A lip lift is a minor surgical procedure that shortens the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip (the philtrum) to make the upper lip’s red portion more visible and increase subtle tooth show at rest. In Istanbul, board-certified Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon Dr. Caner Kaçmaz offers tailored lip lift care for international patients seeking natural, proportionate results.
What is a lip lift?
A lip lift refines the vertical proportions of the upper lip and midface. By removing a measured strip of skin just beneath the nose, the procedure:
- Shortens an elongated philtrum to restore youthful balance.
- Reveals more of the upper lip vermilion without adding artificial volume.
- Increases upper tooth show at rest for a livelier, more open expression.
How it differs from fillers: a lip lift is surgical and long-lasting, focuses on proportion rather than volume, and does not create “duck lip” fullness. The most common method is the bullhorn (subnasal) technique, with the incision hidden along the natural crease at the base of the nose.
Techniques and how the procedure is performed
The procedure is typically performed as day surgery under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the case. The most widely used approach is the bullhorn (subnasal) lift:
- An incision is designed just beneath the nose, often following the natural curve from nostril to nostril.
- A precisely measured strip of skin is removed to achieve the planned philtrum reduction.
- Layers are closed carefully to support the new lip position and minimize tension on the skin.
- The fine-line scar is concealed in the crease under the nose, where it generally blends over time.
Variations exist for specific needs. For example, a central lip lift focuses on the midline, while a corner lip lift targets downturned mouth corners rather than philtrum length. A lip lift can be performed alone or combined with other procedures such as rhinoplasty, deep plane facelift, chin implant, or subtle lip augmentation to harmonize the lower face and profile. Results and combinations are individualized after examination.
| Bullhorn (Subnasal) Lip Lift | Other Lip Lift Variations (Central, Corner) | Lip Fillers and Lip Flip |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical; typically outpatient day surgery under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. | Surgical approaches planned case by case; performed under local with sedation or general. | Non-surgical. Lip flip uses botulinum toxin to relax lip muscles. |
| Shortens the philtrum to reveal more upper lip vermilion and increase upper tooth show at rest. | Central focuses on the midline; corner targets downturned mouth corners rather than philtrum length. | Fillers add temporary volume and do not shorten the philtrum; lip flip creates a subtle outward roll of the vermilion. |
| Incision hidden along the natural crease at the base of the nose; fine-line scar that generally blends over time. | Technique-specific details vary with individual needs. | No incision; non-surgical. |
| Long-lasting; focuses on proportion rather than adding volume. | Long-lasting; tailored to proportion and shape goals. | Temporary effects. |
| Often chosen by adults with a long philtrum or little upper tooth show who prefer a structural solution; may not suit a high gummy smile at rest. Consultation is essential. | Selected for specific needs after examination; results and combinations are individualized. | May be more appropriate when larger lip volume alone is desired. |
Who is a good candidate?
Potentially suitable candidates include adults who:
- Have a long philtrum making the upper lip appear thin at rest.
- Show little or no upper teeth when the lips are relaxed and would like a modest increase.
- Prefer a structural, surgical solution rather than repeated fillers.
- Have experienced age-related lengthening of the upper lip.
- Seek improved facial balance while preserving their natural identity.
Who may not be suitable:
- People seeking larger lip volume alone (fillers may be more appropriate).
- Individuals with a high gummy smile at rest (shortening the philtrum can accentuate gum show).
- Those with uncontrolled medical conditions or who cannot pause blood-thinning medications when advised.
- Active smokers or those with poor wound-healing history, including hypertrophic scars or keloids.
- Anyone with unrealistic expectations or unwilling to accept a small, well-concealed scar under the nose.
A consultation is essential to assess facial proportions, dental show, lip dynamics, and skin/scar history. Results vary by individual anatomy.
Your treatment journey in Istanbul
- Virtual pre-assessment: Share photos and medical history for an initial opinion. A video consultation can refine goals and discuss suitability.
- Arrival and evaluation: In-person examination, measurements, and planning. Preoperative testing is arranged as needed.
- Surgery day: Outpatient procedure with anesthesia tailored to the case. You are discharged the same day with aftercare instructions.
