A youthful mouth shows about 2mm of teeth when the mouth is open and relaxed. As some people age however, the upper lip can elongate over time, hiding the upper teeth, and the upper lip can tend to curl inward, making it appear thinner. 

Fillers and injectable treatments can plump lips to a more youthful volume, but upper lift lip surgery may be a better long-term solution for patients who have developed a long upper lip. 

What To Expect During The Procedure

Upper lip lift surgery takes place using local anesthesia. A small incision is made at the base of the nose and a small section of skin is removed. The upper lip is lifted upwards and stitched in place at the base of the nose. The surgery takes about 30 minutes. 

Recovery and Results

Patients can go home right after the procedure and most return to work within 2-5 days, taking care to avoid strenuous activities. Pain and swelling are moderate and are managed with prescribed medication. Patients are encouraged to follow a soft food diet and not to talk with a wide-open mouth for about a week after surgery. The stitches at the base of the nose dissolve in about two weeks. Patients return after one week and after six weeks for follow-up appointments. 

After healing, the mouth will be returned to a more youthful look with a shorter upper lip that allows part of the upper teeth to show naturally when the mouth is open. A more youthful, natural pout will also be restored, as the upper lip will be turned slightly outwards. 

Preparing For Your Surgery

Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding. Please arrange for a responsible adult to take you and pick you up from your surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.