Lip Lift NYC
Lip Lift Surgery in New York City
A lip lift is a specialized cosmetic surgery designed to enhance the shape, fullness, and definition of the upper lip by shortening the distance between the nose and the lip. This minimally invasive procedure provides a permanent, natural-looking alternative to lip fillers, improving facial harmony and restoring a youthful smile.
Dr. Itay Wiser specializes in advanced lip lift techniques that enhance lip symmetry, proportion, and contour while maintaining a natural aesthetic. Whether you’re looking to correct an elongated philtrum, thin lips, or aging lip structure, Dr. Itay Wiser is here to help.
What Is a Lip Lift?
A lip lift is a cosmetic surgery designed to elevate the upper lip, giving it a fuller, more youthful appearance. Unlike lip fillers, which add volume temporarily, a lip lift permanently enhances lip shape and proportion by:
✔ Shortening the philtrum (distance between the nose and upper lip)
✔ Increasing the pink portion of the lip (vermilion) for a fuller appearance
✔ Improving lip symmetry and definition
✔ Enhancing teeth visibility when smiling
This procedure is particularly effective for individuals with thin lips, an elongated upper lip, or age-related lip changesthat result in a less defined mouth.
Table of Contents
Lip Lift: Before & After
Why Patients Trust Dr. Wiser
NYC & Israeli Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Chief of Plastic Surgery at Mount Sinai Elmhurst
Advanced techniques for natural-looking results
Thousands of successful
procedures
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Lip Lift?
A lip lift is ideal for those who:
- Have a long upper lip that covers the teeth when smiling.
- Want a permanent alternative to lip fillers.
- Desire fuller lips with a defined Cupid’s bow.
- Seek a more youthful lip position and contour.
- Are in good overall health with realistic expectations
Types of Lip Lift Procedures
A lip lift is a specialized cosmetic procedure that enhances the shape, fullness, and definition of the upper lip by shortening the philtrum (the area between the nose and the lip). Different lip lift techniques are available, each tailored to meet specific aesthetic goals and anatomical needs. Below, we break down the four most popular lip lift procedures, their benefits, and who they are best suited for.
Enhancing lip volume, improving symmetry, and shortening the philtrum.
Ideal Candidates:
- Individuals with a long philtrum that hides the upper teeth when smiling
- Those seeking a permanent alternative to lip fillers
- Patients who want greater lip definition and natural-looking fullness
How the Bullhorn Lip Lift Works.
The Bullhorn Lip Lift, also known as a subnasal lip lift, is the most commonly performed lip lift technique. It involves making a small, curved incision along the base of the nose, mimicking the shape of a bull’s horns. This allows the surgeon to remove excess skin, lifting the central portion of the lip and increasing the pink (vermilion) area for a fuller, more youthful appearance.
Benefits of the Bullhorn Lip Lift
- Enhances lip volume without fillers.
- Creates a youthful, lifted appearance.
- Shortens an elongated philtrum for improved facial balance.
- Reveals more of the upper teeth when smiling.
- Well-hidden scar along the base of the nose
This technique provides a natural enhancement, making it an excellent choice for individuals who want long-lasting lip fullness and improved lip contour.
Individuals with downturned mouth corners that create a frowning appearance.
Ideal Candidates:
- Those who feel their lips give them a perpetually sad or aged look
- Patients with asymmetrical or drooping lip corners
- Anyone seeking a subtle, youthful enhancement
How the Corner Lip Lift Works
A Corner Lip Lift is designed to correct downturned mouth corners, often associated with aging. The procedure involves making small incisions at the outer corners of the lips, carefully repositioning the skin and lifting the corners slightly. This results in a brighter, more youthful smile without changing the overall shape of the lips.
Benefits of the Corner Lip Lift
- Eliminates a “permanently sad” facial expression.
- Subtly lifts the mouth corners for a youthful look.
- Improves facial symmetry.
- Minimal scarring with natural-looking results.
This technique is perfect for individuals looking for a small, yet impactful change that enhances their overall facial expression.
A subtle lift with minimal visible scarring.
Ideal Candidates:
- Those who want a gentle enhancement without dramatic changes
- Individuals concerned about visible scarring
- Patients with mild lip elongation
How the Italian Lip Lift Works
The Italian Lip Lift is similar to the Bullhorn Lip Lift but involves two smaller incisions made under each nostrilrather than a continuous incision. These small, hidden incisions gently lift the central lip, creating a natural-looking enhancement without visible scarring.
Benefits of the Italian Lip Lift
- Produces a delicate, refined lip shape.
- Minimizes visible scarring.
- Maintains natural facial harmony.
- Subtle but effective improvement in lip height
This procedure is ideal for individuals looking for a mild enhancement without significant surgical intervention.
Maximum lip enhancement and dramatic results.
Ideal Candidates:
- Individuals with thin upper lips seeking a bold improvement
- Those wanting more visible pink lip tissue
- Patients comfortable with visible scarring on the upper lip
How the Direct Lip Lift Works
Unlike other techniques, the Direct Lip Lift (also called the Gull-Wing Lip Lift) involves removing a strip of skin directly above the upper lip, along the vermilion border. This technique rolls out the upper lip, making it appear fuller and more prominent.
Benefits of the Direct Lip Lift
- Provides the most dramatic enhancement.
- Increases visible lip volume significantly.
- Defines the lip contour and Cupid’s bow.
- No changes to the nose or nasal base
However, because the incision is placed directly on the lip line, scarring may be more visible, making this option best for those who are comfortable with a more noticeable change.
What to Expect from a Lip Lift Surgery in NYC
Consultation & Preparation
Your journey begins with a personalized consultation where Dr. Itay Wiser:
- Evaluates your lip structure & facial proportions.
- Discusses your aesthetic goals & expectations.
- Reviews the best lip lift technique for you.
- Provides pre-procedure guidelines
Lip Lift Procedure – Step by Step
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia ensures a painless experience.
- Incision Placement: Small incisions made at the base of the nose.
- Excess Skin Removal: Lifting and reshaping the lip.
- Suturing & Recovery: Precise suturing for minimal scarring
Duration: 1 hour
Recovery Time: 7-10 days
Lip Lift Recovery Timeline & Aftercare
Subsides within a week
Minimal discomfort
Week 2-3
2-3 months
Lip Lift FAQs
Is a lip lift permanent?
Yes! Unlike lip fillers, a lip lift is a long-lasting solution for fuller lips.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients recover within 7-10 days, with final results visible after 2-3 months.
Will there be visible scars?
Scars are minimized and hidden at the base of the nose, fading over time.
What is the best age for a Mommy Makeover?
There is no perfect age, but most women undergo the procedure between 30-50 years old, after they have finished having children.
Am I a good candidate for a lip lift?
If you have thin lips, an elongated upper lip, or want a permanent solution, a lip lift may be perfect for you.
Is a lip lift better than lip fillers?
A lip lift is permanent, while lip fillers last 3-6 months. If you want long-lasting results without repeat injections, a lip lift is the better option.
Will a lip lift change my smile?
A lip lift enhances the natural balance of the lips, increasing tooth visibility when smiling, which is often seen as more youthful.
How much does a lip lift cost in NYC?
Lip lift prices in NYC range from $3,500 – $8,000, depending on the technique used