Lip Lift Introduction
The shape and position of the lips play a crucial role in how youthful, balanced, and expressive your face appears. As we age, the distance between the nose and upper lip can elongate, causing the lips to look thinner and less defined. A lip lift at Maryland Plastic Surgery offers a simple yet transformative way to restore youthful proportions, enhance the shape of the lips, and create a naturally fuller smile. Our board-certified surgeons, Dr. Adam Summers and Dr. Christopher Spittler, specialize in precision lip lift techniques designed to rejuvenate your look while maintaining your unique, natural beauty.
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip, known as the “philtrum.” By removing a small strip of skin and lifting the upper lip, this procedure reveals more of the pink part of the lip (vermillion), creating the appearance of fuller, more youthful lips without the need for fillers.
Unlike temporary injectable treatments, a lip lift offers a permanent improvement in lip shape, enhances the natural curvature of the lips, and can even improve tooth show when smiling. The goal is a subtle, elegant enhancement that revitalizes the entire lower face.
Different lip lift techniques may be used depending on your anatomy, goals, and the recommendations of your surgeon.
The most common type of lip lift, the bullhorn technique, involves making a discreet incision hidden along the natural crease beneath the nose. A small strip of skin is removed, and the upper lip is lifted and sutured into a higher position, enhancing both lip volume and contour.
For patients with downturned corners of the mouth, a corner lip lift may be recommended. This technique involves small incisions at the outer edges of the lips to lift the corners, creating a more youthful, pleasant resting expression.
Similar to the bullhorn lift but involving two smaller incisions beneath each nostril, the Italian lip lift offers a more conservative lift with minimal visible scarring. It’s ideal for patients who need a subtle enhancement rather than a dramatic change.
At Maryland Plastic Surgery & PURE MedSpa, Dr. Adam Summers and Dr. Christopher Spittler bring decades of experience and artistry to every cosmetic surgery they perform. Known for their precision and natural-looking results, both surgeons take a personalized approach—starting with an in-depth consultation to understand your goals and areas of concern. Whether you’re looking to lift sagging jowls, smooth deep lines, or restore youthful contours, Dr. Summers and Dr. Spittler are committed to helping you look like the best version of yourself. Their reputation for excellence and their dedication to patient satisfaction means you’ll be in the best hands—every step of the way.
A lip lift offers more than just fuller lips—it enhances the overall proportions of the face and restores youthful energy to your expression.
Benefits of a lip lift include:
Shortened distance between the nose and upper lip (improved facial balance)
Fuller, more youthful-looking upper lips without fillers
Enhanced definition of the Cupid’s bow and vermillion border
Greater tooth show when smiling
Improved corners of the mouth (when combined with a corner lift)
Permanent, natural-looking results
Minimal downtime and quick recovery
Ideal candidates for a lip lift are individuals who are looking to enhance their upper lip and restore youthful facial proportions without relying solely on injectable fillers.
You may be a good candidate for a lip lift if you:
Have an elongated space between your nose and upper lip
Feel that your upper lip appears thin or flattened
Desire more visible pink lip tissue and a more defined lip contour
Are in good general health and a non-smoker
Have realistic expectations for surgery and healing
Want a permanent, natural enhancement to the lips
During your consultation, Dr. Summers or Dr. Spittler will evaluate your facial proportions and discuss your aesthetic goals to determine the best technique for you.
LET’S GET YOU STARTED
On the day of your surgery at Maryland Plastic Surgery & PURE MedSpa, you’ll be welcomed into our state-of-the-art surgical suite by Dr. Summers, Dr. Spittler, and our experienced clinical team. Before your procedure begins, we’ll review your surgical plan with you once more — giving you a final opportunity to ask questions or share any last-minute thoughts. Our goal is to ensure you feel completely comfortable, confident, and cared for every step of the way.
A board-certified anesthesiologist will then administer the appropriate anesthesia, which will have been carefully selected and discussed during your consultation to ensure a pain-free, relaxed experience throughout your procedure.
Once your ideal results have been achieved, your surgeon will carefully close the incisions using advanced suturing techniques designed to support healing and minimize visible scarring. In some cases, a small drain may be placed to prevent fluid buildup and support a smoother recovery process.
Lip lift surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure at Maryland Plastic Surgery. The procedure typically takes about 45 minutes to one hour. You will receive local anesthesia with or without mild sedation to ensure your complete comfort.
