Subnasal Lip Lift Surgery
Subnasal lip lift surgery by Dr. Richard Balikian enhances lip shape and restores youthful balance with lasting results.
Refined Lip Shape and Definition
While facelifts and eyelid lifts are well-known for combating gravity’s effects, one area often overlooked is the upper lip.
As we age, the upper lip lengthens, thins out, and begins to droop, creating an aged or “flattened” appearance. In some cases, filler alone isn’t enough and can even create an overfilled or unnatural look.
That’s where a lip lift comes in. This delicate surgical procedure shortens the space between the nose and upper lip, lifting the lip into a more youthful, defined, and attractive position. The result is a fuller-looking lip, a brighter smile, and improved facial balance.
Why Choose a Lip Lift?
You may be a candidate for a lip lift if you:
- Have a long or elongated upper lip
- Feel your lips lack definition or volume
- Want a more permanent and natural alternative to filler
- Have experienced age-related lip sagging
- Prefer a subtle enhancement with surgical precision
Dr. Balikian performs lip lifts with an artistic and conservative eye, helping patients achieve natural results that highlight their own beauty.
Whether you’re seeking more youthful proportions or a better frame for your smile, he’ll create a surgical plan tailored just for you.
Lip Lift Benefits
A lip lift offers subtle yet powerful enhancements that restore youthful balance and definition to the mouth and lower face.
- Shortens a long upper lip
- Enhances the pink lip show without filler
- Rejuvenates facial proportions
- Lifts corners of the mouth (in select cases)
- Creates a brighter, more youthful smile
- Delivers lasting, natural-looking results
With natural-looking, lasting results, a lip lift can transform not only your lips but your entire facial expression.
Filler vs. Lip Lift: Which Is Right for You?
Filler adds volume but can’t correct the underlying elongation of the upper lip. In fact, overfilling a sagging lip can cause a “duck-like” result.
A lip lift, on the other hand, physically shortens the lip and lifts it into a more youthful position. During your consultation, Dr. Balikian will evaluate whether a lip lift, filler, or a combination is best suited to your anatomy.
Lip Lift Before and After Gallery
Lip Lift Techniques
Dr. Balikian offers several types of lip lift procedures, and will recommend the best option based on your anatomy and goals:
- Subnasal “Bullhorn” Lip Lift – The most common technique, this lift involves a small incision hidden at the base of the nose. It shortens the philtrum (space between nose and lip) and rotates the upper lip upward for a more visible pink lip and natural fullness.
- Corner Lip Lift – Also known as a “grin lift,” this technique lifts downturned corners of the mouth to create a more cheerful, uplifted expression. Dr. Balikian may perform this in select patients with prominent drooping at the corners.
Each technique is thoughtfully chosen to create balanced, natural-looking enhancement while preserving your unique facial character.
Is the Muscle Cut During a Lip Lift?
Dr. Balikian does not cut or remove the orbicularis oris muscle during a lip lift. This is important because altering the lip muscle can lead to long term problems such as changes in speech, lip stiffness, an unnatural smile or nerve related complications.
Instead, he lifts the upper lip through the layers above the muscle. The technique involves elevating the skin, fat and the SMAS layer as a single unit. The SMAS is a natural fascia layer that glides over the muscle, allowing the lip to be lifted without disturbing the muscle fibers or their function.
This approach maintains lip strength, preserves normal movement, and protects the nerves that control expression. While every lip lift includes a scar hidden under the nose, avoiding muscle cutting greatly reduces the risk of long term functional issues and helps ensure a natural result.
Recovery After Lip Lift Surgery
Healing after a lip lift is typically smooth and straightforward.
What to Expect:
- Swelling and bruising for 7–10 days
- Sutures are removed after about 1 week
- Scarring fades well and is hidden at the base of the nose
- Most patients feel confident returning to normal activities within 1–2 weeks
Dr. Balikian helps his patients heal faster by offering an advanced light-based therapy that reduces inflammation and accelerates recovery, so you can enjoy your results sooner and with greater comfort.
Are You a Candidate for a Lip Lift?
A lip lift may be right for you if you want to refine the shape and balance of your upper lip in a way that looks natural and highlights your existing features.
You may be a good candidate for a lip lift if you:
- Are in good health
- Want more definition, shape, or balance in the upper lip
- Have an elongated philtrum
- Are seeking a subtle but meaningful enhancement
- Want a long lasting, natural result without overfilling
Whether your goal is a youthful restoration or improved facial harmony, Dr. Balikian tailors each plan to your unique anatomy.
Lip Lift Cost
The price of a lip lift varies based on the type of lift, surgical complexity and whether it is performed alongside other procedures.
Dr. Balikian will provide a detailed quote during your consultation. Financing options are available for your convenience.
Subnasal Lip Lift FAQs
What is a subnasal lip lift?
A subnasal lip lift shortens the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip to increase tooth show and reveal more of the natural pink lip. It refines proportion rather than adding bulk.
What does a lip lift improve most?
It increases upper tooth show, enhances the visible pink lip, and creates gentle lip eversion. This often restores youthful balance to the midface.
Where is the incision and how is the scar hidden?
The incision sits along the natural crease at the base of the nose. Careful design follows the curves of the nostrils to camouflage the scar. Scar care and sun protection help it mature well.
Will it make my nose look bigger?
Proper planning keeps nasal shape unchanged. The focus is on the upper lip and philtrum. The goal is balance without drawing attention to the nose.
Is a lip lift better than filler for me?
They do different things. A lip lift improves proportion and tooth show by shortening the philtrum. Filler adds volume. Many patients choose a small amount of filler later for fine shaping after the lift has healed.
Can I do a lip flip instead?
A neuromodulator lip flip can slightly roll the lip outward but does not shorten the philtrum or increase tooth show. It is temporary. A lip lift creates structural change.
How uncomfortable is recovery?
Most patients describe tightness more than pain. Over-the-counter medication or a short course of prescription medication is usually enough.
Will it change my smile or speech?
Temporary stiffness is common while swelling settles. Normal movement returns as healing progresses. The plan aims to preserve natural expression.
Can a lip lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes. It is often paired with facelift, eyelid surgery, facial fat grafting, or rhinoplasty to enhance overall harmony.
How long do results last?
Results are long-lasting. The face continues to age naturally, but the improved proportion of the upper lip remains.
Will I still be able to use filler after a lip lift?
Yes. If desired, conservative filler can be added after healing to refine shape. Timing is typically several weeks after surgery.
Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richard Balikian is a renowned facial plastic surgeon known for his dedication to patients throughout Southern California.
With more than two decades of experience and double board certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, he brings together surgical precision and an artist’s eye.
Dr. Balikian is among a select group of specialists whose advanced training is devoted entirely to procedures of the face and neck.
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The Balikian Experience
Patients choose Dr. Richard Balikian for precision facial procedures, personalized care and results that look naturally you.
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Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery: Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Tyler Frew, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon