are used, they are typically removed approximately 5–7 days after surgery.

Many patients feel comfortable returning to non-strenuous work or social activities within about a week, although some residual swelling may remain.

2–4 Weeks

Swelling continues to decrease, and the new shape and position of the upper lip become increasingly apparent.

The scar at the base of the nose also begins to fade and mature during this period.

Around 3 Months

Final results, including continued scar maturation and resolution of remaining swelling, are generally easier to appreciate around three months after surgery. Most patients, however, notice the primary improvement much sooner.

Aftercare Tips

Following Dr. Javaheri’s post-operative instructions carefully can help support a smooth recovery.

Recommended aftercare may include:

• Keep the incision clean and follow all wound-care instructions provided by Dr. Javaheri.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure on the healing scar.
• Sleep with your head slightly elevated during the first few days to help minimize swelling.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 1–2 weeks, or as directed by Dr. Javaheri.
• Follow all prescribed medications and post-operative care instructions.
• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so your healing can be monitored.

Schedule Your Lip Lift Consultation

If you’re ready for a naturally fuller, more youthful-looking smile without relying on ongoing filler treatments, a surgical lip lift may be an option worth considering.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Javaheri to discuss your facial anatomy, aesthetic goals, and whether a surgical lip lift is the right approach for you.