A lip lift is a short procedure that shortens the space between the base of the nose and the upper lip, called the philtrum. Removing a precise strip of skin beneath the nose lifts the upper lip, so more of the pink lip shows and the mouth looks more youthful and defined. Dr. Khaled O. Alameddine performs lip lifts in Coral Gables, Miami, usually awake under local anesthesia.

With Dr. Khaled O. Alameddine in Coral Gables, Miami, a lip lift starts at $4,500 performed awake under local anesthesia, or $5,500 with sedation. When added to another procedure, such as a facelift or rhinoplasty, it is $2,500. Prices include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and facility fees, and the $250 consultation is credited toward your surgery if performed within 12 months.

They do different things. Filler adds volume and projection but cannot shorten a long upper lip, and too much filler can make the lip look heavy. A lip lift shortens the distance between the nose and lip, showing more natural pink lip without adding volume, and the result is long-lasting. Some patients benefit from both, and Dr. Alameddine explains which suits your anatomy.

Good candidates have a long space between the nose and upper lip, a thin-looking upper lip, or little upper tooth show at rest, often from aging. If the distance between your nose and lip is already short, a lip lift may not be appropriate, and filler or fat transfer may suit you better. Dr. Alameddine measures your proportions before recommending a lip lift.

A lip lift provides a long-lasting change because skin is removed rather than temporarily filled. Your face continues to age, so the lip may lengthen slightly over many years, but the improvement typically lasts far longer than filler.

The incision is placed along the natural curve at the base of the nose, where the shadow of the nostrils helps conceal it. Like any incision it leaves a scar, which is usually pink at first and fades over several months. Careful placement, fine closure, and scar care help it become discreet.

Yes, a lip lift is usually performed awake under local anesthetic, so the area is numb and you feel pressure rather than pain. With Dr. Khaled O. Alameddine, an awake lip lift starts at $4,500, and sedation is available for $5,500 if you prefer. Afterward, tightness and mild soreness are expected and are usually well controlled.

Swelling and tightness are greatest in the first several days, and stitches are typically removed after about a week. Many patients return to work within about a week, although the lip can look swollen or stiff for a few weeks. The final shape settles over the following months as the scar matures.

You will see the change right away, but early swelling can make the lip look larger or tighter than the final result. The natural shape usually emerges over several weeks, with the scar continuing to soften over several months.

Often, yes. As the upper lip lengthens with age, less of the upper teeth shows at rest, which can make the face look older. Shortening the lip can restore a more youthful amount of tooth show. Dr. Alameddine plans the amount carefully so the result looks natural rather than overdone.

A lip lift changes the lip at rest more than the smile. Your smile may show slightly more upper lip and teeth, and the lip can feel tight while healing, but normal movement returns as swelling resolves.

Yes. A lip lift addresses length and shape, while filler or fat adds volume. With Dr. Alameddine, facial fat transfer can be added for $2,500. Some patients find they need less filler, or none, after a lip lift.

Yes. Because the lip lift incision sits at the base of the nose, it pairs naturally with rhinoplasty, and it complements a facelift by rejuvenating the mouth area. When added to another procedure, a lip lift is $2,500. Rhinoplasty starts at $10,500 and a facelift with neck lift at $19,500.

A bullhorn lip lift, also called a subnasal lip lift, is the most common lip lift technique. The incision follows the base of the nose in a shape resembling a bullhorn, allowing a precise strip of skin to be removed and the upper lip to be lifted. Dr. Alameddine explains the incision design for your nose and lip at your consultation.

It can be, when the space between the nose and upper lip is long. For men, the goal is usually subtle shortening that keeps a natural, masculine lip, and a mustache can help camouflage the scar.

Risks include swelling, bruising, a visible or thickened scar, asymmetry, temporary numbness, changes in the shape of the nostrils, and over- or under-correction. Removing the right amount is essential, which is why Dr. Alameddine measures carefully before surgery.

There is no single best age. Younger patients may want more upper lip show because of their natural anatomy, while older patients often have a lip that has lengthened with age. The decision depends on your proportions, not your age.

Dr. Khaled O. Alameddine performs lip lifts at Alameddine Plastic Surgery, 2903 Salzedo Street, Coral Gables, FL 33134, near Miami. He is a Mayo Clinic–trained plastic surgeon with a UT Southwestern aesthetic fellowship, operates in a QUAD A–accredited surgical center, and speaks English, French, and Arabic. The office can be reached at (305) 501-0040.

Yes. A $250 virtual consultation with Dr. Khaled O. Alameddine, credited toward your surgery if performed within 12 months, lets you discuss your goals before traveling, and an in-person examination confirms the plan. Belma, the patient coordinator, can help you plan your visit to Miami.