Upper Lip Lift: How to Restore a Youthful Smile

A smile can transform the expression on the face. However, over time, the upper lip tends to lengthen and partially cover the teeth, causing the smile to lose its freshness.

The upper lip lift, it is a surgical procedure that seeks shorten the distance between the base of the nose and the lip, restoring balance, youth and naturalness to the middle third of the face.

Dr. Richer, a specialist in facial rejuvenation, believes that this procedure is not limited to beautifying the lips, but rather restores the overall harmony of the smile, always maintaining the authenticity of the face.

What is an upper lip lift?

The upper lip lift It is a minor cosmetic surgery than shorten the filtrum (the distance between the nose and the upper lip) for gently raise the edge of the lip. This shows a larger portion of the pink fabric —the so-called vermilion—, achieving a more expressive and rejuvenated appearance.

According to the Dr. Richer, this intervention seeks to highlight the natural beauty of the face, without relying on fillers or temporary treatments. Its effect is structural, long-lasting and perfectly balanced with the rest of the facial features.

Benefits of an Upper Lip Lift

Beyond the aesthetic change, this procedure offers real benefits In the facial proportion and emotional expression:

• Restore a youthful Smile by shortening the filtrum and showing more of the upper teeth.
  
  
• Improves lip definition and enhances Cupid's bow.
  
  
• It provides naturalness, without altering the patient's own traits.
  
  
• Correct lip loss What happens with aging.
  
  
• Enhance facial harmony, especially when combined with other procedures such as facelifting or blepharoplasty.
  
  

The result, as highlighted by the Dr. Richer, is a face that looks fresh, more expressive and balanced, with no evidence of surgery.

Differences from other lip treatments

The upper lip lift is not designed to increase volume. Its goal is to reposition and reshape the upper lip, which makes it very different from hyaluronic acid fillers or the popular Lip Flip with botulinum toxin.

Unlike these non-surgical treatments, the upper lip lift is a surgical procedure with permanent results. Its main purpose is to elevate the upper lip and shorten the philtrum, creating a more harmonious and youthful appearance.
By comparison:

• Lip fillers are non-surgical, last 6–12 months, and focus on adding temporary volume.
• The lip flip is also non-surgical, lasts 3–4 months, and works by relaxing the muscle to slightly project the lip.

According to Dr. Richer, the key advantage of the lip lift is that it does not rely on artificial volume. Instead, it offers a true anatomical improvement, resulting in a natural and long-lasting smile.

Techniques most used in upper lip lifting

Every face requires an individualized approach. For this reason, the Dr. Richer Select the most appropriate technique according to the anatomy, the distance of the filtrum and the projection of the lip.

Bullhorn or subnasal technique

The most common and versatile. A small incision is made just below the base of the nose, in the shape of a “bull's horn”. This technique raise your lip in a balanced way and perfectly conceals the scar in the natural fold.

Ideal for those who want a moderate and natural correction, showing more of the vermilion without exaggerating the expression.

Italian technique

It consists of two small incisions under each nostril, rather than a single continuous line. This reduce tension on the skin and healing improves. It offers a symmetric lift and a very discreet result.

Central technique

It elevates only the middle part of the lip, highlighting the Cupid's bow. It is ideal for patients with flat or poorly defined lips in the central area, and produces a subtle improvement without affecting the sides.

Direct technique or Gullwing

It involves an incision just on the edge of the lip, removing a minimal strip of skin to enhance the vermilion line. It offers precise definition, although the scar is more visible, so it is recommended only in specific cases or as a complement to other treatments.

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Dr. Richer's approach: precision and naturalness

In the philosophy of Dr. Richer, the art of a lip lift lies not only in shortening the skin, but in understand the full facial ratio. Every face is unique, and every millimeter of adjustment can make the difference between a natural and an artificial result.

Every millimeter matters. An excess may alter the expression and give a forced appearance, while an insufficient correction may not achieve the desired balance. Therefore, planning the procedure requires precision and a comprehensive aesthetic vision.

Before surgery, the Dr. Richer Carefully analyze the relationship between the nose, lips and chin, as well as the dental exposure when smiling (Tooth Show), the Cupid's bow shape and the general symmetry of the face. These details allow the intervention to be customized according to the anatomy and natural expression of each patient.

Dr. Richer Assure that the upper lip lift It is part of a harmonic ensemble within the facial rejuvenation, and not as an isolated surgery. This comprehensive approach guarantees results coherent, natural and durable, where every element of the face contributes to a fresh and more balanced expression.

