Lip Lift

A well-proportioned upper lip can beautifully enhance the balance of the face and add youthful vibrancy to the smile. For some, the upper lip may appear long, thin, or turned inward — whether from genetics or the natural aging process — which can make the smile look less defined. A lip lift is a refined surgical procedure that shortens the space between the base of the nose and the top of the upper lip, creating a more open, youthful, and harmonious appearance.

Procedure Details

Dr. Morrin most often performs a bullhorn lip lift, a technique in which a carefully shaped incision is placed at the natural crease under the nose. Through this approach, the upper lip is gently elevated to reveal more of the pink lip, increasing its visible height and improving its shape without making it look overdone.

The procedure can be performed comfortably in-office under local anesthesia or in the operating room if combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as a facelift or eyelid surgery. While a lip lift improves the height and contour of the lip, it does not add volume; for patients desiring both shape and fullness, Dr. Morrin may recommend pairing the surgery with lip augmentation using dermal fillers or fat transfer.

Who Is a Candidate?

A lip lift may be an excellent choice for individuals who:

• Have a thin upper lip that is barely visible
• Notice that the upper lip has turned inward with age
• Feel their lips appear unbalanced or disproportionate to the rest of the face
• Want a permanent improvement instead of relying on repeated filler treatments
• Are in good general health and have realistic expectations

Recovery Timeline

Dr. Morrin and her team are committed to providing attentive, detailed aftercare from the first consultation through the final stages of healing. Recovery is typically straightforward:

• First Few Days: Mild swelling, tightness, and tenderness; sleep with your head elevated and maintain a soft foods diet for comfort
• Days 5–7: Sutures removed; swelling begins to subside noticeably
• 1–2 Weeks: Most patients are comfortable returning to work and social activities
• Several Months: Incision fades and blends naturally into the crease beneath the nose

What Results Can I Expect?

Following a lip lift, the upper lip appears more defined, youthful, and in better proportion to the rest of the face. Many patients feel their smile looks more open and expressive, enhancing overall facial balance. For those seeking additional fullness, Dr. Morrin can combine the procedure with lip augmentation for both shape and volume. Patients often describe renewed confidence and a natural improvement that enhances their unique features without looking “done.”

Why Patients Choose Dr. Morrin

As a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Morrin combines advanced surgical skill with a deep understanding of facial harmony. She tailors each lip lift to the patient’s unique anatomy, ensuring natural results that integrate seamlessly with the rest of the face. Patients value her meticulous approach, discreet incision placement, and her dedication to delivering results that look refreshed, balanced, and entirely their own.