Lip Lift Melbourne

Benefits of a Lip Lift

Lip Lift benefits include the following:

• Long-lasting results
  Unlike lip fillers, which require maintenance every few months, a lip lift can provide long-lasting structural change.
• Refined upper lip shape and definition
  The procedure can give the appearance of a fuller, more pronounced Cupid’s bow and natural lip contour.
• Shortens the philtrum
  Reducing the distance between the nose and upper lip can help balance facial proportions and lip aesthetics.
• Increases the upper tooth show
  A lip lift can increase the visibility of the upper teeth when smiling, which is a feature some patients find desirable.
• Lifts rather than adds volume
  Suitable for patients seeking elevation and shape without the added fullness that fillers may create.
• Facial harmony
  A lip lift can balance the lower face by reducing the space between the nose and lip.
• Subtle, tailored results
  When performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, a lip lift offers benefits that are tailored to the patient’s existing facial features for natural-looking results.
• Can reduce the need for ongoing filler
  Patients who have relied on lip fillers for years may find this a more stable, low-maintenance alternative.

Surgical results may differ from patient to patient. Our plastic surgeons will discuss the aims and potential benefits specific to your circumstances during your consultation.

What Happens During Lip Lift Surgery?

Lip lift surgery is a relatively short, day procedure typically performed under local anaesthesia. It involves removing a small strip of skin at the base of the nose to lift the upper lip and shorten the philtrum — the space between the nose and upper lip. This repositioning creates a subtle elevation and rotation of the upper lip, which may give it a more defined shape and increase tooth show when smiling.

The most commonly used method is the bullhorn lip lift (also known as a subnasal lip lift), where the incision is carefully hidden along the natural crease beneath the nose. This technique allows for precise control over how much lift is achieved, helping to create natural-looking and individualised results

In most cases:

• The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes.
• Patients return home the same day.
• Stitches are usually removed after 5–7 days.
• There is no need for general anaesthesia in most cases.

This is a tailored surgical treatment. Me Clinic’s experienced plastic surgeons will assess your unique lip proportions and design the procedure to suit your face, aiming for a result that aligns with your aesthetic preferences and natural features.

Types of Lip Lift Procedures

Several techniques are available for lip lift surgery. During your consultation, our plastic surgeon, Dr Amir Tadros, will recommend the most appropriate method based on your anatomy, goals, and desired outcome.

Bullhorn Lip Lift (Subnasal Lip Lift)

This is the most common technique. A small strip of skin is removed just beneath the nose, following the natural curves (resembling a bullhorn). The lip is gently lifted and rotated upwards to reduce the philtrum length and improve lip visibility. Scars are typically well-hidden within the natural crease under the nose.

Italian Lip Lift

This method is similar to the bullhorn method but involves two small incisions beneath each nostril rather than a continuous one. This option may suit patients who need a more subtle lift or who want to avoid a single larger incision.

Gullwing Lip Lift

This technique involves an incision along the upper border of the lip (vermilion border). It can enhance lip definition but may result in a more visible scar, so it’s less commonly used in cosmetic settings.

Corner Lip Lift

Designed to elevate the corners of the mouth. It may be used for patients whose mouth appears downturned (associated with a ‘sad’ appearance). This technique is sometimes combined with other lifts for more comprehensive results.

Recovery After Lip Lift Surgery

A lip lift recovery is relatively standard to most procedures. Most patients return to light activities within a few days, with a gradual return to normal routines over the first week.

• Swelling and bruising are common in the first 5–7 days and tend to subside progressively.
• Mild discomfort or tightness around the nose and upper lip may occur and typically resolves within several days.
• Sutures are either removed or dissolved after 5 to 7 days, depending on the surgical technique.
• Strenuous activity and excessive mouth movement (such as wide yawning or laughing) should be avoided for at least one week.

Your surgeon will provide personalised aftercare instructions to support proper healing and help optimise your result. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities within 7 to 10 days.

Read Me Clinic’s general recovery after surgery guide.

Lip Lift Results

While early changes can be seen within the first 1–2 weeks, final outcomes take longer to settle:

• Initial healing occurs within the first 1–2 weeks as swelling and tightness reduce.
• Lip shape and definition may continue to refine over 2–4 weeks.
• Final results are typically visible by 2–3 months, once swelling has resolved and the scar has matured.

Lip lift surgery is designed to offer longer-term structural changes to the upper lip. Results are subtle and individually tailored to achieve a result that complements your facial features. Individual results vary.

Lip Lift Scarring

As with all surgery, some scarring is expected. However, the lip lift incision is usually placed at the base of the nose, where it can be discreet and well-concealed.

• Scars may appear pink or raised in the initial weeks.
• Over time, they typically fade and blend into the natural skin folds.
• Scar care treatments, such as silicone gels and sun protection, may be recommended to support healing.

Most patients find that the scar becomes less noticeable over time. At Me Clinic, we offer advice and preventative scar treatments.

Risks and Complications

While lip lift surgery is generally safe, all surgical procedures carry some degree of risk. Potential complications may include:

• Asymmetry or dissatisfaction with the final shape
• Noticeable or delayed scarring
• Infection or delayed wound healing
• Numbness or altered sensation in the upper lip area
• Overcorrection or an appearance that differs from the intended outcome

Choosing an experienced surgeon and following your recovery instructions carefully can help reduce these risks.

Dr Amir Tadros is a highly experienced specialist plastic surgeon with international training and decades of surgical practice. He will guide you through the procedure, clearly outlining what to expect and how any potential risks or complications will be managed.

Ideal Candidates for a Lip Lift

A lip lift may be an appropriate option for individuals seeking longer-term changes in the shape, definition, or proportion of their upper lip. It is a personalised surgical procedure that, when selected appropriately, may contribute to facial balance.

You may be a suitable candidate if you:

• Have a longer philtrum (the space between the nose and upper lip) and wish to shorten it for greater facial proportion
• Want to enhance upper lip definition or increase tooth show when smiling
• Are seeking a more stable alternative to dermal lip fillers
• Have noticed age-related changes, such as elongation or thinning of the upper lip
• Prefer a subtle result over added volume
• Are in good general health and do not smoke, as this can affect healing
• Have realistic expectations and are looking for a result that aligns with your facial features

A thorough consultation with your plastic surgeon is essential to determine whether a lip lift is suitable for your anatomy and aesthetic preferences.

Why Choose Me Clinic for Your Lip Lift Surgery?

At Me Clinic, we combine surgical precision with a patient-focused approach to deliver subtle, individually tailored outcomes for lip lift procedures. Here’s why patients choose us for facial surgery:

• Our specialist plastic surgeons have extensive experience in facial surgery and lip lift techniques.
• We offer a customised surgical plan based on your facial structure and treatment preferences.
• Our clinic prioritises safety, discretion, and surgical changes that complement each patient’s unique features.
• We provide thorough post-operative care to support healing, minimise scarring, and promote optimal recovery.

Book a Consultation with a Me Clinic Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Considering a lip lift? At Me Clinic, we aim to guide you through the surgical process with clarity and care. Booking a consultation with one of our specialist plastic surgeons provides access to qualified guidance, realistic expectations, and a tailored treatment plan.

During your consultation, we will assess your unique features, discuss your goals, and explain the most suitable technique based on your anatomy and desired outcome.

Get in contact with Me Clinic today to book a consultation and assessment via our contact form.

Alternatively, you can call Me Clinic at 1300 852 050

Our Specialist Plastic Surgeons Who Perform Lip Lift Surgery in Melbourne

Surgical Warning: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Read more on the Risks of Surgery