A lip lift procedure changes the position and shape of the upper lip by removing a small amount of skin and lifting the lip closer to the nose. Lip lifting surgery is ideal when the space between the nose and lip is too long, the upper teeth are hidden when you smile, or the Cupid’s bow lacks definition. In contrast, lip augmentation focuses on adding volume and contour, usually with fillers or implants, without surgically shortening the lip.Lip reduction does the opposite of augmentation by carefully removing tissue to reduce bulk or asymmetry, while still preserving a natural, balanced look. Many patients benefit from combining a conservative lip lift procedure to reveal pinker lips with subtle lip augmentation to enhance fullness, rather than over-filling a long upper lip. In consultation, Dr. Shumway will explain how these techniques can be sequenced or paired for the most harmonious and flattering outcome.

Not every patient interested in improving their lips needs or wants lip lifting surgery right away. Non-surgical lip augmentation options can be a great way to test-drive a new look or refine results after a surgical lip lift procedure. The most common non-surgical approach is hyaluronic acid–based fillers, which can add soft, flexible volume to the upper and lower lips and gently smooth fine lines around the mouth.In some cases, small amounts of filler can complement a lip reduction by smoothing contours or balancing the lower lip with a newly lifted upper lip. Other non-surgical tools, such as skin resurfacing or energy-based treatments around the mouth, can improve texture and help the lips and surrounding skin look more youthful. During your visit, Dr. Shumway will explain how non-surgical lip augmentation can support or extend the results of your lip lift procedure.

A lip lift is sensitive in nature but typically provides lovely outcomes. Depending on the agreed upon technique, the lip lift may be completed within minutes or could take several hours. In addition to some pain, you should expect some swelling and bruising the first two weeks after a lip lift as the face and lips adjust. After the bruising and swelling have gone down, you should see marked enhancement and impressive results.We will also prepare you with instructions on how to care for your surgery site at home during your recovery. Scar care is vital to limit the visibility of your surgical scar.

How much does a lift lip cost? A lip lift starts at $4,500. During your consultation, we will discuss all that is necessary to reach the cosmetic surgery goals you have in mind. In the consultation, Dr. Shumway will evaluate your appropriateness for the lip lift with all of your facial features to give you facial balance. He may make alternative recommendations based on what is possible for your lips. Then, we will discuss your fees for the procedures you have with Dr. Shumway. Why not just use a cosmetic injectable? Cosmetic dermal fillers can be injected into your lips to create more fullness where it is needed. However, this will not solve the aesthetic concerns a lip lift would address. A filler will only project the lip outwardly, not raise it into a new position on your face. Plus, cosmetic injectable fillers are a temporary solution that requires maintenance injections to refresh the results. Dr. Shumway will discuss your options in a detailed consultation at our office in San Diego, CA. Will I have a scar? Since a lip lift will require an incision, it will leave a very small scar. Dr. Shumway places the incision inconspicuously at the bottom of the nose (in a crease). The sutures will be made inside the inner lip where they will not be observable for everyone to see. With the proper scar care routine, your lip lift incision mark will be minimal to nearly invisible. If it doesn’t plump my lips, why should I have a lip lift? It all comes down to the placement of your lips on your face. A lip lift is not meant to fill out your lip. It will redefine the shape and position of the lips to make them more aesthetically pleasing. Many patients see Dr. Shumway when they want to transform their “Cupid’s bow” and shorten the space between the top lip and the base of the nose (it is recommended that the vertical space be 12 – 15 mm in height for the best cosmetic result). If you want to have fuller lips, you can ask Dr. Shumway about dermal fillers (injectables), or a lip implant. What facial concerns can a lip lift procedure improve? A lip lift procedure can shorten an overly long space between the nose and upper lip, reveal more of the pink portion of the lip, and refine the Cupid’s bow for a more youthful, defined shape. Lip lifting surgery is beneficial if your upper teeth do not show when you smile or if lipstick tends to disappear under a rolled-in upper lip. In some cases, it can be combined with conservative lip reduction or later lip augmentation to fine-tune balance and fullness. How is lip lifting surgery different from lip augmentation? Lip lifting surgery changes the position and shape of the lip by removing and lifting skin, while lip augmentation adds volume with fillers or implants. Lifting addresses length and contour, whereas augmentation focuses on fullness. Many patients achieve the best outcome when a modest lip lift procedure is performed first to improve proportions, followed by subtle lip augmentation once healing is complete. This approach avoids over-filling a long lip and keeps your result looking natural. Can a lip lift procedure also include lip reduction? Yes. Some patients have areas of excess bulk or asymmetry that benefit from careful lip reduction during lip-lifting surgery. For example, the central portion of the lip may be overly heavy compared to the corners, or the lower lip may overwhelm a small upper lip. In these cases, trimming a small amount of tissue while performing the lip lift procedure can create a smoother, more harmonious line. The goal is always refinement—not drastic change. Am I a candidate for lip augmentation if I’ve already had a lip lift? Most patients who have healed fully from a lip lift procedure can safely explore lip augmentation later if they want more fullness. In fact, a well-performed lip lifting surgery often sets a better foundation for subtle filler because the upper lip is already in an attractive position. After several months, Dr. Shumway can evaluate your healed result and discuss non-surgical lip augmentation options that will enhance, rather than distort, your surgical outcome. What is recovery like after lip lifting surgery? Recovery is usually quick and manageable. Swelling and bruising peak in the first few days and then gradually improve over 1 to 2 weeks. You’ll be given detailed instructions on how to clean the incision, what to eat, and how to sleep to support healing. Most patients feel comfortable returning to light social activities within a week. As long as you follow scar care guidelines, any lip lift scar typically fades and becomes much less noticeable over time. Can non-surgical lip augmentation replace a lip lift? Non-surgical lip augmentation, such as fillers, can add volume and softly enhance shape, but it cannot shorten the distance between the nose and lip or significantly change lip position. If your main concern is flatness or lack of fullness, fillers may be an excellent first step. However, if your upper lip is long or rolled under, a lip lift procedure or lip lifting surgery is often needed to truly change the proportions. Dr. Shumway will explain which option best addresses your concerns. How do I decide between lip lift, lip reduction, and lip augmentation? The right choice depends on what bothers you most when you look in the mirror. If your lip is long or hides your teeth, a lip lift procedure is usually the best foundation. If your lips feel too bulky or uneven, lip reduction can slim and balance them. If you like your lip length but want more fullness or definition, lip augmentation may be ideal. In many cases, a combination, such as lip lifting surgery with subtle augmentation later, provides the most refined and natural-looking result. Dr. Shumway will guide you through these options at your consultation.