Basically, there are three different types of lip-lift surgeries. Unfortunately, the area between the nose and cupid's bow area elongates as we age. We often develop a long sagging thin upper lip that covers most of the upper teeth when the lips are slightly parted. Corners of the top lip droop down and the bottom lip often starts to sag too, eventually showing the lower teeth, again when the lips are slightly parted. Today more and more surgeons are addressing this area of the face that is very important in maintaining our youthfulness.

The most common lip-lift procedure is called a bullhorn lip-lift. Removing skin under the nose and resuturing the skin back together creating a higher lip performs this procedure. The incisions are hidden along the base of the nose. This procedure shortens the distance between the top lip and the tip of the nose allowing for more upper tooth show when the lips are slightly parted. It also everts more of the upper lip vermilion, therefore creating more "poof" in the upper lip. Some plastic surgeons are also removing a strip of muscle with skin while doing the upper lip lift. Many, many more complications have been seen using this technique so it is not widely accepted or recommended. Severe stiffness and numbness can be experienced lasting for many months and in some cases can be permanent. Because of these complications speech disturbances have been seen. Bullhorn lip-lifts can change the shape of your nose so this risk needs to be discussed with your surgeon.

Another lip-lift procedure that is done but is not as popular is called the Gullwing lip-lift often referred to as the vermilion lift. The incision is made all along the vermilion border at the junction where the pink part of the lip meets the flesh-colored part above your top lip. Then a strip of skin (the flesh-colored part) is removed and the lip sutured to the now higher skin. This also creates a reduced lip to nose ratio. However, scarring along the entire upper lip is a risk.

With the bullhorn lip-lift you also have a risk of scarring under the nose. With most people this scar fades but if you do not scar well or have a history of developing keloids then any of the lip-lift procedures are not for you.

Corner lip-lifts are also done for people that have a sad look because the outer corners of their lips turn down. The incisions are made on the exact edge of the upper outer lips.

Another procedure that is usually intended for the lower lip is called the V-Y lip augmentation. One to three small V shaped incisions are made in the mucosa of the lip (the wet part inside the mouth) and then they are sutured in the shape of a Y. The top of the V is left open and heals thereby expanding your lip and creating elevation of the inner lining of the lip where the upper lips and lower lips would meet if you closed your mouth. This procedure addresses the increased bottom tooth show from a drooping lip that often develops as we age. When doing this procedure, surgeons are very careful to stay away from the musculature underneath the mucosa, so that they do not injure superficial nerves. If these nerves are injured you can develop permanent numbness. This is not uncommon!! Most surgeons have stopped using this procedure because of this risk and because the end result is so subtle.

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droopy top lip
written by claudio, August 29, 2010

I had a bad rhinoplasty about 4 months ago &, as a bad side effect, I was left with a droopy top lip. Now I can barely see my top teeth when before I was able to. I felt my appearance has changed dramatically for the worse. I spoke to my surgeon but he doesn't wanna acknowledge this. Now I'm cosidering a lip lift ( as well as a revision rhinoplasty!!!). Could u give me more info about the lip lift procedure please??? Thanks very much

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