Voted one of the Best Lip Lift Experts in Florida

Dr. L. Scott Ennis is a board-certified plastic surgeon renowned for his expertise in surgical & non-surgical lip lift procedures. Dr. Ennis uses advanced upper lip lift techniques including the bullhorn and corner lip lift. Call 561-405-9020 to book an in-person or online consultation.

Lip Lift Surgery Guide

An upper lip lift is a surgical procedure designed to restore youthful proportions to the mouth area by reducing the vertical distance between the base of the nose and the top of the upper lip. As we age, this upper lip often elongates, causing the upper lip to roll inward and diminish the visible pink portion of the lip (known as the vermillion) and patient complain they can no longer see their teeth when they smile. The result can be an aged, less expressive look that many patients try to correct with dermal fillers. However, when the underlying issue is length—not volume—fillers can create a protruded or unnatural appearance by just pushing te lip forward rather than rolling it back out, sometimes referred to as a “duck lip.”

Rather than volumizing the lip, an upper lip lift repositions and reshapes the lip to improve balance and visibility. The most common technique is the bullhorn lip lift, which involves a small, well-hidden incision beneath the nostrils. This method removes a carefully measured amount of skin, allowing the lip to lift and curl outward slightly—enhancing both shape and proportion without the need for fillers.

Common Lip Lift Techniques Include:

• Bullhorn (Subnasal) Lip Lift – Removes a strip of skin beneath the nose in a curved shape, lifting the entire upper lip.
• Italian Lip Lift – Uses two small incisions under each nostril for a subtler adjustment.
• Corner Lip Lift – Elevates the corners of the mouth, often used to reduce a downturned expression, rarely recommended because of the significant scarring.
• Facelift-Integrated Lift – Performed in conjunction with a facelift to enhance comprehensive facial rejuvenation giving the entire face a vertical lift.

Why Do Patients Choose This Procedure?

Patients often choose an upper lip lift not only to enhance physical appearance but to feel more youthful, confident, and emotionally aligned with how they see themselves. This procedure offers a permanent solution to a concern that many individuals mistakenly attempt to treat with fillers—without success. For people who feel their upper lip appears too long, flat, or aged, a lip lift offers an elegant and subtle way to refresh the lower third of the face.

The motivation is deeply personal. Some patients are disheartened by a tired or less expressive look. Others may be frustrated by the need to repeatedly use fillers, only to feel that the results don’t suit their features. The lip lift restores the balance between nose, lip, and chin—improving both self-image and facial harmony.

Common Motivations Include:

• Desire for a more youthful and defined lip shape
• Frustration with overfilled or unnatural lip results from injectables
• Seeking a permanent enhancement without repeat filler appointments
• Wanting to restore balance and expression to the lower face
• Correcting age-related elongation of the upper lip

What Causes the Concern with the Upper Lip?

The aging process affects all areas of the face, and the lips are no exception. The upper lip elongates over time due to a combination of factors including structural changes, tissue laxity, and gravity. The orbicularis oris muscle—responsible for lip movement—loses tone with age, allowing the lip to droop and roll inward. Meanwhile, the skin loses elasticity and collagen, and the underlying facial support structures (like the SMAS and platysma) begin to weaken.

Lifestyle and genetics also play a role. Sun damage, smoking, and repeated facial expressions can all contribute to skin thinning and structural loss in the lip area. As a result, patients often notice that their lips look thinner, their teeth are less visible at rest or when smiling, and their facial expressions don’t reflect how vibrant they feel.

Key Contributing Factors Include:

• Muscle laxity of the orbicularis oris and platysma
• Thinning skin and collagen depletion
• SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) aging
• Gravity and downward tissue migration
• Genetics, sun exposure, and smoking

What does the Lip Lift Procedure Involve?

At Ennis Plastic Surgery, treatment begins with a deep understanding of the patient’s facial anatomy, proportions, and aesthetic goals. A lip lift is never a one-size-fits-all solution. The most common and effective approach is the bullhorn technique, which delivers dramatic yet natural results with a nearly invisible scar hidden at the base of the nose.
Dr. Ennis carefully designs the incision in the shape of a bullhorn, removing a precise amount of tissue to create lift without distortion. The technique does not add volume but improves visibility of the pink lip and enhances the natural curvature of the mouth. For those who also have downturned corners or additional facial aging, this procedure can be combined with other surgical or non-surgical treatments.

