Mr Christopher West, plastic surgeon Book a consultation
Mr Christopher West holding a pen level with a woman's upper lip in front of a mirror.

Lip lift

A quick operation under local anaesthetic that rebalances the upper lip.

Book a consultation Questions and answers

The operation

A lip lift is a quick operation performed under local anaesthetic, so you are awake, that rebalances and rejuvenates the upper lip. It is becoming more popular because of the quick recovery and natural results.

As we age, the distance between the bottom of the nose and the upper lip increases. For some people that distance is naturally longer. In a lip lift the skin beneath the nose is removed to shorten this distance. The result is a younger, fresher and fuller-looking lip. It can improve the shape of the lip and give better balance to the facial proportions.

A lip lift is particularly effective for people with a naturally thin upper lip, as a natural-looking alternative to large volumes of filler. The scar is hidden beneath the nose and its shape gives the operation its other name, the bull horn lip lift. Deep stitches support the lip to the base of the nose (a deep plane lip lift), then small skin stitches close the skin.

A lip lift can be performed alone but is often combined with other procedures such as facelifts and eyelid surgery.

In theatre
1 hour
Anaesthetic
Local
Downtime
1 week
Exercise
2 weeks
Price
From £2,295
Suited to
A thin upper lip or a long distance from the nose to the lip.
How it works
Skin is removed from under the nose and the deeper structures are lifted.
The result
A natural, youthful rebalancing of the lips, with fuller volume and the lip's own shape and contours.
The reception desk at The Coppergate Clinic, a patient talking with the team.

Step by step

From the first consultation to your recovery.

  1. Your consultation

    Book a consultation online or call the team. Consultations are in York and Leeds, with virtual consultations for patients travelling from further afield.

  2. The day of surgery

    Mr West marks the planned incision carefully before surgery. Local anaesthetic is injected, which stings for a few seconds. The planned amount of skin is removed and the deeper structures are lifted and secured with stitches. Finally small stitches close the skin.

  3. Recovery

    Following surgery you will be transferred to the recovery area and looked after by our dedicated recovery team. We will make sure all aftercare is explained and follow-up appointments are arranged before you leave.

What patients say

Reviews from Mr West's Google profile, published as written.

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Frequently asked questions

The questions patients ask most often. Anything specific to one patient is covered at the consultation.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

We will discuss this in detail at your consultation. Swelling and bruising for a few days is to be expected. Infections can occur, which are treated with antibiotics. Minor bleeding can rarely happen and should stop with pressure. Some scars can take a little while to settle but in general the scarring is very good. Thick (hypertrophic) scars are rare. Minor asymmetry can occur but is usually very subtle and does not need treating. Some people have dry or cracked lips for a few days as things settle.

What are the follow-up or aftercare procedures?

You will be given antibiotic ointment to apply to the scar daily. Sutures are removed in the clinic after 5 to 7 days and scar massage begins after 2 weeks. A further review appointment is usually made 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

When can I exercise again?

Light exercise is fine after a few days, once most of the swelling has settled. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for 2 weeks.

Can I still have lip filler?

A lip lift makes the upper lip look fuller and more youthful and many people do not need filler afterwards. Some people choose to have small amounts of filler to add to the lips, which is fine once the swelling and bruising have settled. Mr West recommends waiting at least 6 weeks.

Book a consultation

A consultation with Mr West covers the anatomy, what surgery can realistically achieve and the risks involved. A fixed written quote follows afterwards.

Surgery is only planned after this assessment, with time to reflect before any decision. Virtual consultations are available for patients travelling from further afield.

Book a consultation
A patient is welcomed at the reception desk of the Coppergate Clinic in York.