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Lip lifting, also called a lip lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the lips by shortening the space between the upper lip and the base of the nose. Over time, aging, genetics, or facial structure can cause the upper lip to elongate and turn inward, reducing the visibility of the red part of the lip and creating a thinner appearance. A lip lift corrects this by repositioning the upper lip to reveal more of its natural volume, resulting in a fuller, more youthful look. Unlike temporary fillers that add volume by injection, lip lift surgery creates a permanent structural change that improves lip definition and balance with surrounding facial features.
A good candidate for a lip lift is typically someone who feels their upper lip looks too long, thin, or flat and wants a permanent solution rather than repeated filler treatments. It is often chosen by individuals who have noticed that their lips have lost definition due to aging, as well as by younger people who naturally have a long distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip. Healthy individuals with realistic expectations about the results are considered ideal candidates. Those with medical conditions that impair healing or with unrealistic goals may not be suitable for the procedure. A lip lift is particularly beneficial for people who want to enhance the shape of their lips without relying on artificial volume, achieving a natural, balanced appearance.
Lip lift surgery offers several important benefits. By revealing more of the natural upper lip, it creates a fuller and more youthful appearance without the need for injectable fillers. The procedure improves the balance between the lips and other facial features, making the mouth area appear more defined and expressive. Another benefit is that the results are permanent, unlike temporary treatments that require ongoing maintenance.
A lip lift can also enhance the smile by increasing the visibility of the upper teeth, which often contributes to a more vibrant and attractive facial expression. For many individuals, the procedure provides long-lasting confidence and satisfaction by addressing concerns that fillers alone cannot solve.
There are several techniques used in lip lift surgery, each chosen based on the patient’s needs and anatomy. The most common is the subnasal or “bullhorn” lip lift, where an incision is made at the base of the nose, allowing the surgeon to remove a strip of skin and lift the lip upward. Another method is the direct lip lift, which involves an incision placed just above the upper lip to reduce skin and enhance definition. Corner lip lifts are performed to raise drooping corners of the mouth, creating a more youthful and pleasant expression. Each technique has its own advantages, and the choice depends on the degree of correction required and the desired aesthetic result.
Lip lift surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation, though general anesthesia may be used in some cases. The procedure begins with carefully placed incisions, depending on the chosen technique, either beneath the nose or above the lip. A small section of skin is removed, and the remaining skin is lifted and secured to create a shorter distance between the nose and the lip. This repositioning reveals more of the natural pink portion of the lip and improves definition. The incisions are closed with fine sutures designed to minimize visible scarring.
The procedure usually takes about one hour and is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients return home the same day. Initial swelling and redness gradually subside within the first couple of weeks, while the final results become more visible as healing continues over the following months. When performed correctly, a lip lift achieves natural-looking, permanent enhancement of the lips with improved balance and proportion.
Before a lip lift, patients usually undergo a consultation where their facial proportions, lip structure, and expectations are carefully evaluated. The surgeon explains the most suitable technique and provides preparation guidelines, such as avoiding blood-thinning medications and smoking to support proper healing. On the day of the procedure, local anesthesia with sedation is most commonly used, and the surgery itself is relatively short, lasting about an hour.
After the operation, patients can expect some swelling, redness, and mild discomfort around the upper lip. These effects are most noticeable during the first few days but gradually decrease as the healing process continues. Stitches are typically removed within one week, and most people return to normal routines within a few days while still avoiding strenuous activity. The upper lip initially appears fuller and slightly elevated, and as the tissues settle, the final natural contour becomes more visible over the following months.
Recovery after a lip lift is generally straightforward, but it requires patience as the tissues adapt to their new position. Swelling and mild bruising are expected in the first week, and the incision site may feel tight during the early stages of healing. Good oral hygiene and careful wound care are important to reduce the risk of infection and to promote smooth recovery. Eating softer foods and avoiding excessive lip movement during the initial days helps protect the surgical site.
By the second week, most of the swelling begins to subside, and the incision line gradually becomes less visible. Scars are usually hidden along the base of the nose or the lip line, where they blend naturally with surrounding skin over time. The majority of patients resume normal activities within one to two weeks, though full healing and scar maturation can take several months. The final refined result typically becomes apparent once all swelling has resolved.
