Lip Lift Melbourne

Benefits of a Lip Lift

Lip Lift benefits include the following:

• Long-lasting results
  Unlike a non-surgical lip enhancement, 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 non-surgical lip volume treatments 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 lip volume sessions
  Patients who have relied on non-surgical lip volume treatments 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 Surgery

There are different approaches to lip lift surgery, and the most suitable option depends on your upper lip length, facial anatomy, scarring considerations and treatment goals. At Me Clinic, lip lift surgery is performed by Dr Amir Tadros, Specialist Plastic Surgeon, where clinically appropriate.

During your consultation, Dr Tadros will assess your facial proportions, lip shape, tooth show and the distance between your nose and upper lip. He will also discuss incision placement, likely scarring, recovery expectations and whether lip lift surgery is suitable for you.

Bullhorn Lip Lift / Subnasal Lip Lift

A Bullhorn Lip Lift, also known as a Subnasal Lip Lift, is one of the most common lip lift techniques. It involves removing a carefully planned section of skin beneath the nose, with the incision designed to follow the natural curves of the nasal base.

The aim is to shorten the distance between the nose and upper lip, increase visible upper lip height and improve balance between the upper lip and surrounding facial features. The incision is usually placed within or near the natural crease beneath the nose to help reduce how noticeable the scar may be once healed.

Scarring varies between patients and depends on factors such as skin type, healing response, incision care and surgical planning. Dr Tadros will explain what scar placement and healing may look like during consultation.

Italian Lip Lift

An Italian Lip Lift is a variation of the subnasal lip lift. Instead of one continuous incision beneath the nose, it uses two smaller incisions positioned beneath the nostrils.

This technique may be considered in select cases where a more subtle lift is desired, or where the focus is on improving the central upper lip. However, it is not suitable for every patient, and the amount of lift possible, scar placement, symmetry and overall lip shape must all be considered.

Dr Tadros can assess whether a Bullhorn Lip Lift, Italian Lip Lift or another approach is more appropriate for your anatomy and goals.

Other Lip Lift Techniques

Other lip lift techniques may be described elsewhere, including direct lip lifts, corner lip lifts and gullwing lip lifts. These techniques are not necessarily offered at Me Clinic.

If you are enquiring about a specific lip lift method, please contact Me Clinic to ask what may be available. Our team can provide general guidance, but a consultation with Dr Amir Tadros is the best way to assess your anatomy, goals, scarring considerations and suitable treatment options.

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 non-surgical lip volume treatments
• 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