Is a Lip Lift Painful?

A Lip Lift is typically a well-tolerated procedure. It’s done under local anesthesia with oral sedation or IV sedation, so during the surgery, patients feel little to no pain — only mild pressure or movement around the upper lip area. After the procedure, some swelling, tightness, and tenderness are common in the first few days, but most patients describe the discomfort as mild to moderate rather than painful. The majority of patients can return to daily activities shortly after.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

A Lip Lift typically requires two to three appointments, from consultation to final follow-up. Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation in Salt Lake City. The second appointment is your surgical procedure, which is performed in-office under local anesthesia with oral sedation or IV sedation. After surgery, you will return to the office for a follow-up visit approximately 5-7 days later to check on healing, remove sutures, and address any questions about your recovery. In some cases, patients may have an additional follow-up appointment at the 30-day mark to assess final results and discuss optional treatments like laser skin resurfacing if any redness along the incision line remains.

How Long Until I See Results?

Initial swelling is most prominent during the first 7-10 days and gradually subsides over the following weeks. By two weeks post-surgery, the majority of swelling will have resolved, allowing for a more visible enhancement in the upper lip’s lift. However, the incision along the base of the nose will continue to refine over the next several months as redness fades and the scar softens. Most patients see their final results within three months, with the scar becoming increasingly discreet over time.

Can I Combine a Lip Lift With Other Procedures?

Combining a Lip Lift with chin augmentation, buccal fat removal, or neck liposuction can create a more balanced appearance and have a bigger impact on the results of a lip lift. Additionally, non-surgical treatments like dermal fillers or skin resurfacing can complement a Lip Lift by restoring lost volume and improving skin texture. Combining procedures maximizes cosmetic results and minimizes downtime by allowing patients to recover from multiple treatments simultaneously under Dr. Urban’s expert care.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Lip Lift?

A Lip Lift is a safe and low-risk procedure, but like any surgery, it carries some potential risks. The most common side effects include swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which typically subside within the first two weeks. Temporary numbness around the incision site may also occur, but usually resolves as the tissues heal. More uncommon risks can include infection, asymmetry, prolonged redness, or visible scarring. Patients who follow Dr. Urban’s detailed post-operative care instructions significantly reduce the risk of complications and promote optimal healing.

Do You Have Any Before and After Photos?

Yes, go to the Before and After gallery above.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Lip lift

Introduction

Introduction to Lip Lift

The shape of the lips plays a defining role in our facial features, being one of the first things people notice when they look at us. Yet, for many, the natural length of the upper lip can create a sense of imbalance or aging that isn’t flattering. If you want to correct longer proportions of the upper lip, restore subtle fullness lost with age, or refine the shape of your lips, a Lip Lift offers a permanent solution without the need for ongoing touch-ups.

In Salt Lake City, Dr. Scott Urban combines his triple board-certified expertise in facial aesthetics with careful and deliberate detail to deliver lips that look effortlessly natural.

Lip lift Results

Photo Gallery

What is a Lip Lift?

A lip lift (aka upper lip shortening procedure) is a surgical procedure that improves the cosmetic appearance of the lips by decreasing the upper vertical lip skin length, which allows an appropriate amount of upper central incisor tooth exposure at rest. Hence, the procedure is performed mainly for three reasons: first, to shorten a long upper lip; second, to increase the amount of upper front teeth exposure at rest; and third, to increase the “pouty/sensual” appearance of the upper lip.

Historically, most surgeons have avoided this procedure in order to avoid an unsightly scar between the upper lip and skin. However, newer techniques have been developed to avoid visible lower lip scarring by placing the incision between the junction of the nose and lip. In addition, modification of the lip lift (gull-wing configuration) allows the elevation of both the central portion of the lip and the lateral portion of the lip in order to avoid the classic “rabbit lip” appearance.

Consider our practice for your lip lift because we know how to design the incision properly and close it to minimize a visible scar. In fact, very few surgeons know how to perform a lip lift to maximize lift and minimize scarring. Our before-and-after photos provide supporting evidence for the quality of our lip lifts.

