What is a lip lift?
A subnasal (so-called “bullhorn”/“Italian”) lip lift removes a narrow strip of skin beneath the nose. By shortening the philtrum and supporting the deep tissues with anchoring sutures, the upper lip gains gentle outward roll and definition—structure, not bulk. The aim is a clearer Cupid’s bow, a less flat upper lip, and a discreet increase in tooth display at rest.
This procedure can be staged with corner lift, small fat transfer (later), or skin-quality treatments for fine perioral lines when appropriate.
Dr. Marc-Kevin Le Roux is a French board-certified maxillofacial surgeon based in Dubai. His approach to lip lift is conservative and measurement-led: millimetre planning, deep tension control, and a scar protocol adapted to diverse skin types and strong sun exposure.
Who is it for?
Most common candidates (typically 40–50+)
- Age-related lengthening of the philtrum
- Thinning/flattening of the red lip with little or no incisor show at rest
- Preference for a durable structural improvement rather than repeated volumising
Selected younger adults (<40)
Considered only when all of the following are true:
- The philtrum is objectively long for the face.
- Incisor show at rest ≈ 0 mm, with a shared target of subtle display (often 0–1 mm).
- Full acceptance of a central facial scar trade-off.
If these criteria are not met, non-surgical options are usually preferable.
Consultation & measurements
- Metrics: philtrum length, vermilion height, incisor show at rest, smile dynamics/profile
- Skin & scar profile: Fitzpatrick type, past scar behaviour, sun exposure (important in the UAE)
- History: fillers (may dissolve or wait), smoking/vaping cessation, HSV prophylaxis if needed
- Planning: conservative millimetre targets agreed together with photo mapping
How the procedure is performed
- Precise markings while seated, following philtral columns and the nasal base
- Local anaesthesia (with optional light sedation)
- Tailored subnasal excision matched to nasal base anatomy
- Deep support sutures to offload the skin line; fine everted skin closure for a thin scar
- Discreet dressing; sutures removed on day 5–7
Adjuncts are added only if they visibly improve balance and proportion.
Recovery & aftercare
- Days 1–3: swelling/tightness around the base of the nose; soft diet and gentle speech help
- Days 4–7: sutures out; most patients are socially presentable
- Weeks 2–3: smile mobility feels natural again
- Weeks 6–12: final definition; scar blends
Scar care: gentle cleansing → healing ointment → silicone gel/tape and strict SPF 50+ (essential in Dubai). If a scar shows excess activity, early laser or targeted steroid micro-treatments may be discussed.
Results to expect
- A shorter upper lip with a clean vermilion roll
- A planned, subtle increase in tooth show at rest
- A livelier smile that still looks like you
- Long-lasting, structural change that ages naturally over time
Risks & how they’re minimised
- Scar visibility/redness – reduced by careful design, deep tension control, silicone therapy, and sun discipline
- Asymmetry/over-shortening – avoided by conservative millimetre targets
- Temporary stiffness or altered sensation – usually settles as swelling resolves
- Nasal base distortion – prevented with balanced deep fixation and precise markings
Your aftercare is tailored to your skin type and healing history.
Non-surgical alternatives (often first choice under 40)
Lip-flip (neuromodulator)
gentle vermilion tilt, 3–4 months effect
Micro-filler
hydration/contour (not lift)
Dental/smile optimisation
when tooth display is the real limiter
Post-lift, a small, delayed filler touch can refine contour—never to “lift”.
Fees & quotation
Because candidacy depends on measurements and scar profile, fees are provided after examination. You’ll receive a clear quotation and a personalised scar-care plan. Cosmetic lip lifts are typically not covered by insurance.
