A lip lift, or surgical elevation of the upper lip, is one of the most precise facial rejuvenation procedures and has the greatest visual impact on the harmony of the lower third of the face. When the distance between the base of the nose and the vermilion border of the upper lip—known as the filtrum—lengthens over time or due to constitutional factors, the lip loses projection, apparent volume, and its characteristic Cupid’s bow. A lip lift permanently corrects this issue, delivering natural and long-lasting results.

In this comprehensive guide, Dr. José Ignacio García Ceballos, FCCP, a plastic surgeon at Mallorca Medical Group, explains the clinical indications, available techniques, the surgical procedure, and the expected recovery.

 

What Is a Lip Lift, and When Is It Recommended?

A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the space between the base of the nose and the upper edge of the lip, raising the vermilion border and increasing the exposure of the upper red lip. It is indicated in the following clinical cases:

• Lengthening of the philtrum due to natural aging: starting at age 35–40, the philtrum length exceeds 13–15 mm in women and 15–17 mm in men, resulting in a tired appearance and drooping lips.
• Constitutional hypoplastic upper lip: young patients with low vermilion volume and limited projection of the upper lip.
• Dissatisfaction with hyaluronic acid fillers: when fillers fail to produce the expected results or cause an unwanted “duck-like” effect.
• Lip asymmetry of congenital or post-traumatic origin.

Dr. García Ceballos, FCCP, emphasizes that a personalized preoperative evaluation is essential: “Not all lips require the same procedure. An assessment of facial proportions, maxillary projection, the dentolabial relationship, and the patient’s phenotype determines the optimal surgical plan.”

Available Surgical Techniques: Subnasal Lip Lift and Other Variations

There are several lip lift techniques, each with specific indications:

Subnasal Lip Lift (Bullhorn Lift)

This is the most commonly used technique and the one with the most clinical evidence. It involves removing an elliptical section of skin at the base of the nose, following the contour of the nostrils to conceal the scar. It symmetrically shortens the filtrum and lifts the center and sides of the upper lip.

Italian Lip Lift

A technique that involves making two separate incisions below each nostril, away from the center. It reduces the risk of nasal widening and is preferred for patients with wide noses or prominent nasal bases.

Corner Lip Lift

This procedure is indicated when the corners of the mouth are drooping, giving the lips a sad appearance. Incisions are made at the corners of the mouth to lift them. It is often combined with a subnasal lift.

Direct Lip Lift

The incision is made directly at the vermilion border. It results in a more visible scar and is reserved for select cases where concealment at the base of the nose is not possible.

Dr. García Ceballos typically chooses the subnasal or Italian technique based on the patient’s nasal morphology, minimizing the risk of alar widening and ensuring virtually imperceptible scars.

The Surgical Procedure: Anesthesia, Duration, and Recovery

A lip lift is a short outpatient procedure. The standard protocol at Mallorca Medical Group is as follows:

• Anesthesia: local anesthesia with conscious sedation or light general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s preference and the complexity of the case.
• Duration: between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the technique and whether it is combined with other procedures.
• Immediate postoperative period: mild swelling and bruising during the first 3–5 days. The stitches are removed between days 5 and 7.
• Social reintegration: Most patients resume their normal activities within 7–10 days while wearing concealer.
• Final result: visible after 6–8 weeks, when the scar has matured and the residual swelling has completely subsided.

“The lip lift offers one of the best result-to-recovery ratios in all of facial surgery. In expert hands, the scar is perfectly concealed within the nasolabial fold, and the results are permanent and completely natural.”

— Dr. José Ignacio García Ceballos, FCCP, Plastic Surgeon | Mallorca Medical Group

Results: What Changes Does a Lip Lift Bring About?

A lip lift produces a variety of changes that have a significant impact on overall facial harmony:

• Greater exposure of the upper red lip (increased visible vermilion).
• Definition and plotting of the Cupid curve.
• Reduction of vertical perioral wrinkles (lip barcode).
• Rejuvenation of the lower third of the face without a “surgical” appearance.
• Improved dentolabial relationship: greater exposure of the upper incisors at rest.

Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, which require periodic touch-ups every 9–12 months, a lip lift produces a permanent result that is not affected by metabolism or the degradation of the filler.

Lip Lift vs. Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Which Is the Best Option?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions during the initial evaluation. The answer depends on the patient’s goal and the clinical evaluation:

Criteria	Surgical Lip Lift	Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Duration of the result	Permanent	9–18 months
Actual shortening of the filtrum	Yes	No
Lip Augmentation	Moderate	High
Definition of Cupid’s Bow	Excellent	Good
Reversibility	No	Yes (hyaluronidase)
Recovery time	7–10 days	Minimum (hours)

In many cases, combining a surgical lip lift with small amounts of filler in the vermilion border and Cupid’s bow yields the most natural and complete results.

Lip Lift at Mallorca Medical Group: The Experience of Dr. García Ceballos, FCCP

Dr. José Ignacio García Ceballos, FCCP, has extensive experience in cosmetic and reconstructive facial surgery. His training at the Plastic Surgery Unit of the UZ VUB (Brussels, Belgium) and his FCCP certification attest to his mastery of advanced techniques for lip surgery and perioral rejuvenation.

At Mallorca Medical Group, every lip lift procedure is performed following a protocol that includes prior digital planning, facial morphometric analysis, and consultation with the patient regarding the expected outcome. The goal is always a natural look: the best lip lift is one that no one recognizes as surgery, but simply as a younger, fresher version of the patient’s own lips.