How do I Know if I am a good candidate?

Usually the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip varies by age, sex, and ethnicity. Average Distances are: women: ~10–12 mm and men: ~12–15 mm. Shorter distances create a youthful, balanced appearance, while longer distances may make the upper lip look droopy or thin. During the consultation, Dr Youssef Rayess will measure your nose to lip distance and advise you accorndingly.

Can lip lift be performed together with a rhinoplasty also called nose job?

Yes, Dr Youssef Rayess frequently combines lip lift, also called bullhorn lip lift, with a rhinoplasty (nose job).

Can lip lift be performed in the office under local anesthesia?

When performed alone, Dr. Youssef Rayess typically performs a lip lift in the clinic under local anesthesia, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and precise procedure.

Where is the scar of a lip lift surgery located?

In a bullhorn lip lift, the scar is located just under the base of the nose, following the natural crease along the nostrils. The scar of a lip lift surgery is discreet and usually hardly noticeable once fully healed and with proper care, it fades over time and blends with the natural skin fold.

How do you ensure results look natural ?

Dr. Youssef Rayess focuses on enhancing—not changing—your appearance. By customizing each procedure to your unique anatomy and maintaining harmony and balance, Dr Youssef Rayess aims for results that look refreshed, natural, and authentically you.

Do you offer virtual online consultations for international patients ?

Yes. We frequently welcome patients from around the globe. Your initial consultation can be conducted virtually, where Dr. Youssef Rayess will analyze your structure and discuss your goals before you travel for your procedure.

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Surgical Lip Lift

Refining the upper lip for a naturally fuller, more youthful and balanced smile.

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Woman with finger to her lips in a “shh” gesture, against a gray background

The Procedure

A surgical lip lift, also known as a Bullhorn lip lift, is a cosmetic procedure that enhances the appearance of the upper lip by reducing the distance between the nose and the upper lip. This adjustment improves lip proportion and creates a more youthful smile.

The procedure enhances natural lip curvature and definition without relying on temporary fillers, offering long-lasting aesthetic improvement while maintaining facial balance.

How It Works

Surgical lip lift surgery can be performed under local or general anesthesia.

It often involves:

Assessment & Planning: The surgeon measures the distance between the nose and upper lip and designs a crescent-shaped incision under the base of the nose in a bullhorn pattern
Incision & Skin Removal: A small strip of skin is removed to shorten the upper lip
Lifting the Lip: The upper lip is elevated and secured with deep sutures to enhance projection and tooth show
Closure: The incision is carefully closed, with the scar hidden in the natural crease under the nose

This procedure focuses on precise anatomical refinement to restore harmony between the upper lip and midface while maintaining a natural expression.

Subtle elevation, balanced refinement.
— Dr Youssef Rayess, Plastic Aesthetic Surgeon

Key Benefits

Shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip for improved facial proportion

Enhances upper lip fullness without fillers

Creates a more youthful and refreshed smile

Improves tooth display when smiling

Defines the natural shape of the upper lip

Provides long-lasting, stable results

Maintains a natural-looking appearance without overcorrection

At A Glance

Duration

1 H

Anesthesia

Local anesthesia

Recovery Time

1 week

The Ideal Candidate

You may be a good candidate for a Surgical Lip Lift if you:

Have an elongated upper lip with increased distance from the nose
Desire a fuller, more youthful-looking smile
Prefer a permanent solution over injectable fillers
Are in good general health and a non-smoker or willing to pause smoking
Have realistic expectations regarding enhancement of proportion rather than dramatic size change
Have stable, fully developed facial anatomy

Your Journey

From your first consultation to your final reveal, we are with you every step of the way.

Consultation

Meet with Dr. Youssef Rayess to discuss your goals, assess your lip proportions, and determine whether a surgical lip lift is the right option for you.

Preparation

Receive personalized pre-operative instructions and complete any necessary medical assessments before your procedure.

Procedure

A small strip of skin is carefully removed beneath the nose to shorten the upper lip and enhance lip shape with natural-looking, long-lasting results.

Recovery

Most patients return to light daily activities within a few days, with swelling gradually improving and the scar continuing to fade over the following months.

Recovery & Timeline

Understanding your healing journey.

What to Expect After Surgery

Recovery varies among patients, but most can expect

Swelling and mild bruising are expected for 1 to 2 weeks
Mild discomfort is common and manageable with standard post-operative care
Sutures are usually removed after 5 to 7 days
Most patients return to normal daily activities within about 1 week
Strenuous physical activity should be avoided for approximately 2 weeks
Results refine progressively as swelling resolves
Final aesthetic outcome is typically visible after 4 to 6 weeks

When can I observe the result?

Initial improvements are visible once swelling and bruising subside, typically within a few weeks. A more refined and natural result becomes apparent after two to three months, with final results visible after several months as tissues fully settle and healing progresses.

Real Results

Explore the natural, transformative outcomes achieved with Surgical Lip Lift.

Common Questions

Ready to begin?

Schedule your private consultation to discuss whether the Surgical Lip Lift is right for you.

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