Case Study 22: Lip Lift to Shorten a Long Upper Lip

Case summary

• Patient: 36-year-old woman from the United Kingdom

• Procedure: surgical lip lift (subnasal "bullhorn" lip lift)

• Surgeon: Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas, Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas Clinic, Istanbul

• Goal: a shorter upper lip, a little more visible pink lip and upper teeth, and a youthful mouth

The patient's concerns

This patient was bothered by the large space between the base of her nose and her upper lip. A long upper lip (a long philtrum) covers the upper teeth at rest, flattens the red part of the lip and can make the face look older, because the lip naturally lengthens with age. Fillers can add volume but cannot shorten the lip, so a surgical lip lift was the appropriate solution.

What is a lip lift?

A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the distance between the nose and the upper lip. By removing a precisely measured strip of skin beneath the nose, the upper lip is rolled slightly upward and outward. The result is a shorter philtrum, more visible vermilion (the pink part of the lip), a little upper tooth show at rest and a more youthful, defined mouth.

What was done

The procedure was carried out as an outpatient operation; a lip lift can be performed under local or general anaesthesia depending on its complexity and the patient’s preference. A strip of skin was marked in the shape of a gentle "bullhorn" along the natural crease at the base of the nose, then removed, and the lip was lifted and sutured in layers so that tension is carried by the deeper tissue rather than the skin. This layered closure is essential for a fine, well-hidden scar along the nostril sill. The amount removed was calculated carefully to avoid over-shortening, which would make the lip look unnatural or expose too much of the teeth.

Result

The patient's upper lip is shorter and more shapely, with more visible lip and a fresher, more youthful mouth, while the scar sits hidden in the shadow of the nose.

Recovery

Swelling and tightness are normal in the first week and stitches are removed at around five to seven days. The scar is pink at first and fades over three to six months; most patients can cover it with make-up within two weeks.

• 

• 

• 

Frequently asked questions

Is a lip lift permanent?

Yes. Unlike fillers, the shortening is permanent, although natural ageing continues.

Will the scar be visible?

In most patients, the scar sits in the nostril sill crease and becomes very difficult to see once healed.

Can a lip lift be combined with rhinoplasty?

Often, yes; the nose and lip are planned together for balance. See the rhinoplasty page.

Next step

View more on the case studies page or contact Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas Clinic for a consultation with Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas.

How long does the lip lift scar take to fade?

It sits in the shadow at the base of the nose and usually fades within six to twelve months.

Can a lip lift be combined with filler?

Yes. The lift shortens the distance between nose and lip and shows more of the upper teeth, while filler adds volume — they solve different problems and are often planned together.

Who is a good candidate for a lip lift?

Patients with a long distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip, little tooth show at rest, and a thin upper lip that filler alone cannot balance.

---

About the author

Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas is a European Board-certified plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon based in Istanbul with over 20 years of experience, author of Rhinoplasty in Practice (CRC Press) and founder of the Closed Atraumatic Rhinoplasty Course. Read verified patient reviews or book a consultation.

This article is for general information and does not replace an individual medical consultation.