Lip Lift in Bellevue & Kirkland
Procedure Time
6-8 hours
Recovery Time
5-7 days
Lip Lift in Bellevue & Kirkland, WA
As the face ages, the space between the base of the nose and the upper lip, known as the philtrum, naturally increases. This can make the upper lip appear thinner and alter the way the smile is perceived.
A lip lift offers a long-lasting enhancement by shortening the philtrum and elevating the upper lip. At Northwest Face & Body, our surgeons perform lip lifts with careful focus on anatomy, proportion, and subtlety. We prioritize results that look authentic and blend seamlessly with surrounding facial features.
What Is a Lip Lift?
A lip lift is a surgical procedure designed to elevate the position of the upper lip by removing a small strip of skin just below the nose or along specific lip borders, depending on the technique. By shortening the philtrum, the upper lip becomes more visible, enhancing the curvature, definition, and visibility of the pink lip.
It does not create an artificial appearance; instead, it restores the youthful proportions commonly associated with a naturally attractive upper lip.
Why Patients in Bellevue & Kirkland Consider a Lip Lift
People often seek lip lifts for different reasons, and the motivations often go deeper than cosmetic preference. Common reasons include:
- A naturally long philtrum: Some individuals have a longer distance between the nose and upper lip.
- An upper lip that disappears when smiling: When the lip curls inward or loses visibility during a smile, it can make expressions look less full or less expressive.
- Softened lip definition with age: As collagen decreases over time, the upper lip may lose shape and contour.
- Enhance lip appearance without fillers: Some patients want a lasting improvement without scheduling regular filler appointments.
Benefits of a Lip Lift
- More Visible Pink Lip: Lifting the lip reveals more of the natural vermillion (pink area), improving shape and definition.
- Improved Cupid’s Bow: The renewed elevation enhances the central lip contour, often making the Cupid’s bow appear more refined.
- More Expressive Smile: Shortening the philtrum helps show more upper teeth when smiling, creating a more youthful, engaging expression.
- Permanent Structural Change: Unlike fillers, a lip lift offers long-lasting enhancement without maintenance injections.
- Subtle, Natural Results: Patients maintain their natural lip character, just in a more balanced, proportionate way.
- Avoid Over-Filling: A lip lift does not add bulk; it repositions existing tissue for refined, harmonious improvement.
- Fixing Genetic Lip Issues: Some people are born with a longer space between the nose and upper lip or a softer upper lip curve. A lip lift can help improve balance and proportion in these cases.
- Correction of Previous Surgeries or Trauma: Injuries, accidents, or past cosmetic treatments can sometimes leave changes around the mouth. A lip lift can help correct these.
Types of Lip Lifts Offered at Northwest Face & Body
Lip lift procedures come in several variations, each designed to address specific anatomical features and aesthetic goals.
Bullhorn Lip Lift (Subnasal Lip Lift)
The bullhorn lip lift, also known as the subnasal lip lift, involves a bullhorn-shaped incision placed discreetly beneath the base of the nose. A small strip of skin is removed, allowing the upper lip to be lifted and the philtrum shortened. This technique enhances lip visibility, improves Cupid’s bow definition, and creates a more youthful smile.
Central Lip Lift
The central lip lift focuses specifically on the area directly beneath the nose and above the Cupid’s bow. Unlike the full bullhorn lift, this method targets only the central portion of the upper lip, creating more definition and increasing the visibility of the pink lip in the center.
Corner Lip Lift
A corner lip lift is designed to elevate the outer corners of the mouth, improving a naturally downturned or “frowning” resting expression. Through small incisions placed at the corners of the lips, a precise amount of skin is removed and the tissue is gently lifted. This technique softens a sad or tired appearance, creating a more neutral or pleasant expression at rest.
Direct Lip Lift (Gullwing Lip Lift)
The direct lip lift, also known as the gullwing lip lift, creates more visible upper lip height and stronger lip border definition. An incision is made along the vermillion border, allowing the surgeon to remove a thin strip of skin directly above the lip and lift it into a new position. This approach is ideal for patients who want sharper, more defined lip contours.
Italian Lip Lift
The Italian lip lift uses two separate incisions placed beneath each nostril to elevate the upper lip. Instead of lifting the entire lip at once, this technique focuses on enhancing the outer portions of the upper lip, creating gentle upward curvature while maintaining the central lip’s natural shape. It is well-suited for patients who want subtle refinement without altering the Cupid’s bow.
V-Y Lip Lift
A V-Y lip lift is performed through internal incisions inside the lip. Our surgeon creates a V-shaped incision and closes it in a Y configuration, advancing tissue forward to increase visible lip volume. This method enhances fullness without relying on fillers and leaves no external scars. It is ideal for patients who want more projection or height in their lips while maintaining natural softness.
Modified Lip Lift
The modified lip lift goes deeper than traditional approaches by addressing not only the skin but also underlying muscle and connective tissues. This comprehensive method offers greater control over lip position and shape, making it suitable for patients who need more structural support or correction of age-related changes.
During a consultation at Northwest Face & Body, our surgeon evaluates facial harmony, lip anatomy, skin quality, and overall proportions to determine the best lip lift technique for your goals.
What to Expect During the Lip Lift Procedure
- Outlines precise incision placement based on your proportions
- Removes a carefully measured strip of skin
- Elevates and positions the lip into its new alignment
- Closes the incision with fine sutures for optimal healing
Recovery & Aftercare
- Swelling and tightness are expected for the first few days.
- Sutures are typically removed within one week.
- Patients may return to work or social activities within 7–10 days.
- Final refinement continues for several weeks as the lip settles.
- Scars typically fade significantly over time, especially when positioned under the nose.
Why Choose Northwest Face & Body for Your Lip Lift?