Woman with sleek dark hair and natural makeup resting her head on her hand, wearing a sleeveless black top and a pearl necklace, gazing softly at the camera in a neutral indoor setting. - Lip Lift in West Jordan, UT

What is an Attractive Upper Lip Length?

The upper lip length is defined by the distance between the nasal base and the reddish-pink portion of the upper lip (vermilion border). Typically, the distance between the nasal base and the upper portion of the lip is around 10-15mm. At this ideal lip length, the central incisor exposure at rest in a youthful female should be around 3-4 mm. The ideal central incisor exposure at rest should be around 0-2 mm in males.

What Are the Benefits of a Lip Lift?

One of the primary advantages is the impactful improvement in facial balance, especially for individuals with an elongated upper lip. Shortening the distance between the nose and upper lip restores natural proportions that can become less defined with age. This enhancement also increases upper teeth visibility at rest, a hallmark of a youthful smile. In addition to improving lip definition, a lip lift can help refine the overall contours of the mouth area by creating a more pronounced Cupid’s bow and subtly enhancing the natural pink portion of the upper lip. The procedure can also correct a downturned or flat upper lip, giving the mouth a softer, more inviting expression.

To top it off, this procedure offers permanent results so that you can enjoy the improvements for a lifetime.

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Lip Lift?

The best candidates for a lip lift are individuals who are bothered by the appearance of a long upper lip or those who feel their smile lacks youthful definition. A key indicator of candidacy is an upper lip skin length greater than 15 mm — the measurement between the base of the nose and the top border of the upper lip — combined with little to no upper teeth showing when the mouth is slightly open at rest. This combination often creates a more aged appearance or a less vibrant smile, which a lip lift can dramatically improve. The procedure can benefit patients of all ages, from younger individuals seeking a more defined lip shape to older patients looking to restore youthful balance. Dr. Urban in Salt Lake City can recommend the best approach to the procedure for your desired outcome.

What’s the First Step?

Start with a consultation. During this private appointment at Dr. Urban’s Salt Lake City office, he will perform a detailed facial assessment, measuring the distance between your nose and upper lip and evaluating your overall lip shape, tooth show, and skin elasticity. This evaluation helps determine whether a lip lift is the best solution or if alternative treatments may be more suitable. Dr. Urban will take the time to discuss your concerns, answer any questions, and explain the procedure in detail so you feel fully informed and confident in your decision.

What to Expect on the Day of Lip Lift Surgery? How Is It Performed?

Dr. Urban and the team will begin by preparing you for the procedure at our Salt Lake City surgical facility. All of our lip lift procedures can be performed with local anesthesia, but at our practice, you have the option of a light or deep sedation at no additional charge. After the areas of correction are marked, an incision is made in the junction between the nose and upper lip skin in the shape of a gull wing. If the simultaneous elevation of the lateral corners of the lip is needed, the incision can extend into the groove between the ala of the nose and the nasolabial groove.

Once the incisions are closed, you’ll be briefly monitored before being discharged the same day to begin recovery.

How Long Does It Take to Do a Lip Lift?

The gull-wing-shaped lip lift usually requires approximately 2 hours of operating room time.

Can Lips Be Lifted with Filler?

No, the placement of filler in the lips only increases the anterior projection of your lips. In fact, lip filler placed in a long upper lip can create the appearance of the so-called “duck lips.” So, the only way to shorten the upper lip is by surgically removing the excess upper lip skin via the lip lift procedure.

Lip Lift Recovery

Recovery from a lip lift is typically smooth and well-tolerated, with most patients able to resume social activities within 10 to 14 days. Mild to moderate swelling and bruising are common following surgery, particularly around the upper lip and incision site. These effects gradually subside over the first two weeks, revealing the initial results of the procedure. While the majority of swelling resolves within this timeframe, minor residual swelling can persist for several weeks as the tissues continue to heal. Most patients find that redness along the incision line significantly diminishes by day 30, though any lingering redness can be further minimized with non-invasive treatments like localized laser skin resurfacing.

How Much Does a Lip Lift Cost in Salt Lake City, UT?

