Unlike fillers that require regular top-ups, a lip lift permanently reshapes your lip anatomy for enhanced fullness, a natural tooth show, and a beautifully defined cupid's bow. The scar sits hidden in the natural crease beneath your nose, and the result is yours for good: a youthful, expressive upper lip that never needs a top-up.
What Is Lip Lift?
Upper lip shortening enhances the upper lip by reducing the distance between the nose and lip border. Unlike fillers that add volume, this procedure permanently reshapes the lip anatomy, creating a more defined cupid's bow and a naturally fuller appearance.
It's particularly effective for patients whose upper lip appears too long, thin, or aged, or those with minimal tooth display when smiling. The results are permanent without the need for ongoing filler maintenance.
Common Concerns Lip Lift Can Address
- Long upper lip distance creating an aged appearance
- Thin upper lip with minimal vermilion show
- Minimal tooth display when smiling
- Flattened or undefined cupid's bow
Are You a Good Candidate?
- In good overall health with realistic expectations
- Non-smoker or willing to quit before surgery
- Dissatisfied with upper lip length or fullness
Techniques & Options
The ideal upper lip proportions depend on the distance between your nose and lip border, the shape of your cupid's bow, and how much tooth shows at rest. Your surgeon will take precise measurements and assess your lip anatomy, skin thickness, and smile dynamics during consultation to recommend the right technique. The procedure can shorten an elongated upper lip, define the cupid's bow, increase tooth show, and correct age-related lip thinning.
There are three main techniques:
Subnasal (Bullhorn) Lip Lift
The most common technique. An incision along the base of the nose removes excess skin and elevates the upper lip, with the scar hidden in the natural nasal crease.
- Incision hidden in natural nasal crease
- Provides significant lift and cupid's bow definition
- Minimal visible scarring when properly executed
- Most dramatic and long-lasting results
Corner Lip Lift
Addresses downturned mouth corners by removing small triangles of skin to create a more uplifted expression. Often combined with the subnasal technique.
- Targets outer corners specifically
- Corrects sad or tired appearance
- Can be combined with subnasal technique
- Minimal downtime with subtle improvement
Italian Lip Lift
Two small incisions beneath each nostril offer subtle elevation with excellent scar concealment. Ideal for patients seeking conservative enhancement.
- More conservative lift compared to bullhorn
- Excellent for minimal correction needs
- Two separate small scars instead of one longer scar
- Faster recovery with less swelling
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3
Swelling, bruising, and tightness around the upper lip are expected and normal. Discomfort is mild and well managed with prescribed medication. You'll rest comfortably at your hotel with cold compresses and daily check-ins from your care coordinator.
Days 5–7
Swelling subsides significantly and sutures are removed at your follow-up appointment. Some stiffness and numbness around the lip are normal and temporary. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and light social activities.
Weeks 2–4
Swelling continues to diminish and your lip shape becomes more defined each day. The scar beneath your nose begins to fade and flatten. You can resume most normal activities, though avoid stretching the lip excessively.
Months 2–6
Final results become apparent as the scar matures and blends into the natural nasal crease. Your lip settles into its permanent lifted position with enhanced definition and a youthful appearance that requires no ongoing maintenance.
What to Expect
Safety & Risks
A lip lift is a safe procedure when performed by an experienced surgeon, but like all surgeries, it carries some risks.
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Visible scarring beneath the nose
- Minor lip asymmetry
- Numbness in the upper lip
- Difficulty closing the mouth (rare)
- Infection or delayed healing (rare)
Because upper lip shortening is a permanent alteration to a highly visible part of the face, your surgeon will take precise measurements and discuss scarring potential, symmetry considerations, and every associated risk with you before confirming your treatment plan.
How Much Does Lip Lift Cost in Thailand?
Our pricing is transparent and all-inclusive — your quote covers everything from surgeon fees to hospital stay.
Lip Lift
All-inclusive surgical package- Board-certified surgeon fee
- Anaesthesia & operating theatre
- Hospital stay & nursing care
- Post-operative medications
- Follow-up appointments
- Dedicated care coordinator
Common Questions About Lip Lift
Everything you need to know before your procedure
Dr. Pichaya Suwanprasert
MEDICALLY REVIEWEDDr. Pichaya Suwanprasert
MEDICALLY REVIEWEDPlastic Surgeon · Bangkok
Last reviewed: February 18, 2026
Medical References
- Austin HW. The Lip Lift — Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (1986)
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons — Cosmetic Procedures
- ISAPS International Survey on Aesthetic/Cosmetic Procedures (2022)
- Raphael P, Harris R. The Subnasal Lip Lift — Facial Plastic Surgery (2014)
- NHS — Cosmetic Procedures: Lip Surgery
Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Individual results, recovery times, and suitability vary. Always consult a qualified surgeon before making decisions about treatment.
What's Included
- Board-certified surgeon fee
- Anaesthesia & operating theatre
- Hospital stay & nursing care
- Post-operative medications
- Follow-up appointments
- Dedicated care coordinator
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