Lip Lift Options:

• Bullhorn Lip Lift: Most effective for shortening the philtrum and revealing more pink lip.
• Italian Lip Lift: Subtler incision approach under the nostrils.
• Corner Lip Lift: Ideal for lifting downturned corners of the mouth.
• Facelift with Lip Lift: For comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Pros:

• Permanent, natural-looking enhancement
• Avoids filler-related distortion
• Minimal recovery time
• Refined results without overcorrection

Cons:

• If not done correctly and the corners are not elevated, it can lead to a fish lip look. Dr Ennis can explain how to avoid this.
• Small scar under nose (usually fades well)
• Not suitable for patients with very short philtrum
• Requires precise surgical skill for ideal results

What to Expect at the Lip Lift Consultation

Your experience begins with an in-depth consultation in person or virtually with Dr. Ennis at our Boca Raton office. During this appointment, you’ll discuss your goals, concerns, and previous treatments, if any. Dr. Ennis will evaluate your facial proportions, lip shape, skin quality, and how your features work together as a whole.
His expert eye allows him to see beyond the obvious and craft a customized surgical plan that enhances your features—not changes them. You’ll review before-and-after photos, discuss realistic outcomes, and gain a clear understanding of your procedure and recovery process.

During the Consultation:

• Facial analysis and lip-to-nose ratio assessment
• Discussion of goals, lifestyle, and aesthetics
• Tailored surgical planning and recommendations
• Review of expected outcomes and aftercare

What to Expect During the Procedure

The lip lift is typically performed in-office under local anesthesia. It’s a quick and precise procedure with a relatively short recovery.

1. Preparation: Pre-operative photos and detailed markings are made to guide the incision.
2. Anesthesia: A local anesthetic numbs the area for comfort.
3. Incision: A small, curved incision is made under the base of the nose.
4. Tissue Removal: A measured segment of skin is excised to create the lift.
5. Suturing: Fine sutures close the incision with a focus on minimizing scarring which are removed on day seven after the procedure.
6. Post-op Instructions: You'll be given clear guidelines to support healing.

The entire procedure typically takes under an hour, and patients return home the same day.

Procedure Highlights:

• Local anesthesia, no general sedation required but is offered and maybe preferred
• 45–60 minute surgery
• Minimal bleeding and swelling
• Immediate lift and shape improvement

Recovery Timeline and Aftercare

Recovery from a lip lift is straightforward. Most patients find the downtime manageable and are surprised by how little discomfort they experience. It’s important to follow post-op instructions closely to ensure optimal healing and scar minimization.

Typical Recovery Phases:

Week 1:

• Mild swelling, tightness, or bruising
• Sutures removed at day 5–7. A simple mask may be worn if the patient wants to get out and about early.
• Light activities and non-strenuous work are permitted

Weeks 2–4:

• Bruising fades
• Incision continues to heal and soften and fade
• Resume normal activity and light exercise

Beyond 4 Weeks:

• Scar becomes less noticeable
• Results refine and settle fully

Recovery Tips:

• Avoid excessive facial movement for a few days
• Sleep with head elevated to reduce swelling
• Protect the area from sun exposure
• Apply scar treatments as advised

Results and Longevity

The results of an upper lip lift are both immediate and long-lasting. Patients typically notice a restored youthful curve to the lip, better tooth show at rest, and a balanced relationship between the nose and upper lip. Unlike fillers, which fade over time, a lip lift offers a permanent structural improvement.
Though natural aging continues, most patients enjoy their refreshed look for many years without the need for repeat treatments.

Results You Can Expect:

• Shortened distance between nose and upper lip
• More visible pink lip (vermilion show)
• Defined, youthful lip shape
• No added volume or puffiness

Longevity:

• Permanent structural improvement
• May be enhanced with good skincare and lifestyle habits

Can It Be Prevented or Maintained Over Time?

While we can’t completely stop the aging process, there are smart strategies to help maintain the results of your lip lift for as long as possible. Protecting the skin, avoiding lifestyle risks, and using maintenance treatments when appropriate can help keep your results looking fresh.

Maintenance Strategies:

• Use SPF on the face and upper lip daily
• Avoid smoking and excess alcohol
• Maintain hydration and a healthy diet
• Consider complementary skin-tightening treatments
• Follow a medical-grade skincare routine

Why Choose Dr. Ennis and Ennis Plastic Surgery?

When it comes to facial refinement, precision matters. Dr. L. Scott Ennis is internationally recognized for his award winning artistic talent and advanced surgical techniques and exceptional eye for detail. He approaches each lip lift as a unique work of art, custom-tailored to the patient’s anatomy and desired outcome. With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, Dr. Ennis has built a reputation for results that are elegant, natural, and never overdone.

At Ennis Plastic Surgery, patients receive personalized attention and world-class care—from consultation to post-op recovery.

Why Choose Dr. Ennis and Ennis Plastic Surgery?