Dr. Scott D. Urban, MD, DMD, FAACS, is one of the most highly credentialed facial plastic surgeons in the greater Salt Lake City area, offering a rare combination of expertise in Facial Cosmetic Surgery and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery. With dual doctoral degrees from Harvard University and the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, Dr. Urban’s exceptional academic background forms the foundation of his approach to facial and body enhancements. He completed a rigorous residency in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and a general surgery internship at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, followed by an American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery-accredited Facial Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham — training under Dr. Peter Waite, one of the leading authorities in facial cosmetic surgery. On top of this, Dr. Urban is triple board-certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery, and the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery — a distinction held by only a select number of surgeons nationwide.

Why Choose Dr. Urban?

Scott D. Urban, MD, DMD, FAACS, specializes in Facial Cosmetic Surgery and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery. He received his doctoral degrees from Harvard University (DMD) and Mayo Clinic School of Medicine (MD) and completed a general surgery internship and an oral & maxillofacial surgery residency at the renowned Mayo Clinic. Afterward, Dr. Urban completed an American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery-accredited Facial Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham under the tutelage of Dr. Peter Waite, the Past President of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Urban is triple board-certified in facial surgery by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Urban is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Dr. Urban loves the practice of healing, helping, and serving. His hobbies include bicycle riding, mountain biking, snow skiing, waterskiing, hiking, reading, and spending time with his family.

Lip Lift FAQs

A Lip Lift is typically a well-tolerated procedure. It’s done under local anesthesia with oral sedation or IV sedation, so during the surgery, patients feel little to no pain — only mild pressure or movement around the upper lip area. After the procedure, some swelling, tightness, and tenderness are common in the first few days, but most patients describe the discomfort as mild to moderate rather than painful. The majority of patients can return to daily activities shortly after.
A Lip Lift typically requires two to three appointments, from consultation to final follow-up. Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation in Salt Lake City. The second appointment is your surgical procedure, which is performed in-office under local anesthesia with oral sedation or IV sedation. After surgery, you will return to the office for a follow-up visit approximately 5-7 days later to check on healing, remove sutures, and address any questions about your recovery. In some cases, patients may have an additional follow-up appointment at the 30-day mark to assess final results and discuss optional treatments like laser skin resurfacing if any redness along the incision line remains.
Initial swelling is most prominent during the first 7-10 days and gradually subsides over the following weeks. By two weeks post-surgery, the majority of swelling will have resolved, allowing for a more visible enhancement in the upper lip’s lift. However, the incision along the base of the nose will continue to refine over the next several months as redness fades and the scar softens. Most patients see their final results within three months, with the scar becoming increasingly discreet over time.
Combining a Lip Lift with chin augmentation, buccal fat removal, or neck liposuction can create a more balanced appearance and have a bigger impact on the results of a lip lift. Additionally, non-surgical treatments like dermal fillers or skin resurfacing can complement a Lip Lift by restoring lost volume and improving skin texture. Combining procedures maximizes cosmetic results and minimizes downtime by allowing patients to recover from multiple treatments simultaneously under Dr. Urban’s expert care.
A Lip Lift is a safe and low-risk procedure, but like any surgery, it carries some potential risks. The most common side effects include swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which typically subside within the first two weeks. Temporary numbness around the incision site may also occur, but usually resolves as the tissues heal. More uncommon risks can include infection, asymmetry, prolonged redness, or visible scarring. Patients who follow Dr. Urban’s detailed post-operative care instructions significantly reduce the risk of complications and promote optimal healing.

Patient Reviews

I went home today and literally was blown away by how good my procedure looks! This is why you come to Dr. Urban and his team. I pulled out my license photo when I was 39 and I look just like that again. It’s amazing. Feel free to ask for before and after photos at the the office.

You will not be disappointed!

View Results – S.V.
Best experience! If you’re looking for a great result and great treatment, this is the place for you!

View Results R.C.
Mini facelift and I am loving it! The Drs follow up was beyond expectations. I feel so much more confident when meeting new people. I would do it again but only with Dr Urban.

View Results C.C.

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