lip lift • MÁLAGA
The relationship between the nose, upper lip and smile influences the entire facial expression
When the upper lip is long, or when little of the vermilion and teeth is visible when smiling, the central part of the face may appear different. An assessment allows these proportions to be examined and helps determine whether lip lift surgery may be appropriate.
upper lip proportions
The lip cannot be considered in isolation
How the upper lip looks depends on its relationship with the base of the nose, the vermilion, the teeth and the movement of the smile. There is no ideal length or degree of exposure that applies equally to every face.
For some people, the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip border is greater than is proportionate to their features. For others, the most noticeable difference relates to vermilion show, tooth visibility or the dynamics of their smile.
Assessing whether a lip lift is appropriate therefore involves more than measuring lip length. It also means understanding which aspect of these relationships is influencing the appearance of the area around the mouth.
CUTANEOUS UPPER LIP
The area of skin between the nasal base and the border of the upper vermilion. Its length contributes to the proportions of the lower third of the face.
VERMILION
The amount of visible red lip depends on the anatomy of the lip itself and its relationship with the surrounding structures.
TOOTH SHOW
The amount of the upper front teeth visible at rest and when smiling forms part of the assessment, alongside upper lip movement.
SMILE DYNAMICS
Movement of the upper lip during facial expression can influence the perception of length, tooth show and proportion.
UPPER LIP ASSESSMENT
Before recommending a lip lift, we need to understand what is influencing the smile
The assessment should not focus solely on measuring the distance between the nose and upper lip. It should also examine how the cutaneous lip, vermilion, tooth show and movement of the smile relate to one another.
For some people, a longer cutaneous upper lip is the main factor. For others, reduced tooth show or less visible vermilion may be related to different causes.
Clinical examination helps identify which element has the greatest effect on proportion and whether a surgical correction with a lip lift is appropriate, or whether another approach would be preferable.
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NOSE–LIP RELATIONSHIP
The distance between the nasal base and the upper vermilion is assessed, together with how it fits the proportions of the lower third of the face.
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VERMILION AND TOOTH SHOW
The amount of red lip and upper front teeth visible at rest and during smiling is assessed.
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SMILE DYNAMICS
Upper lip movement can significantly influence the perception of length, tooth show and balance.
SURGICAL TREATMENT
Reducing the distance without making volume the goal
A lip lift is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the distance between the nasal base and the upper vermilion in a controlled way, when the anatomy and clinical assessment suggest that this change could improve the proportions around the mouth.
The technique is planned individually, taking into account the length of the cutaneous upper lip, the shape of the nasal base, vermilion show and the relationship with the smile.
When indicated, a carefully planned section of skin is removed from just beneath the nose. The aim is to reposition the upper lip in a controlled way, increasing vermilion show and changing its relationship with the upper front teeth without trying to create artificial volume.
The amount of tissue removed is not determined by a standard measurement. It depends on each patient’s anatomy and the proportions being addressed.
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Planning
The amount and distribution of skin that may be removed are planned with care, respecting the anatomy of the nasal base and facial symmetry.
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Excision
A controlled subnasal skin excision is performed to alter the distance between the nose and upper lip.
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Closure
The incision is closed carefully, taking into account its position beneath the nose and the individual characteristics of wound healing.
NATURAL APPEARANCE AND PROPORTION
A shorter lip is not necessarily a better-proportioned lip
The result of a lip lift should not be judged solely by how much the distance between the nose and upper lip has been reduced. The final proportion depends on how this change works with the vermilion, tooth show, the shape of the nose and the expression of the smile.
Excessive correction can disturb the balance of the lower third of the face or expose more teeth than looks harmonious with the rest of the features. Planning should therefore be conservative and adapted to each patient’s anatomy.
The aim is not to achieve a standard measurement, but to adjust a specific anatomical relationship while preserving a natural, recognisable appearance.
RECOVERY AND FOLLOW-UP
Recovery and scar healing develop gradually
After a lip lift, swelling around the upper lip, a feeling of tightness and temporary changes in tissue movement or sensation are common.
In the early stages, the scar beneath the nose may be more visible because of swelling and the normal healing process. Its appearance changes gradually and should be assessed over time rather than during the first few days alone.
Follow-up appointments allow the surgeon to review tissue healing, monitor the scar and adjust aftercare to each patient’s response.
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FIRST FEW DAYS
The priority is to protect the operated area, manage swelling and follow the instructions for local care.
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GRADUAL HEALING
As swelling subsides, the tissues adapt to their new position and the area gradually takes on a more natural appearance.
03
SCAR MATURATION
The scar should be assessed over time, as its colour, texture and visibility can change during healing.
essential information
Frequently asked questions about lip lift
is the result of a lip lift permanent?
A lip lift surgically changes the distance between the nasal base and the upper lip, so the change is considered long-lasting. However, the procedure does not stop ageing, and the tissues continue to change over time.
what type of anaesthesia is used for a lip lift?
In many cases, a lip lift can be performed under local anaesthesia. However, the choice depends on the planned technique, the patient’s circumstances and whether the lip lift is combined with other procedures. The anaesthetic plan is agreed individually before surgery.
can a lip lift change the smile?
It can change the relationship between the upper lip, upper front teeth and smile because it alters the position and length of the cutaneous lip. Tightness or temporary changes in movement may also occur during the first few weeks. This is why smile dynamics form part of the preoperative assessment.
can a lip lift be combined with other treatments for the lips or face?
Yes. For some patients, it may form part of a broader treatment plan. Whether other procedures should be combined with it depends on what needs to be addressed: lip length, volume, tissue quality or the proportions of the rest of the face. These concerns cannot all be treated with the same technique.
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medical expertise and evidence
Clinical information informed by experience and scientific evidence
The information on this page has been prepared from clinical practice in facial surgery and, where relevant, draws on scientific literature covering upper lip anatomy, lip lift techniques, vermilion show, the relationship with the upper front teeth and scar healing.