- Deep experience in facial cosmetic surgery
- Emphasis on natural, balanced outcomes
- Personalized approach to each procedure
- Clear communication and thoughtful guidance
- Commitment to long-term facial harmony
Schedule a Lip Lift Consultation in Bellevue or Kirkland
A consultation at Northwest Face & Body allows you to explore which lip lift technique best aligns with your facial proportions and desired outcome. During this visit, our surgeon will assess your anatomy, discuss treatment options, and outline realistic expectations to support an informed and confident decision. Call us at (425) 671-1758 today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do lip lifts last?
A lip lift lasts longer than fillers because it repositions the upper lip rather than adding temporary volume. While natural aging continues, the improvement in lip shape and philtrum length is considered permanent.
How much do lip lifts cost?
Lip lift costs vary depending on the technique, surgeon experience, and geographic location. At Northwest Face & Body, a lip lift starts at $6995.
What does a lip lift do?
A lip lift shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip to create a more visible pink lip and enhance the shape of the Cupid’s bow. It provides structural improvement that makes the lip appear fuller and more defined.
What is the best age for a lip lift?
The best age for a lip lift is often 30s to 60s when the philtrum lengthens with age, but younger adults with naturally long philtrums may also benefit. It depends more on anatomy and goals than on a specific number.
Is a lip lift better than filler?
A lip lift provides a permanent change in lip position, while lip fillers offer temporary volume and hydration. Many patients choose a lip lift for lasting structural enhancement, and fillers can still be used afterward for added fullness if desired.
What is the difference between a lip flip and a lip lift?
The difference between lip flip and lip lift comes down to how they work. Lip flip uses neuromodulators, such as Botox, to relax the muscles around the upper lip, giving the appearance of slightly more lip show for a few months. A lip lift is a surgical procedure that permanently elevates the upper lip by shortening the philtrum, creating a more noticeable and lasting change.
Who is an ideal candidate for a lip lift?
An ideal candidate for a lip lift is someone with a long space between the nose and upper lip who wants a permanent improvement in lip shape.
Do I need to stop using lip fillers before undergoing a lip lift surgery?
Yes, our surgeons usually recommend letting lip fillers wear off before having a surgical lip procedure like a lip lift. Fillers can change the natural shape of the lips, which may affect how the surgery turns out. You might be asked to wait about 6 months before moving forward with a lip lift. Our surgeons will review your lips and provide guidance based on your specific situation.
Is a lip lift reversible? If I don’t like the results, can it be undone?
No. A lip lift is considered a permanent procedure and cannot be fully reversed. Because a small amount of skin is removed during surgery, returning the lips to their original state is not possible. This is why a detailed consultation with an experienced surgeon before the procedure is important to fully understand the expected results.
Will there be visible scarring?
Not always. It depends on the type of lip lift performed. A corner lip lift may leave small scars near the mouth corners, while a traditional lip lift places the scar under the nose, where it is less noticeable. With proper care, these scars usually fade over time.
What is the average cost of a lip lift surgery?
The cost of a lip lift surgery at NW Face & Body starts at $6,995. This is just an estimated price as the final cost will depend on the type of lip lift used, the complexity of procedure, and whether other procedures are combined.
Is the Procedure Painful?
A lip lift is performed with anesthesia, and most patients report mild discomfort during recovery.
What should I expect during my lip lift consultation?
A lip lift consultation at Northwest Face & Body includes a review of your medical history, current medications, and any allergies. It is also important to share details about past cosmetic or medical procedures.
Our surgeons will talk with you about your goals and what you hope to change. We will examine your lips, take measurements, and may take photographs for your medical record.
Can I continue taking my medication prior to a lip lift?
Before surgery, you will receive clear pre-op instructions from our surgeon to help you prepare safely. You will usually be asked to stop taking aspirin or other blood-thinning medications about two weeks before surgery, as they can increase bleeding.
If you smoke or vape, you will need to stop at least three weeks before surgery. If you have a history of cold sores, our surgeon may recommend starting medication to reduce the chances of an outbreak.
What happens during a lip lift procedure?
During a lip lift procedure, a small incision is typically made at the base of the nose. This shortens the space above the upper lip and gently lifts it into a more balanced position. A small, curved section of skin is removed and closed with stitches, which helps the upper lip appear more defined and fuller. This approach is sometimes called a subnasal lip lift.
In some cases, our surgeon may also use small incisions inside the lip or near the corners of the mouth. The exact method is chosen based on facial structure and the desired outcome.
How long does a lip lift take?
The time for a lip lift surgery varies from patient to patient. It may take as little as 30 minutes, or extend to 90 minutes or more. The average time is around an hour.
What can I expect during recovery following a lip lift?
You can expect swollen lips for about 10 days. Most of the remaining swelling goes down within two weeks.
You can apply makeup on your lips as directed by our surgeon, but the area under the nose should be avoided for 10 days. Most patients return to normal activities after two weeks, though the lips may feel firm for several weeks. Avoid sun exposure for at least 6 weeks to support proper healing.
How long does it take to fully recover?
To fully recover, most patients take about 7-10 days, but the final results will continue to improve over time.
What risks and complications can arise from a lip lift?
Possible risks and complications include uneven lip shape, more tooth show than expected, or temporary numbness. Scarring can sometimes be more noticeable, and infection is rare but possible. Our surgeon will perform the procedure with great care and attention to safety to minimize the chances of risks.
Will my insurance cover a lip lift?
Insurance does not typically cover a lip lift because it is considered a cosmetic procedure.
What lip lift office is near me?
If you live near Kirkland, WA, our surgeons at Northwest Face & Body offer lip lift services. We are conveniently located at 3100 Carillon Point, Kirkland, WA, 98033.