Procedure · Facial Surgery
Lip lift, serving Scottsdale & the Valley
A lip lift at Xynwell shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip to restore youthful lip proportions, increase upper-lip show, and create a naturally refreshed appearance. Every procedure is tailored to your anatomy — a conservative approach designed to enhance balance, not exaggerate volume.
What a lip lift addresses
As we age, the distance between the nose and upper lip (the philtrum) gradually lengthens. The upper lip begins to roll inward, reducing the visible pink portion of the lip and limiting tooth show at rest — leaving a longer, thinner upper lip that can make the face appear older or less expressive.
A lip lift corrects this by shortening the philtrum and repositioning the upper lip into a more youthful, balanced position. Rather than adding volume, it improves lip shape, proportion, and definition.
Position, not volume
Lip lift
Changes position
Shortens the philtrum and repositions the lip — a permanent structural improvement, ideal when elongation is the concern.
Lip filler
Adds volume
Temporarily adds fullness — a better fit when the goal is simply fuller lips. See aesthetic treatments.
In some cases, the two complement one another — filler can add fullness after a lip lift has restored the proportion.
The Xynwell approach
The subnasal “bullhorn” lip lift
Xynwell performs the subnasal lip lift — the most established technique for permanently elevating the upper lip — under local anesthesia, typically in under an hour.
Who is a candidate?
Good candidates are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and often notice:
- A long upper lip
- Limited upper tooth show at rest
- A thin-appearing upper lip caused by elongation rather than lack of volume
- A desire for a permanent improvement instead of ongoing filler treatments
A lip lift is generally not recommended for patients who already have a naturally short philtrum, or whose primary goal is simply to increase lip volume.
Recovery and what to expect
Swelling and tightness are expected during the first one to two weeks. Your recovery instructions are personalized to your procedure and individual healing.
- 1
First 1–2 weeks
Swelling and tightness are expected; most patients resume normal social activities after about one week.
- 2
Following weeks
The incision beneath the nose gradually softens and becomes increasingly inconspicuous.
- 3
Following months
Scar maturation completes, settling into a permanent, balanced lip position.
Results
A permanent, youthful proportion
A lip lift provides a permanent improvement in lip shape and facial proportion. For patients who desire additional fullness, lip filler may be added later to complement the structural result.
- Increased upper-lip show
- Improved tooth show at rest
- Better lip definition
- More youthful facial balance
Frequently asked questions
Will the scar be visible?
The incision is carefully placed within the natural contour beneath the nose, where it typically heals as a fine, well-concealed line that continues to soften over time.
Is a lip lift the same as lip filler?
No. A lip lift permanently changes the position and proportions of the upper lip, while filler temporarily adds volume. They address different concerns and are sometimes combined to achieve the most balanced result. See Aesthetic Treatments.
How long do results last?
A lip lift creates a permanent structural improvement. Although natural aging continues, the repositioned lip maintains its improved proportions over time.
Can a lip lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Lip lift is frequently combined with procedures such as upper or lower blepharoplasty, brow lift, facelift, or other facial rejuvenation procedures when appropriate to create balanced facial harmony.
Schedule a Consultation
Restore youthful lip proportions with a personalized approach.
Every consultation begins with a detailed evaluation of your facial proportions, lip anatomy, and aesthetic goals. From there, we'll recommend the treatment — or combination of treatments — that will provide the most natural, balanced result for you.