Many people feel that their upper lip looks too long, flat, or hides their teeth when they smile. This can create an unbalanced look and make expressions appear less youthful. The issue is often not lip volume, but lip proportion and positioning. A Lip Lift, also known as Upper Lip Shortening Surgery, is designed to restore youthful balance, enhance the smile, and highlight natural beauty without looking overdone.
Under the care of double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Philip Young, patients can achieve a natural yet refined result that enhances overall facial harmony.
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the distance between your upper lip and the base of your nose. By carefully removing a thin strip of skin just beneath the nostrils, the lip is lifted upward and outward. This exposes more of your upper teeth when you smile, creating a more youthful and defined appearance.
Unlike temporary lip fillers, which only add volume, a lip lift surgery permanently changes the position of your lip itself. This makes it an ideal long-term solution for those seeking lasting improvement.
This cosmetic lip surgery is particularly effective for individuals who have:
People choose upper lip shortening surgery for several compelling reasons:
The goal is always natural enhancement that highlights your best features while maintaining facial harmony.
Choosing a lip lift procedure offers numerous advantages:
Lifting the upper lip exposes more of your teeth when smiling, instantly restoring a more youthful appearance.
Unlike lip fillers that fade every 6-12 months, a lip lift delivers long-lasting improvement that doesn't require repeated treatments.
Provides a refined, balanced appearance without the artificial "overfilled" look that sometimes occurs with excessive fillers.
Shortens the upper lip for better balance with surrounding facial features, creating overall aesthetic harmony.
Patients consistently report feeling more attractive and self-assured after their lip lift surgery.
Offers a permanent alternative to frequent and costly lip injections.
“My goal was to find a method to bring back a person’s natural youthfulness without the operated, unnatural look and that is why I have my patients bring in photos of them when they were age 5 to 30. My YoungVitalizer helps restore natural and youthful contours they haven’t seen in years.”
—Dr. Philip Young, Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
Yes. Lip lift surgery is considered very safe when performed by an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon. The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia with light sedation, making it minimally invasive with a quick recovery.
Most patients experience only mild swelling and bruising during the first week. Scarring is minimal and strategically hidden at the base of the nose where it blends naturally with existing creases. Dr. Young's precise surgical technique minimizes risks and ensures natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Several lip lift techniques can be used depending on your anatomy and desired outcome:
The most common and effective approach. A strip of skin is removed beneath the nose in a curved "bullhorn" pattern to lift the entire upper lip. This technique provides the most dramatic and natural-looking results.
Elevates the corners of the mouth for patients with downturned lips or a naturally sad expression. This creates a softer, more approachable, and youthful smile.
Involves two small incisions beneath the nostrils to lift primarily the central portion of the lip (the "cupid's bow") while minimizing visible scarring.
Some patients benefit from combining a lip lift with dermal fillers, Botox, or other facial rejuvenation procedures for comprehensive, harmonious results.
By carefully selecting the right technique, Dr. Young delivers results that enhance your natural beauty while maintaining perfect balance and proportion.
Dr. Young is a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon with advanced credentials and specialized training in aesthetic facial surgery.
He developed the acclaimed "Circles of Prominence" theory of facial beauty, which guides his approach to natural, balanced, and harmonious outcomes.
With decades of focused practice in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Young has refined advanced lip lift techniques to achieve consistently excellent results.
Dr. Young combines exceptional surgical skill with an artistic eye, creating results that are both beautiful and functional.
From your initial consultation through complete recovery, Dr. Young provides personalized care, detailed guidance, and ongoing support.
Recovery from lip lift surgery is typically quick and straightforward:
The incision at the base of the nose heals exceptionally well and becomes nearly invisible over time.
Upper lip lift surgery is more than a cosmetic enhancement—it's a transformative procedure that restores youthful definition, improves facial proportions, and enhances your natural beauty in a permanent way. Unlike temporary treatments such as fillers, a lip lift repositions your upper lip for lasting improvement and a naturally elegant result.
Dr. Philip Young brings decades of expertise, artistry, and innovation to every lip lift procedure. By customizing techniques for each patient, he ensures results that highlight your individuality while restoring balance and harmony to your face.
Call now on (425) 990-3223 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Philip Young today and discover how upper lip lift surgery can enhance your smile and boost your confidence.
Anyone with a long upper lip, thinning lips due to aging, minimal tooth show when smiling, or patients seeking permanent results instead of temporary fillers may be an excellent candidate for lip lift surgery.
Most patients return to normal activities within one week. Swelling improves quickly, and final results continue to refine over the following 2-3 months.
The incision is strategically placed at the base of the nose where it blends with natural creases. Scars typically fade significantly and become almost invisible within several months.
Lip fillers add temporary volume but don't reposition the lip or shorten the upper lip length. A lip lift permanently shortens the upper lip, improves lip shape, and enhances facial proportions. Results are permanent and don't require ongoing maintenance.
Yes. Many patients combine lip lifts with facelifts, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, or non-surgical treatments like Botox and dermal fillers for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Costs vary based on technique, geographic location, and surgeon expertise. During your consultation, Dr. Young will provide detailed pricing information tailored to your specific treatment plan.
You'll notice an immediate improvement after surgery, with results continuing to refine as swelling subsides over the next 2-3 months. The results are permanent and long-lasting.
Patient Reviews
Cards From Patients
Share Your Story