The Intricacies of the Lip Lift
There are certain facial refinements that feel quietly transformative—procedures that don’t announce themselves, but instead restore something you didn’t realize had changed. A well-executed lip lift is one of the best examples of that.
It is a precise, high-impact procedure designed to reduce an elongated philtral distance, restore youthful upper lip proportion, and improve tooth show in a way that reads natural rather than “done.” When performed thoughtfully, a lip lift doesn’t change who you are—it simply brings the upper lip back into harmony with the rest of the face.
Why the Upper Lip Changes Over Time
A common misconception is that lips only age by losing volume. In reality, one of the most important—and often overlooked—changes is lengthening of the philtrum, the vertical space between the base of the nose and the upper lip (vermilion border).
Over time, this distance can elongate subtly, causing the upper lip to appear:
thinner (even if volume is technically still present),
flatter and less defined,
less projected,
less expressive,
and “heavier” or more aged in the midface.
The result is not necessarily an unattractive face—often it’s simply a face that looks less fresh, less feminine, and less balanced than it once did.
What a Lip Lift Actually Does
A lip lift restores proportion by shortening the space between the base of the nose and the upper lip, which can:
re-establish a more youthful upper lip-to-midface relationship
increase upper tooth show in a natural way
enhance Cupid’s bow definition and upper lip shape
improve lip “presence” without adding filler
bring lightness and femininity back to the lower midface
This is why lip lifts often photograph so beautifully when done correctly—because they impact facial balance, not just lip size.
The “Natural” Lip Lift: What That Really Means
The most important principle I emphasize is this:
A lip lift should never look like a lip lift.
Patients should not look over-lifted, exaggerated, overly toothy, or as though the mouth has been pulled upward. The goal is a result that appears effortless and timeless, as though your facial proportions were simply always meant to look this way.
A lip lift is not about drama. It’s about refinement.
My Signature Approach: Conservative, Anatomy-Driven, and Scar-Centered
A lip lift may look small in scope, but it is deceptively intricate. Millimeters matter. Symmetry matters. And scar quality matters—immensely.
My approach is:
conservative and anatomy-driven, never aggressive
centered on scar quality and long-term elegance
designed to preserve natural proportion, softness, and expression
This is not a procedure where “more lift” means “better result.” In fact, excessive lifting is one of the quickest routes to an unnatural outcome.
Scar Strategy Is Everything
One of the most important technical aspects of a lip lift is how the incision is designed and how it heals.
The ideal incision plan:
hides within natural shadows,
respects the contours of the base of the nose,
avoids conspicuous external markings,
and heals so discreetly that it does not distract from the result.
The scar should never be the headline. The entire point is for the lip to look beautiful—without anyone noticing the surgical work behind it.
Two Techniques: Scarless Internal vs. External Precision
Not every face needs the same approach. Patient selection determines everything.
1) Scarless Internal Lip Lift (in carefully selected patients)
For the right candidate, an internal technique may offer meaningful refinement without an external scar. This approach can be ideal for patients who need a subtle adjustment and have favorable anatomy.
2) Meticulous Transcolumellar-Only Lip Lift (when external is needed)
When an external approach is necessary, I favor a highly refined transcolumellar-only technique—a strategy that prioritizes discretion and minimizes visible scarring.
This is not about “just removing skin.” It is about:
incision placement,
tension control,
symmetry management,
and sculpting the lift so it looks elegant rather than surgical.
What Makes a Lip Lift Look “Done” (and How We Avoid It)
The most common mistakes happen when the procedure is treated as a simple mechanical adjustment rather than an aesthetic operation.
Results can look unnatural when:
the lift is excessive,
the Cupid’s bow is distorted,
the nostrils or base of the nose are pulled unnaturally,
the incision is poorly planned,
or symmetry is not respected down to the millimeter.
My goal is always:
refined tooth show (not too much),
improved lip shape (not “pulled”),
better proportion (not a different face),
and a result that holds up beautifully long-term.
Who Is a Great Candidate?
A lip lift may be an exceptional option for patients who:
feel the upper lip looks long or “aged”
want more tooth show and lip definition without volume
have tried filler but still feel the upper lip looks heavy or stretched
want a structural improvement rather than temporary camouflage
For many patients, the lip lift is the missing piece—because it restores architecture, not just fullness.
The Bottom Line
A lip lift is not a trend-driven procedure. When done properly, it is one of the most elegant and proportion-restoring operations in facial aesthetics.
It is a precise enhancement designed to re-balance the relationship between the midface and mouth, subtly restoring femininity, freshness, and facial harmony.
My philosophy remains the same:
conservative, anatomy-driven refinement, meticulous attention to symmetry and Cupid’s bow definition, and an incision strategy designed to heal discreetly within natural shadows.
The goal is never to look “done.”
The goal is to look like yourself—only more proportionate, refreshed, and timeless.
Appointment Inquiries
For inquiries and appointments, please email appointments at appointments@laradevganmd.com or call 212-452-2400. You may also use the following button to schedule an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you!
