Face & Neck
Lift

Transform Your Smile With Surgical Precision

Countless hours spent perfecting your lip color with liner and gloss, yet something still feels off. For many, the real issue isn't about volume — it's about the position and proportion of the upper lip itself. A surgical lip lift at PURE Plastic Surgery addresses what injectable fillers cannot, creating lasting definition and youthful proportions that enhance your natural beauty.

What to Expect During Your Lip Lift

Compared to other facial surgeries, a lip lift is a relatively minor procedure, typically performed in an outpatient setting using local anesthesia. Once the area is numb, Dr. Vidal will make an incision along the underside of the nose and a small amount of tissue will be removed to shorten the philtrum. The skin is then anchored to the tissues at the base of the nose, elevating the upper lip.

Depending on your concerns, incisions may also be made at the corners of the mouth to draw the edges upward or beneath the lower lip to enhance its shape and curvature. During your consultation, our team will discuss the techniques available for achieving your goals. 

A lip lift takes an hour or less to complete, and you’ll be free to return home afterward. You will be given detailed aftercare instructions — including what to expect as the area heals — to ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible results. If you have any questions or concerns, our team will be available to address them so you feel supported from start to finish.

Lip Lift Recovery

After your lip lift, you can expect some swelling, bruising and mild discomfort around the incision sites. These symptoms tend to peak within the first few days before gradually subsiding. Most patients take a week or so off from work and social activities while the initial healing takes place. During this time, you'll need to sleep with your head elevated and avoid strenuous activities that could strain the treatment area.

Your sutures will be removed after about five to seven days, at which point any residual tightness or numbness should begin to improve. While you may feel self-conscious about speaking or smiling during the early stages of recovery, these movements won't affect your results. Dr. Vidal will provide specific instructions about oral hygiene, eating and drinking during your recovery to ensure proper healing.

Nonsurgical Lip Lift Alternatives

While a surgical lip lift provides the most dramatic and long-lasting results, several nonsurgical options can enhance the appearance of your lips. Dermal fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane can add temporary volume and definition, lasting six to 18 months before touch-ups are needed. Botox or Dysport can also create a subtle lifting effect by relaxing the muscles around the mouth; this procedure is typically referred to as a lip flip.

These alternatives primarily address volume rather than lip position or philtrum length. If you're concerned about the distance between your nose and upper lip or want to improve the visibility of your upper teeth when smiling, a surgical lip lift remains the most effective solution.