With age, the skin between the nose and the upper lip tends to lengthen, the pink part of the lip appears thinner and the upper teeth become less visible when the mouth is relaxed. Some people also have a naturally long upper lip. A lip lift addresses this by shortening the lip itself rather than adding volume. This page explains how the operation works, who it is usually suitable for, what the scar is like and how recovery in Antalya is organised.
What is a lip lift?
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the vertical length of the upper lip by removing a narrow strip of skin, most often hidden along the base of the nose. As the lip is lifted, more of the red lip (vermilion) is shown and the lip can turn slightly outwards.
The area between the nose and the upper lip border, called the philtrum, is the focus of the operation. Unlike filler, a lip lift does not add volume; it changes the proportion between skin and red lip. For this reason, a person with a thin lip but normal lip length may be better suited to another approach.
Who is a suitable candidate for a lip lift?
A lip lift is generally suitable for adults with a long upper lip, little red lip showing and few or no upper teeth visible at rest. The final decision is made at a medical examination after measuring your lip and smile.
| Often suitable | Usually not suitable or needs caution |
|---|---|
| Upper lip that has lengthened with age | Upper lip that is already short |
| Little visible red lip despite fillers | Marked gum show when smiling |
| Upper teeth hidden when the mouth is relaxed | Active cold sores or skin infection around the mouth |
| Non-smokers in good general health | Tendency to keloid or thick scars |
| Realistic expectations of a fine but visible scar | Expectation of a fuller lip without any scar |
Previous filler in the lip is not necessarily a barrier, but it should be mentioned so that your surgeon can assess its effect on shape and measurements.
Which lip lift techniques are there?
The two main approaches are the subnasal (bullhorn) lip lift, with the scar under the nose, and the lip-border (vermilion) lift, with the scar along the edge of the red lip. The choice depends on lip length, shape and how you feel about scar position.
Subnasal or bullhorn lip lift
A strip of skin shaped like a bullhorn is removed from just beneath the nose, following the curve of the nostrils. The lip is lifted and the wound is closed in layers. This is the most commonly used technique, because the scar lies in the natural shadow under the nose.
Lip-border (vermilion advancement) lift
Skin is removed directly above the red lip and the lip border is moved upwards. It allows precise shaping of the Cupid’s bow, but the scar lies along the lip line and may need make-up to conceal in the early months. It tends to be used more selectively.
Corner lip lift
Small triangles of skin are removed at the corners of the mouth to soften downturned corners. It can be considered alone or together with a central lip lift.
Anaesthesia and duration
A lip lift usually takes about an hour and is performed under local anaesthesia, with sedation if you prefer to be more relaxed. You can normally go home the same day.
What happens at the consultation?
At the consultation the length of your upper lip, the amount of tooth and gum showing at rest and when smiling, and the balance of your nose, lips and chin are assessed. The likely scar position is shown to you, and the amount of skin to remove is discussed in millimetres.
Please bring a list of medicines and supplements, details of any previous lip filler or facial surgery, and recent relaxed and smiling photographs. You can send photographs beforehand through the contact page.
How long is recovery after a lip lift?
Most people return to desk work within one to two weeks, once stitches are removed and swelling has eased. The lip shape settles over three to six months, while the scar continues to mature for a year or longer.
| Time after surgery | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Swelling, tightness and stiffness of the upper lip; eating and talking feel awkward; pain relief tablets usually help |
| Days 5–7 | Stitches are removed; bruising fades; lip may look over-lifted while swollen |
| Weeks 1–2 | Return to most daily activities and desk work; scar looks pink |
| Weeks 2–6 | Swelling continues to reduce; scar may feel firm; avoid strenuous exercise until cleared |
| Months 3–6 | Lip shape settles; scar softens and fades gradually |
| Month 12 and beyond | Scar is usually pale and fine, although it never disappears completely |
How long should I stay in Antalya?
If you are travelling from the UK, around five to seven days in Antalya is usually advised, so that your stitches can be removed and the wound checked before you fly. Bring lip balm, soft foods and sun protection for the first week.
Aftercare once you are back home
Keep the scar clean, avoid stretching the lip with wide yawning or vigorous chewing, and protect it from the sun with clothing, a hat or high-factor sunscreen once the wound has closed. Scar care such as silicone gel is often suggested from around the second week. Let your GP know about your surgery and stay in touch with the clinic by message if you have questions.
What are the risks of a lip lift?
A lip lift is a relatively short operation, but it is still surgery and carries risks. These are discussed in full before you consent.
- Visible or widened scar – the scar can stretch, look red for longer than expected or become thick, particularly in people prone to hypertrophic or keloid scars.
- Asymmetry – small differences between the two sides are common; more noticeable ones may need correction.
- Over-correction – too much lift can give an unnatural, everted look or excessive tooth show.
- Under-correction or relapse – some of the lift may be lost as tissues relax, occasionally needing a revision.
- Changes around the nostrils – the nostril base may look slightly different or flatter.
- Altered sensation – numbness or tingling of the upper lip, usually improving over weeks to months.
- Infection, bleeding or delayed healing – uncommon but possible, especially in smokers.
What results can I realistically expect?
The aim is a shorter, better-proportioned upper lip with more visible red lip and a softer, younger-looking shape. A lip lift does not create very full lips; if more volume is wanted, this is usually considered separately.
Early on, the lip can look overly lifted and the scar can look pink. Patience is important: most of the change in appearance happens over the first few months, and the scar continues to improve for a year or more.
Lip lift in Antalya with Dr Korkmaz
Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Korkmaz is a specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. He graduated from Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine and completed his specialty training at the Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Clinic of Antalya Training and Research Hospital, later working at Isparta City Hospital and Antalya Anadolu Hospital. He sees patients at his private clinic in Muratpaşa, Antalya.
He will measure your lip, explain whether a lip lift or another option suits you and tell you honestly if surgery is not advisable. To arrange an assessment, please use the contact page or message the clinic on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lip lift the same as lip flip or lip filler?
No. A lip flip uses small anti-wrinkle injections to relax the muscle so the lip rolls slightly outwards for a few months, and lip filler adds volume temporarily. A lip lift is surgery that removes skin to shorten the distance between the nose and lip. The effects, downtime and risks are different, so the right option depends on your anatomy.
Will a lip lift make my smile look gummy?
It can, if the upper lip is already short or you show a lot of gum when you smile. Because a lip lift raises the lip, it may increase the amount of teeth and gum on show. This is why your smile, tooth display at rest and lip length are measured carefully before surgery, and why a lip lift is not suitable for everyone.
Can a lip lift be done at the same time as other facial surgery?
Sometimes. A lip lift is occasionally combined with procedures such as rhinoplasty or fat transfer, but combining operations around the nose and mouth needs careful planning because swelling can make measurements less reliable. Whether a combination is sensible, or whether staging is safer, is decided individually at your consultation.
I get cold sores. Can I still have a lip lift?
Usually yes, but tell your surgeon in advance. Surgery around the mouth can trigger a cold sore outbreak, which could affect healing. A short preventive course of antiviral medication is often recommended around the time of surgery, and the operation is postponed if there is an active sore on the day.
How soon can I fly home to the UK after a lip lift?
Many people fly home after the stitches are removed and the wound has been checked, which is usually around five to seven days after surgery. Short-haul flights are generally considered reasonable at this stage, but the exact date depends on your healing and is confirmed by your surgeon.
Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery · Medical Director, AYT Clinic
This page is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Suitability, risks and expected results are assessed individually during an examination.