How is the procedure performed?

Personalized consultation and planning

During the initial evaluation, facial proportions and patient expectations are analyzed. Dr. Richer spend time explaining the technique, post-operative care and possible outcomes, always prioritizing safety and satisfaction.

Anesthesia and duration

The upper lip lift is performed with local anesthesia, without the need for hospitalization. The surgery lasts between 45 and 90 Minutes, and the patient can return home the same day.

Procedure steps

1. Marking of the incision area under the nasal base.
   
   
2. Precise removal of a small strip of skin
   
   
3. Repositioning and fine suturing with maximum precision.
   
   

The initial result can be seen immediately, although the final form is consolidated after a few weeks.

Recovery and post-operative care

The retrieval after an upper lip lift it is usually fast and well tolerated. During the first few days, it's normal to experience a slight swelling or a feeling of tightness, which can be easily controlled with mild medication and basic care.

Dr. Richer recommends following some simple measures to promote proper healing and obtain optimal results. It's important avoid sweeping gestures or strenuous exercise for the first 10 to 14 days, since excessive movement could affect the healing area.

It is also recommended sleep with your head slightly Raised to reduce swelling and improve circulation. Maintaining proper hygiene is also essential: they must apply antibiotic ointments And clean the area gently following the instructions of the specialist.

During the first month, it is essential avoid direct sun exposure, since UV rays can alter the pigmentation of the scar. The sutures are removed between the fifth and seventh day, and the tissue begins to settle down progressively.

In most cases, The scar is practically invisible thanks to its strategic location under the base of the nose. After three or four weeks, the smile regains its natural freshness and youthful expression, reflecting the balance and harmony that characterize the results of Dr. Richer.

Results: naturalness and youth

The results of the upper lip lift are durable and subtle. The lip looks shorter, more defined and curved, with a more open and balanced smile.

Unlike fillers, the effect does not disappear over time, since this is a structural correction. Over the months, the tissue settles, and the facial expression is fully integrated with the rest of the face.

The patients of the Dr. Richer They usually highlight that their smile shines more cheerful and natural, with no obvious signs of surgical intervention.

Duration and maintenance of results

The upper lip lift offers permanent results, although the natural aging process can continue to change the skin over the years. Maintaining good hydration, sun protection and avoiding smoking help preserve the result in the long term.

Some patients, over time, choose small tweaks or combinations with other treatments, such as fine fillers or facelifting, to further enhance global harmony.

Investment needed for lasting results

The upper lip lift represents an investment in harmony and personal trust. In Latin American countries, this procedure usually offers an excellent quality/cost ratio, especially when compared to the higher prices handled in Europe or the United States.

This difference allows patients to access highly qualified surgeons, like the Dr. Richer, and get international-level results with a more accessible investment. In addition, clinics specializing in facial rejuvenation in the region combine advanced technology, personalized care and first-rate medical standards, providing a safe and comfortable experience.

Beyond the economic aspect, what is really important is trust a certified surgeon, with an artistic vision and comprehensive approach, able to offer natural, balanced and long-lasting results that respect the individuality of each face.

Upper Lip Lift FAQs

What results can be expected before and after the upper lip lift?

After surgery, the lip appears shorter, with better definition and a more visible smile. Dr Richer highlights that the final results are seen when inflammation decreases, between 4 and 6 weeks.

Is the procedure painful?

No. It is performed under local anesthesia and the patient does not feel pain during surgery. Subsequent discomfort is mild and is easily controlled with common pain relievers.

How long does full recovery last?

Most patients return to normal activities within a week. The final result and scar maturation stabilize in about 3 months.

What risks or complications can there be?

Like all surgery, there are minimal risks: bruises, asymmetries or visible scarring. However, in the hands of a certified facial surgeon Like the Dr. Richer, complications are very rare.

Who are good candidates for this procedure?

People who have a long upper lip, to smile that shows little of the teeth or who wants a result natural and permanent without relying on fillers.

A Subtle Change with Immediate Impact

The upper lip lift it is a simple but powerful intervention, capable of rejuvenate the smile and restore harmony to the face. When done with the precision and aesthetic vision of Dr. Richer, the results are natural, balanced and long-lasting.

More than a change in the lips, this procedure represents an improvement in expression and personal confidence, reflecting the true spirit of facial rejuvenation: harmony, authenticity and natural beauty.