Lip Lift
As we age, the distance between the base of the nose and the vermilion border of the upper lip tends to lengthen, often hiding the teeth and causing the lip to roll inward. Dr. Noah Sands offers the subnasal bullhorn lip lift as a definitive solution for patients seeking to reverse this "lengthening" effect. By applying his double board-certified surgical precision, Dr. Sands removes a meticulously measured amount of skin to lift the lip, increase tooth show, and enhance the "cupid’s bow." This is a safe harbor for those who desire a permanent, structural alternative to the temporary cycle of dermal fillers.
Shorten the philtrum and increase the visibility of the upper lip
Subnasal "bullhorn" incision hidden in the natural shadow of the nose
Typically 60 to 90 minutes
7 to 10 days for social readiness; sutures removed at one week
A lip lift is a permanent surgical procedure that addresses the vertical height of the upper lip area. Unlike fillers, which add volume to the soft tissue, a lip lift modifies the underlying proportions of the face. By reducing the space between the nose and the lip—known as the philtrum—the upper lip is gently "everted," or rolled outward.
The purpose of the procedure is to restore the youthful "Golden Ratio" of the face. This repositioning exposes more of the pink vermilion tissue and increases "incisal show," the amount of teeth visible when the mouth is slightly open or during a smile. At our Beverly Hills practice, Dr. Sands utilizes advanced deep-plane techniques to ensure the lift is supported by the underlying tissue, preventing tension on the skin and allowing the scar to mature into near-invisibility.
Your procedure takes place in our private, accredited surgical suite on Roxbury Drive. Most lip lifts are performed comfortably under local anesthesia, though sedation is available for those who prefer it. Dr. Sands begins by precisely marking the "bullhorn" shaped incision at the base of the nostrils, following the natural curves of the nose to camouflage the eventual scar.
Once the area is numb, Dr. Sands removes the pre-determined excess skin and secures the deeper muscle layers to provide a lasting, tension-free lift. The skin is then closed with microscopic sutures, executed with the fastidious attention to detail that defines Dr. Sands' academic pedigree. The entire process is efficient and focused, allowing you to return home shortly after the procedure with a cold compress and a comprehensive aftercare plan.
A lip lift is designed to correct specific structural concerns that contribute to an aged or "heavy" lower face. By shortening the vertical distance of the upper lip, the procedure treats:
The primary focus is the subnasal region and the upper lip. However, because the procedure changes the "hang" of the mouth, it also subtly improves the appearance of the nasolabial folds and the overall youthful projection of the mid-face.
The primary benefit of a lip lift is a permanent, structural rejuvenation that fillers simply cannot replicate. Patients enjoy a more "lifted" and cheerful resting expression, as the procedure eliminates the flattened appearance of an aging mouth. Because the volume increase comes from your own tissue being repositioned rather than an external gel, the results are soft, mobile, and authentic. Furthermore, the increased tooth show provides an immediate "smile makeover" effect, making the face appear younger and more approachable.
Ideal candidates are adults who feel their upper lip is too long or that their smile has become "hidden." It is a distinguished choice for patients who have noticed that filler makes their upper lip look heavy or "muzzled" rather than lifted. Candidates should have a sufficient distance between the nose and lip (typically 15mm or more) to ensure a natural result. Dr. Sands will perform a detailed facial analysis to ensure that a lip lift will harmonize with your nose and chin proportions.
Recovery from a lip lift requires approximately one week of social downtime. You will experience swelling and some tightness in the upper lip area for the first few days, which is managed with ice and elevated rest. Sutures are typically removed on day five or seven. While the incision site will be slightly pink for a few weeks, it is easily camouflaged with concealer once the skin has closed. Dr. Sands provides a specialized scar management protocol to ensure the subnasal incision heals into a fine, discreet line.
The initial results are visible almost immediately, though final refinement occurs as the swelling fully dissipates over three to six months. Patients will notice a more defined cupid's bow, a shorter philtrum, and a naturally voluminous upper lip that stays in place even when talking or smiling. These results are permanent, though the face will continue to age naturally. Most patients find that a lip lift provides such a significant improvement that they can reduce or entirely eliminate their use of lip fillers.
Dr. Noah Sands treats the lip lift as a high-stakes procedure where millimeters matter. With a decade of academic experience at Mount Sinai, he has an elite understanding of the delicate transition between the nose and mouth. He prioritizes the "hidden" incision, ensuring that your results are distinguished by what people don't see — a surgical scar. Choosing Dr. Sands means trusting your smile to a double board-certified specialist who balances technical rigor with a boutique patient experience.
Dr. Sands uses a "bullhorn" incision that sits in the natural crease where the nose meets the lip. When performed with his microscopic suturing technique, the scar typically heals into a very fine, faint line that is nearly impossible to detect.
A "lip flip" uses Botox to temporarily relax the muscle and roll the lip out, lasting only about 6–8 weeks. A lip lift is a permanent surgical procedure that repositions the tissue.
Yes. Many patients find they no longer need fillers, but for those who want additional pout, fillers can safely be used once the surgical site has completely healed.
A properly performed lip lift should not change the shape of your nose. Dr. Sands uses deep-plane anchoring to ensure the tension is on the underlying tissue, not on the base of the nose.
Under local anesthesia, the procedure is painless. Postoperatively, most patients report a feeling of tightness or "fullness" rather than sharp pain, which is well managed with standard recovery protocols.
