Short answer
A lip lift is a short procedure that removes a small strip of skin under the nose to shorten the upper lip and roll it slightly outwards. It usually takes about 1 hour under local anaesthesia and you go home the same day. Most patients stay in Istanbul for 5-7 days, until stitches are removed.
What is a lip lift?
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the distance between the base of the nose and the top of the upper lip. As we age, this area lengthens and the upper lip becomes thinner and less visible.
By removing a measured strip of skin, the surgeon lifts the lip, shows more of the pink part (the vermilion) and can show a little more of the upper teeth at rest. Unlike fillers, it does not need repeating.
Who is it for?
A lip lift suits people with a long upper lip or a thin upper lip that shows little when relaxed. It can also help those who want a fuller lip without regular filler treatments.
- A long gap between the nose and lip
- Thin upper lip that rolls inwards
- Upper teeth not visible at rest
- Wish for a permanent alternative to fillers
How the procedure is done
The most common technique is the bullhorn lip lift. The surgeon marks a shape along the natural crease under the nose, removes a few millimetres of skin and closes the wound with fine stitches so the scar sits in the shadow of the nostrils.
In some cases a corner lip lift is added to lift downturned corners of the mouth. The procedure is done under local anaesthesia and you can return to your hotel the same day.
Metropolmed's own surgical team performs the operation in Istanbul, and a personal coordinator stays with you from your first message to your 12-month follow-up. Your hotel, VIP transfers and a medical interpreter are arranged before you land in Istanbul.
Lip lift techniques
Several lip lift techniques exist, and the right one depends on the shape of your lip and nose. The surgeon chooses the incision that gives the lift you need with the least visible scar.
- Bullhorn lip lift: incision under the nose, lifts the whole upper lip
- Corner lip lift: lifts downturned mouth corners
- Gull-wing lift: incision along the lip border, used less often because the scar can show
- Italian lip lift: two small incisions under each nostril for selected patients
Recovery and results
The lip feels tight and swollen for the first week, and smiling may feel stiff. Stitches are usually removed after 5-7 days. Keep the wound clean and avoid stretching the lip with wide movements for 2 weeks.
Most patients return to work within a week. The scar is pink at first and fades over 3-6 months. The lip shape continues to settle over the same period.
Risks and safety
Risks include a visible or widened scar, asymmetry, temporary numbness, infection and, if too much skin is removed, an over-shortened lip. Careful measurement is the most important part of planning.
A doctor assesses your lip length, nose shape and teeth show in person before agreeing how much skin to remove. Lip lifts are not suitable for everyone, and fillers may be better in some cases.
Recovery timeline
- Day 1Return to hotel, lip tight and swollen.
- Week 1Stitches removed around day 5-7.
- Week 2Most swelling gone, normal speech and eating.
- Month 1-3Scar fades from pink to lighter.
- Month 3-6Final lip shape and scar maturity.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lip lift permanent?
Yes, a lip lift gives a permanent change in lip shape. Natural ageing continues, but you will not need regular top-ups as with fillers.
Will the lip lift scar show?
The scar is placed in the natural crease under the nose and usually fades to a fine line. It may be visible up close in the first few months.
Can I have a lip lift and lip filler?
Yes, some patients have filler later to add volume. A lip lift changes shape and length, while filler adds fullness.
How much skin is removed in a lip lift?
Usually only a few millimetres. The exact amount depends on your lip length and is planned in person.