- Early follow-up: A clinic visit is scheduled for wound check and suture removal, often within the first week. Many travelers plan their stay to include this visit before flying home.
- Ongoing care: The team provides detailed scar care guidance and remote follow-ups to monitor healing.
International patients are supported with multilingual coordination, assistance with transfers and accommodation planning, and interpretation where required.
Recovery and aftercare
- First days: Expect swelling, tightness, and possible bruising around the base of the nose and upper lip. Cold compresses and head elevation are commonly advised.
- Oral and wound care: Keep the incision clean and dry as instructed. Gentle oral hygiene and a soft diet may be recommended initially to reduce strain on the upper lip.
- Activity: Light daily activity is acceptable early on. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and exaggerated mouth movements are postponed until cleared by the surgeon.
- Return to routine: Many people return to desk work after several days, depending on comfort and bruising. Makeup near the incision should wait until the wound has sealed.
- Scar maturation: The fine scar sits in the natural crease under the nose and typically blends over time. Sun protection and approved scar therapies can support maturation.
Visible changes are apparent soon after swelling subsides, with further refinement as tissues settle. Healing timelines vary; your surgeon will personalize guidance and check-points.
Risks and possible complications
While a lip lift is generally well tolerated, all surgery carries risks. These may include:
- Bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, or wound separation.
- Asymmetry or irregular contour, under- or overcorrection, need for revision.
- Changes in smile dynamics or lip stiffness during early recovery.
- Numbness or altered sensation, usually temporary.
- Unfavorable scarring (widening, hypertrophy), particularly in individuals prone to such scars.
- Nostril or alar base changes if excessive tension occurs.
Careful planning, precise technique, smoking cessation, and adherence to aftercare reduce risks but cannot eliminate them. Outcomes vary from person to person. An in-person examination is necessary before any treatment decision.
Why Istanbul and Dr. Caner Kaçmaz
- Experienced, board-certified surgeon: Dr. Caner Kaçmaz is a board-certified Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon based in Istanbul with 17 years of surgical experience.
- Individualized planning: Treatment is tailored to your facial proportions, dental show, and cultural features to preserve a natural look and your personal identity.
- Integrated care for international patients: Multilingual team, organized pre-visit consultations, assistance with local logistics, and coordinated postoperative follow-up, including remote checks.
- Hospital-based safety: Procedures are performed in accredited facilities with qualified anesthesia support.
- Combinable treatments: Planning can include related procedures such as rhinoplasty, deep plane facelift, or chin implant when appropriate for overall harmony.
Frequently asked questions
It does not add volume. A lip lift makes more of the natural vermilion visible and increases tooth show at rest by shortening the philtrum.
- Lip lift: Surgical, long-lasting, changes vertical proportion, no added volume.
- Fillers: Non-surgical, temporary volume, do not shorten the philtrum.
- Lip flip (botulinum toxin): Relaxes lip muscles so the vermilion rolls slightly outward; effect is temporary and subtle.
The incision is placed along the crease at the base of the nose to keep it discreet. Scar appearance depends on individual healing and care. Sun protection and approved scar therapies are often recommended.
Many cases are performed under local anesthesia with sedation; some require general anesthesia based on anatomy, combination procedures, and patient preference. This is determined during consultation.
Yes. Combining procedures is common to optimize facial harmony. Coordinated planning ensures safe sequencing and balanced results.
Results are considered long-lasting because skin is removed. Natural aging continues, and outcomes vary among individuals.
Many people return to light, desk-based work within several days, depending on swelling and comfort. Exercise and strenuous activity should wait until your surgeon confirms it is safe.
Those with a high gummy smile at rest, active smokers, people prone to problematic scarring, or anyone unable to pause certain medications may not be candidates. A surgeon will advise after examination.
Related treatments
- Rhinoplasty (link to be added)
- Deep Plane Facelift (link to be added)
- Chin Implant (link to be added)
Important: The information above is general. Suitability, technique, and recovery timelines are individualized after medical evaluation. All surgery carries risks; results vary. A face-to-face assessment with a qualified surgeon is essential before proceeding.