Lip Lift Surgery in Beverly Hills, CA
At Adanna Plastic Surgery, we offer lip lift surgery — a precise, permanent procedure that shortens the space between the upper lip and the base of the nose, revealing more of the upper lip’s pink vermilion and creating a more youthful, defined, and proportionate smile. Unlike temporary lip fillers, a lip lift delivers lasting results with a natural appearance. Call (310) 614-0089 to schedule your Beverly Hills consultation with Dr. Eva Williams today.
What Is a Lip Lift?
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that removes a small, precisely measured strip of skin from beneath the nose to shorten the philtrum — the vertical distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip border. As we age, this space naturally elongates, causing the upper lip to descend and appear thinner, longer, and less defined. A lip lift at Adanna Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills reverses this change by permanently repositioning the upper lip higher, revealing more of the vermilion (the pink portion of the lip), enhancing the Cupid’s bow definition, and creating a fuller, more youthful smile.
The key distinction between a lip lift and injectable lip fillers is permanence and mechanism. Lip fillers add volume to the lip body, while a lip lift fundamentally changes the position and visibility of the upper lip — exposing more of it without necessarily adding bulk. Many patients at Adanna Plastic Surgery find that a lip lift achieves the natural, balanced result they were unable to achieve with fillers alone.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Lip Lift?
A lip lift at Adanna Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, CA is an excellent option for patients who have an elongated or disproportionate philtrum (the distance from the base of the nose to the upper lip border), want to permanently increase the visible pink portion of the upper lip, desire more upper tooth show when at rest or smiling, are seeking longer-lasting improvement than injectable fillers can provide, or want enhanced Cupid’s bow definition and a more youthful lip contour.
The ideal candidate is in good overall health, a non-smoker, and has realistic expectations about the magnitude of change a lip lift can achieve. Dr. Williams will evaluate your lip anatomy, philtrum length, and facial proportions during your consultation to determine if a lip lift is the most appropriate procedure for your goals.
The Bullhorn Lip Lift Technique
At Adanna Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, the most common lip lift technique performed by Dr. Williams is the bullhorn lip lift — also called the subnasal lip lift. This technique is named for the shape of the incision, which follows the natural contour of the base of the nose in a curved pattern that resembles a bullhorn.
During the procedure — which typically takes 30 to 60 minutes under local anesthesia — Dr. Williams makes a meticulous incision along the natural crease at the base of the nose, removes a carefully measured strip of skin and soft tissue, and lifts the remaining lip tissue upward into its new, more youthful position. The closure is performed in multiple layers under minimal tension to ensure the finest possible scar hidden within the natural shadow beneath the nose. The result is a lip that appears higher, fuller, and more defined — with the Cupid’s bow naturally enhanced.
Lip Lift vs. Lip Fillers: Understanding the Difference
Both lip lifts and HA lip fillers can enhance the appearance of the lips, but they work differently and achieve different results. Lip fillers add volume to the lip body and border and are ideal for patients seeking subtle enhancement without surgery. Results last 6 to 12 months. A lip lift permanently reshapes and elevates the upper lip, increasing vermilion show without necessarily adding volume. For patients with a long philtrum, a lip lift is the only procedure that directly corrects the underlying structural concern. Many patients at Adanna Plastic Surgery benefit from a combination of both — using a lip lift for structural repositioning and conservative fillers for additional volume.
Lip Lift Recovery
Recovery from a lip lift at Adanna Plastic Surgery is relatively straightforward. The procedure is performed in-office under local anesthesia, and most patients return home the same day. Sutures are typically removed within five to seven days. Patients can expect mild swelling and some bruising around the upper lip area for one to two weeks. Most patients limit social activities for one to two weeks as swelling resolves.
Strenuous exercise should be avoided for two to three weeks to prevent increased swelling. The incision scar, which is tucked within the natural crease beneath the nose, gradually fades from pink to a thin, pale line over the following months. Final lip lift results — with all swelling resolved and the scar fully matured — are visible at three to six months.
Combining a Lip Lift with Other Facial Procedures
A lip lift pairs beautifully with other facial procedures at Adanna Plastic Surgery for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. It is frequently combined with facelift & neck lift, rhinoplasty, or neurotoxins (Botox/Dysport) to address multiple areas of facial aging in a coordinated, harmonious plan. Schedule your consultation at Adanna Plastic Surgery by calling (310) 614-0089 to discuss your options.
Lip Lift FAQs — Beverly Hills, CA
What is a lip lift and how is it different from lip fillers?
A lip lift at Adanna Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills is a surgical procedure that shortens the philtrum (the space between the nose and the upper lip) to permanently reveal more of the upper lip’s pink vermilion. Lip fillers add volume to the lip body and are temporary. A lip lift provides lasting structural repositioning that fillers cannot replicate — especially for patients with a long or elongated philtrum.
How long do lip lift results last?
Lip lift results at Adanna Plastic Surgery are permanent. The structural change made during surgery — shortening the philtrum and lifting the upper lip — does not reverse over time. Natural aging will continue, but the repositioning of the lip is lasting. This makes a lip lift a significantly longer-lasting investment than injectable fillers.
What technique does Dr. Williams use for lip lifts?
Dr. Williams primarily performs the bullhorn lip lift (subnasal lip lift) at Adanna Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills. This technique places a precisely shaped incision along the natural crease at the base of the nose, allowing for the removal of a measured strip of skin and the elevation of the upper lip. The incision is closed in multiple layers to create the finest possible scar, hidden within the natural shadow beneath the nose.
Will I have a visible scar after my lip lift?
The lip lift scar is placed in the natural crease at the base of the nose where it is well-concealed. Initially, the scar may appear slightly pink, but it typically fades to a fine, pale line over three to six months. Dr. Williams closes the incision in multiple layers under minimal tension, and our team provides scar care guidance to optimize healing at Adanna Plastic Surgery.
How long is recovery after a lip lift?
Recovery from a lip lift at Adanna Plastic Surgery is relatively quick. Sutures are removed within five to seven days. Most patients limit social activities for one to two weeks as mild swelling and bruising resolve. Strenuous exercise is avoided for two to three weeks. Final results are visible at three to six months as all swelling fully resolves.
Can a lip lift be combined with other facial procedures?
Yes — a lip lift is frequently combined with other procedures at Adanna Plastic Surgery such as facelift & neck lift, rhinoplasty, or non-surgical treatments like HA lip fillers for additional volume. Combining procedures allows for a more harmonious, comprehensive facial result.
How do I schedule a lip lift consultation at Adanna Plastic Surgery?
Contact Adanna Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, CA at (310) 614-0089 or book your consultation online. Dr. Williams will evaluate your lip anatomy, philtrum length, and facial proportions, and determine whether a lip lift — or a combination approach — is the most appropriate solution for achieving your ideal smile.