Lip Lift Guide | Enhance Your Smile with a Shorter Philtrum and Fuller Upper Lip

Looking to achieve a naturally youthful, balanced smile without fillers? A lip lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that shortens the space between the nose and upper lip (the philtrum), resulting in a lifted, fuller-looking upper lip, more visible teeth when smiling, and enhanced lip proportions. It’s a popular choice for those seeking permanent enhancement without overfilled results.

What Is a Lip Lift?

A lip lift is a minor surgical procedure that:

  • Shortens the philtrum (the area between your nose and upper lip)
  • Elevates the upper lip to create a more defined shape
  • Increases the amount of pink lip (vermillion) exposure
  • Enhances the tooth show when smiling
  • Creates a more youthful and balanced facial profile

This procedure does not add volume—it repositions existing tissue to enhance the natural contours of your lips.


Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may be a great candidate for a lip lift if you:

  • Have a long philtrum (distance between nose and upper lip)
  • Feel your upper lip is thin or disappears when smiling
  • Want more tooth show and a livelier expression
  • Are in good health and don’t want repeat filler sessions
  • Want permanent improvement in lip aesthetics

It’s also ideal for patients who are not satisfied with the look of lip fillers or want a more natural alternative.


Types of Lip Lift Procedures

TechniqueDescriptionScar LocationBullhorn Lip LiftMost common; removes skin under the nose in a curved shapeHidden at base of noseItalian Lip LiftSmall incisions under each nostrilVery discreetCorner Lip LiftLifts drooping lip corners (can be combined with others)At corners of mouthDirect Lip LiftRemoves skin directly above upper lip vermillionScar just above lip borderSubnasal Lip LiftAnother name for the bullhorn liftHidden under the nose


Lip Lift vs Lip Fillers

FeatureLip LiftLip FillersDurationPermanent6–12 monthsEnhances Tooth Show✅ Yes❌ NoAdds Volume❌ No (but enhances shape)✅ YesIdeal for Long Philtrum✅ Yes❌ NoDowntime5–7 daysNone–1 dayRisk of Overdone LookLowModerate if overfilled


How Is a Lip Lift Performed?

  1. Anesthesia: Local (sometimes with light sedation)
  2. Incision: Made at the base of the nose (bullhorn method)
  3. Tissue Removal: A small strip of skin is removed to shorten the philtrum
  4. Lifting: The upper lip is gently lifted and sutured into a higher position
  5. Closure: Incisions are closed with fine sutures for minimal scarring

Surgery Time: 30–60 minutes
 Outpatient Procedure: Go home the same day


Recovery Timeline

  • Days 1–3: Swelling and tightness
  • Days 5–7: Stitches removed
  • Day 7–10: Most bruising subsides; makeup can conceal redness
  • 2–4 weeks: Swelling resolves, scar fades
  • 3+ months: Scar matures and blends naturally
Scar creams and sun protection help optimize healing.

How Long Do Results Last?

  • A lip lift is permanent
  • While aging continues naturally, the lifted position and proportion remain
  • Many patients opt for a lip lift once instead of ongoing filler treatments


Lip Lift Cost (Estimated)

RegionPrice Range (USD)South Korea₩2M – ₩5M ($1,500 – $3,800)USA / Canada$3,500 – $6,500UK / EU£2,500 – £4,500


Costs vary based on surgeon skill, facility, and whether other procedures are done together (e.g., corner lift, rhinoplasty).

Can It Be Combined with Other Procedures?

Yes. Common pairings include:

  • Corner Lip Lift – To correct downward-turning corners
  • Chin augmentation – For improved facial balance
  • Rhinoplasty – Especially when optimizing nasal-lip angle
  • Botox or fillers – For enhanced shape or smoothing lines
  • Upper lip laser resurfacing – To reduce smoker’s lines


A lip lift is a subtle yet powerful way to improve lip aesthetics, enhance facial balance, and reverse the elongation that comes with aging. It delivers natural, youthful results without the maintenance and puffiness of fillers—making it a top choice for long-term lip enhancement.



Considering a lip lift in Korea?
Clinics in Gangnam, Seoul offer advanced scar-minimizing techniques, natural results, and English-speaking care for international patients.

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