As we age, the lips may begin to shrink and lose definition, creating a sagging effect because not as much of the teeth are revealed during a relaxed smile. Dr. Keith Ladner performs lip lift surgery in Denver and Beverly Hills to help patients improve the appearance of their lips and smile. By shortening the upper lip and turning the vermilion (the pink part of the lip) outward during a lip lift, Dr. Ladner creates a more voluminous and rolled-out lip for his patients.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Lip Lift?
A lip lift can help patients of any age whose lips are not as full as they would like or who have a long space above their top lip. In fact, even patients in their 20s undergo this procedure with wonderful results.
Lip Lift Procedure
A lip lift shortens the distance between the bottom of the nose and the top of the lips. During the procedure, Dr. Ladner removes excess skin from the upper lip just beneath the nose in a bullhorn shape. Subcutaneous sutures are then placed to bolster the strength of the repair and to align the bottom of the nose with the top of the lip. The procedure is typically done in the office under local anesthesia.
After the procedure, the patient is left with a raised vermilion border (the edges of the lips), which defines the Cupid’s bow so that the lips look more enhanced.
Lip Lift Recovery
A lip lift is done in the office under local anesthesia and typically takes less than 1 hour to perform. You will need to eat soft foods for the first few days. You may return to work one to two days after the procedure, but you will still be swollen. Sutures are removed at one week. The incision line can usually be concealed with makeup after 10 days but your mouth may still feel tight for the first few weeks. Swelling should be almost completely gone within one to two weeks.
Why Choose Ladner Facial Plastic Surgery for a Lip Lift
At Ladner Facial Plastic Surgery, we understand that subtle enhancements can make a dramatic difference in your overall facial harmony. A lip lift is a delicate procedure that requires both precision and artistic insight to achieve natural, youthful results. Dr. Keith Ladner, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, specializes in facial procedures and has extensive experience performing lip lifts that enhance the upper lip’s shape, shorten the distance between the nose and mouth, and restore a balanced, refreshed appearance.
Our practice combines advanced surgical skill with personalized, patient-focused care. With offices in Denver, CO and Beverly Hills, CA, Dr. Ladner and his dedicated team provide a concierge-level experience from consultation through recovery. Every step of the process is tailored to your unique facial structure and aesthetic goals, ensuring beautiful results that elevate your natural features while maintaining authenticity.
Enhance Your Natural Beauty with a Lip Lift in Denver, CO, or Beverly Hills, CA
To learn more about lip lift surgery, you can request a consultation to meet with Dr. Ladner or call our office at (303) 253-7686 to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
A lip lift is designed to enhance the upper lip at rest while maintaining natural movement during expression. Most likely, you should notice that your smile appears more balanced, with improved tooth show and lip definition. The goal is not to change how you smile, but to refine how the lips frame your teeth and facial features in both relaxed and expressive states.
A lip lift and lip filler enhance the lips in different ways. Fillers add volume, while a lip lift changes the position and shape of the upper lip. By shortening the space between the nose and lip, a lip lift increases tooth show and improves lip definition without adding injectable volume.
Having a small amount of upper tooth on display is typically associated with a more youthful appearance. As the upper lip lengthens over time, less of the teeth are visible. A lip lift can restore this balance by repositioning the upper lip, allowing for a more proportionate and refreshed look.
A lip lift does not add volume as fillers do, but it can make the lips appear fuller. By rotating the upper lip outward and increasing the visible pink area, the overall shape appears more defined and enhanced.
A lip lift is one of the few procedures that permanently changes the structure and position of the upper lip. Other treatments, such as fillers or lip flips, provide temporary changes but do not alter the underlying anatomy.
The incision is made just beneath the base of the nose, following the natural contours of the nostrils. This placement helps conceal the scar within the natural lines and shadowing of the area. As healing progresses, the incision typically becomes virtually unnoticeable.
The results of a lip lift are long-lasting because the procedure permanently repositions the upper lip. While natural aging continues, the improved proportions and lip position remain intact.
Yes, a lip lift is often combined with other facial procedures to enhance overall balance. It may be performed alongside rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, or facial fat grafting to improve the relationship between the lips and surrounding features.
There is no specific age requirement for a lip lift. Younger patients may choose the procedure to address a naturally long upper lip, while older patients often seek it to correct age-related changes such as lip elongation and decreased tooth show.
A lip lift is designed to preserve natural lip movement and expression. While the upper lip is repositioned, the underlying muscles that control movement are not altered.
Enhance Your Natural Beauty with a Lip Lift in Denver, CO, or Beverly Hills, CA
To learn more about lip lift surgery, you can request a consultation to meet with Dr. Ladner or call our office at (303) 253-7686 to schedule an appointment.