Like any surgical procedure, lip lifting carries some risks and potential side effects. The most common are temporary swelling, redness, bruising, and mild discomfort around the treated area. These are expected parts of healing and usually resolve as the recovery progresses. Less common but possible risks include infection, asymmetry, delayed wound healing, or visible scarring. In rare cases, changes in lip sensation may occur temporarily.
The likelihood of complications is minimized when proper aftercare instructions are followed, such as keeping the area clean, avoiding excessive facial movements during healing, and protecting the incision from direct sun exposure. For most patients, the side effects are mild and temporary, and the long-term outcome is both safe and satisfying.
The results of a lip lift are considered permanent because the skin between the nose and upper lip is surgically shortened, and the change does not reverse over time. Unlike fillers, which add temporary volume and require repeated treatments, a lip lift creates a lasting structural improvement. While the lips will continue to age naturally along with the rest of the face, the enhanced shape and definition achieved with the procedure remain visible for life.
Patients often appreciate that the results do not only provide fuller lips but also improve overall facial harmony. With time, normal aging may cause minor changes in skin elasticity, but the shortened distance and improved contour remain. For many people, this makes lip lift surgery an attractive long-term alternative to temporary procedures.
Lip lifting prices in Turkey in 2025 range between 1,500 and 3,000 euros depending on the technique and clinic choice. The cost may vary based on whether it’s a bullhorn, Italian, or corner lip lift. Surgeon expertise, hospital standards, and anesthesia type also influence the final price. Many clinics offer all-inclusive packages covering consultation, operation, and follow-up care. Turkey attracts international patients for natural, balanced lip lift results at affordable rates. For an exact 2025 cost estimate, a personalized consultation is recommended.
A lip lift does not actually increase the volume of the lips, but it changes their appearance by shortening the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip. This repositioning reveals more of the red part of the upper lip, creating the impression of greater fullness and improved definition. Many people describe the effect as looking bigger or plumper, even though no additional volume is added.
The result is a natural enhancement that highlights the lips’ shape and improves balance with surrounding facial features. Unlike fillers, which add bulk by injection, a lip lift provides permanent visibility of the natural lip, giving a youthful and refreshed look without an exaggerated effect.
Scarring after a lip lift is minimal and usually very discreet. The most common technique places the incision at the base of the nose, where the natural shadow of the nostrils hides the scar. In the weeks following surgery, the scar may appear slightly red or raised, but over time it softens, fades, and blends into the surrounding skin. With proper aftercare and protection from sun exposure, the scar becomes barely noticeable within a few months.
In rare cases where other techniques are used, such as a direct lip lift, the incision is made just above the upper lip. Even in these cases, careful suturing ensures that the scar is as subtle as possible. For most patients, the final results are natural-looking lips with scars that are nearly invisible to others.
Healing after a lip lift is a gradual process that takes place over several weeks, with final results becoming visible after a few months. In the first week, swelling, redness, and mild discomfort are normal and part of the body’s natural recovery. Stitches are usually removed within five to seven days, and most patients feel comfortable returning to daily routines soon after. By the second to third week, swelling decreases significantly, and the incision line begins to fade. Although the lips continue to settle and refine their shape, most of the visible signs of surgery improve within the first month. Full healing, including the maturation of the scar and the final contour of the lip, can take up to six months. During this time, the incision softens and blends naturally into the skin, leaving a discreet and often barely noticeable mark.
Makeup should generally be avoided until the incision has healed sufficiently to prevent irritation and reduce the risk of infection. In the first one to two weeks after surgery, the treated area is sensitive and requires gentle care, so makeup is not recommended. Once the stitches are removed and the skin begins to close properly, light makeup may be used cautiously, but it should not be applied directly over the healing incision. Most patients are able to resume normal cosmetic routines after about three weeks, when the skin has recovered enough to tolerate gentle products. Over time, as the scar fades, makeup can help conceal any redness, although in most cases the incision heals so well that minimal coverage is needed.
Yes, a lip lift is considered a permanent procedure. Unlike fillers, which add temporary volume and require repeat treatments, a lip lift changes the structure of the upper lip by surgically shortening the distance between the nose and the lip. This repositioning permanently reveals more of the natural red portion of the upper lip, enhancing its definition and contour. While the face continues to age naturally and skin elasticity may decrease over time, the structural improvement created by a lip lift does not reverse. The result is a long-lasting enhancement that continues to provide improved lip balance and youthful expression throughout life.