Dr. Summers or Dr. Spittler will carefully mark the incision site beneath the nose, remove a small strip of skin, and gently lift the upper lip into its new, youthful position. Fine sutures are used to close the incision with precision, ensuring minimal scarring. After a brief recovery period in our office, you will be discharged to rest comfortably at home with detailed aftercare instructions.
Recovery after a lip lift is usually straightforward. Most patients experience mild swelling, tightness, and bruising in the upper lip area during the first week. Discomfort is typically minimal and can be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed medications.
Stitches are generally removed within 5 to 7 days, and most patients feel comfortable returning to work or social activities within 7 to 10 days. While minor redness or swelling may linger, it typically fades over several weeks. Makeup can usually be worn to camouflage healing areas after the initial recovery.
Final results become more visible as swelling subsides over the course of 6 to 8 weeks, revealing a beautifully balanced, youthful, and natural enhancement to the lips and lower face.
FAIR & TRANSPARENT PRICING
The cost of a lip lift at Maryland Plastic Surgery depends on the technique used and the specifics of your customized treatment plan. On average, patients can expect pricing to range from $3,500 to $5,500.
During your private consultation, Dr. Summers will perform a detailed evaluation, listen carefully to your goals, and design a customized treatment plan that best addresses your needs. Once your surgical plan is finalized, our Patient Coordinator will provide you with a personalized cost breakdown and discuss available financing options.
For your convenience, we proudly partner with trusted financing providers such as PatientFi, Alphaeon Credit, and CareCredit, making it easier to move forward with your procedure on terms that fit your budget. Whether you choose to pay upfront or through a flexible monthly plan, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
For general pricing estimates on our full range of services, we invite you to visit our Pricing Page.
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that physically shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip, lifting the lip into a more youthful, fuller position. It is permanent and addresses structural changes associated with aging. Lip fillers, on the other hand, add volume by injecting hyaluronic acid into the lips. Fillers are temporary, typically lasting 6 to 12 months, and primarily plump the lip rather than repositioning it. Many patients who seek natural-looking lip enhancement prefer a lip lift because it reshapes the lips without the risk of overfilled or “duck lips.”
The incision for a lip lift is carefully placed along the natural crease at the base of the nose, making it very discreet once healed. Early on, the scar may appear slightly pink or raised, but with time, proper scar care, and in some cases, laser treatments or scar gels, it typically fades into an inconspicuous line. Our surgeons take meticulous care during closure to minimize scar visibility and promote optimal healing.
Most patients are able to return to work or light activities within 7 to 10 days after a lip lift. Initial swelling and minor bruising are common but usually resolve within the first week. If your job involves significant public interaction and you are concerned about appearance during healing, planning for a slightly longer recovery window may be ideal.
Yes. Many patients choose to combine a lip lift with procedures such as facelift, neck lift, eyelid surgery, or non-surgical treatments like Botox® or dermal fillers. Combining procedures can create a more harmonious, youthful result across multiple areas of the face while also minimizing overall downtime.
A properly performed lip lift enhances your smile by revealing more of the upper teeth when smiling, restoring youthful vibrancy. It can also make the smile appear more proportionate and energetic without changing the natural shape or personality of your expression. Dr. Summers and Dr. Spittler take care to maintain your natural lip curvature and avoid any distortion.
As with any surgical procedure, lip lift surgery carries minor risks, including infection, asymmetry, poor wound healing, and unfavorable scarring. However, these risks are rare, particularly when the procedure is performed by experienced, board-certified surgeons. A detailed consultation, precise surgical technique, and careful post-operative care significantly minimize risks.
Temporary numbness or changes in sensation around the incision site are common immediately after surgery but usually resolve within a few weeks to a few months. Permanent loss of sensation is extremely rare when the procedure is performed correctly.
Age alone doesn’t determine candidacy for a lip lift. Some younger patients seek lip lifts to improve naturally long philtrum length or to enhance lip definition, while others pursue it as part of facial rejuvenation later in life. During your consultation, Dr. Summers or Dr. Spittler will help determine if this procedure aligns with your aesthetic goals.
Most patients describe the recovery as more uncomfortable than painful. Tightness, mild swelling, and sensitivity are expected during the first week. Pain is generally mild and well-managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or short-term prescription medication.
Results from a lip lift are considered permanent. While your face will continue to age naturally over time, the enhanced proportions and youthful positioning of the lip are maintained for many years. Maintaining good skincare habits and a healthy lifestyle will help preserve your results even longer.
Financing is available to ensure your dream results fit comfortably within your budget.
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