An upper lip lift surgery shortens the space between your nose and mouth, exposing more of your lip. This creates a fuller, more sensual look. Unlike fillers which are temporary this surgery permanently removes a strip of skin under your nose. This allows your upper lip to lift revealing a fuller Cupid’s bow, more teeth when you smile and a youthful feminine appearance. This outpatient procedure offers lasting results for women whose lips have thinned or who have a long philtrum. At The Collins Center, Dr. Beth Collins uses her extensive experience and understanding to ensure your lip lift enhances your natural beauty with precision.
Treatable Areas
- The philtrum (space between nose base and upper lip border)​
- Vermillion exposure (the amount of pink lip visible)​
- Cupid’s bow definition and shape
- Upper tooth visibility when smiling
- Downturned mouth corners affecting resting expression
- Vertical lip lines and smoker’s lines above the lip
- Overall lip-to-face proportion and balance
- Thin or aged-appearing upper lip contour
How Upper Lip Lift Works
The philtrum, the vertical groove between the nose and lip, naturally lengthens with age as collagen decreases and skin loses elasticity, leading to an inward roll of the upper lip and a thinner appearance, even without changes to the tissue itself. An upper lip lift reverses this by surgically removing a carefully measured section of skin just under the nose, where the incision lies discreetly within the natural crease. The precise amount removed is determined based on facial proportions, aesthetic goals, and principles of facial beauty.​
The procedure itself takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes and can be performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation, allowing you to remain comfortable while Dr. Collins works with meticulous precision. The predetermined strip of skin is removed, then the upper lip is carefully lifted and secured with dissolvable sutures placed within the nostril base, completely hidden. This surgery’s innovation lies in that shortening the vertical distance automatically rotates the lip outward, revealing more of the natural pink vermillion without using any foreign material or implants.
The technique employed goes beneath superficial layers to reposition the lip structure, minimizing tension on the incision line and optimizing healing for better scar concealment. Throughout the procedure, symmetry, Cupid’s bow definition, and tooth show are continuously assessed to ensure the outcome harmonizes with the smile and facial features. Most patients leave the surgical center the same day with minimal discomfort and return to social activities within 7 to 10 days.
Whether you need surgical precision, metabolic wellness, or non-surgical refinement, we look at the big picture. Let’s design a unified treatment plan that addresses your health and beauty under one roof.
Results You’ll Love
- A permanently fuller upper lip achieved through revealing your own natural tissue, not adding foreign material
- Increased pink lip exposure (vermillion show) that creates the sensual, youthful pout you desire
- A shortened philtrum that restores youthful facial proportions and harmony
- Enhanced Cupid’s bow definition for feminine lip contour and shape
- Greater upper tooth visibility when smiling, creating a brighter, more engaging expression
- Lifted mouth corners that replace a stern or sad resting face with approachable warmth​
- Smoothed vertical lines above the lip for a younger, fresher appearance​
- No ongoing maintenance appointments or repeat treatments—this transformation lasts for life
Are You a Candidate for Upper Lip Lift?
- Your upper lip has thinned or lengthened noticeably as you’ve aged
- You have a naturally long philtrum that creates facial imbalance​
- Your upper teeth barely show when you smile, creating an aged appearance
- Lip fillers have disappointed you with temporary, unnatural-looking, or lumpy results
- You want permanent lip enhancement without ongoing injections or maintenance
- Your lip rolls inward rather than displaying pink vermillion when relaxed
- You desire a solution that enhances rather than drastically changes your appearance
- You’re willing to undergo a minor surgical procedure for lasting improvement
Why Choose The Collins Center
- Double board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in facial aesthetics for over 25+ years. Dr. Collins has performed countless facial procedures, developing the artistic eye required to determine the perfect lip lift proportion for your unique features.​
- Fellowship-trained at Emory University in advanced cosmetic surgery techniques. Dr. Collins’ specialty training provides her with the technical expertise to execute this delicate procedure with precision and beautiful scar concealment.​
- Platinum-level Allergan injector recognized as an Expert Injector—top 3% nationwide. Dr. Collins’ injectable experience gives her unparalleled understanding of lip anatomy, proportions, and what creates natural-looking fullness. This experience has been passed on to her hand-picked team of expert injectors.
- Personal experience as a patient who has undergone cosmetic procedures herself. As a breast cancer survivor, Dr. Collins brings genuine empathy and firsthand understanding to every consultation, creating a uniquely compassionate surgical experience.​
- Comprehensive facial rejuvenation practice offering coordinated aesthetic solutions. From surgical procedures to laser treatments, injectables, and wellness programs, The Collins Center delivers complete care under physician-led oversight.
FAQs about Upper Lip Lift
How is a lip lift different from lip filler?
Lip filler adds volume by injecting hyaluronic acid beneath the skin, creating fullness that lasts 6 to 12 months before requiring repeat treatments. A lip lift surgically shortens the philtrum and rotates your lip upward, permanently revealing more of your natural pink lip surface without adding bulk. For patients with a long upper lip, fillers can actually worsen the problem by weighing the lip down further.
Where is the incision placed and will it be visible?
Dr. Collins places the incision directly beneath your nose within the natural crease where your nostrils meet your face. This location provides excellent camouflage as the scar heals, making it virtually undetectable even upon close inspection. The scar continues fading for months after surgery, becoming increasingly inconspicuous.
How long does recovery take after upper lip lift surgery?
Most patients experience swelling and mild tightness for the first few days, managed easily with over-the-counter pain medication. You can typically return to work and social activities within 7 to 10 days, though residual swelling may take several weeks to completely resolve. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, allowing you to go home the same day.
Will a lip lift make me look unnatural or overdone?
Not when performed by an experienced facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Collins. The key lies in removing the appropriate amount of skin based on your facial proportions and aesthetic goals. Dr. Collins customizes every lip lift to create a natural-looking enhancement that reveals your beauty rather than creating an artificial appearance.
Can an upper lip lift fix a gummy smile?
Yes, in some cases. A lip lift can reduce the amount of gum tissue visible when you smile by limiting how high your upper lip elevates. However, gummy smile has multiple causes, and Dr. Collins will assess whether a lip lift alone will achieve your desired outcome or if additional treatments might be beneficial.
How much does an upper lip lift cost?
The cost varies based on your specific surgical plan, anesthesia type, and facility fees. During your consultation, Dr. Collins will provide a detailed cost estimate tailored to your needs. Unlike fillers requiring ongoing appointments, a lip lift is a one-time investment that provides permanent results.
Can I combine an upper lip lift with other facial procedures?
Absolutely. Many patients combine lip lift with facelift, eyelid surgery, or other facial rejuvenation procedures to achieve comprehensive transformation in one surgery and recovery period. Dr. Collins will discuss which combinations best serve your aesthetic vision during your personalized consultation.
Stop settling for temporary solutions and embrace permanent beauty. Book your consultation with Dr. Collins at our Guilford or Mystic, CT locations and explore your lip lift possibilities.
