- Overview
What is a Lip Lift?
The lips are one of the most expressive and defining features of the face. But with time, the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip — known as the philtrum — gradually lengthens, the upper lip loses its definition and the natural curl and fullness that once characterised a youthful mouth slowly disappears. Fillers can add volume but they cannot address the underlying structural change that causes this. Only a lip lift can.
A lip lift is a small but transformative surgical procedure that shortens the philtrum — the space between the nose and the upper lip — by removing a carefully measured strip of skin from just beneath the nostrils. This lifts the upper lip upward, increases the visible pink portion of the lip, enhances the natural curl of the Cupid’s bow and restores a more youthful, defined and naturally full appearance to the mouth area.
The result of a well performed lip lift is subtle but significant. Patients describe it as finally looking the way they always felt they should — not like they have had a procedure, but like their lips have simply always looked this good. At Dr. Orman’s clinic, every lip lift is planned and executed with exceptional precision to ensure the result is natural, proportionate and entirely harmonious with the rest of the face.
Permanent Enhancement
Unlike fillers which dissolve and require regular top-ups, a lip lift delivers a permanent improvement to the shape and definition of the upper lip.
Natural Definition
By lifting the lip structurally rather than simply adding volume, a lip lift creates a more natural and defined result that looks entirely authentic.
Enhanced Cupid's Bow
The procedure accentuates the natural curves of the Cupid's bow — one of the most defining features of a youthful, beautiful upper lip.
Subtle but Significant
The change a lip lift delivers is subtle enough to look completely natural but significant enough to meaningfully improve the overall balance and youthfulness of the face.
Complements Fillers
A lip lift can be performed alongside lip fillers for a more comprehensive result — the lift addresses the structural change while fillers add volume where needed.
- Who Is Suitable
Is a Lip Lift right for you?
A lip lift is a small procedure but an important one to get right. Here is what Dr. Orman looks for when assessing suitability.
Good candidates are typically:
- Bothered by a long philtrum — the distance between the nose and the upper lip feels too great
- Noticing that the upper lip has lost definition, curl or visible pink portion over time
- Wanting a more youthful and defined upper lip without an overfilled or artificial appearance
- In good general health with no unmanaged underlying medical conditions
- Non-smokers or willing to stop smoking well in advance of surgery
- Looking for a permanent solution rather than the ongoing commitment of regular filler treatments
- Holding realistic expectations about the degree of change achievable and the subtlety of the result
- Of any age — a lip lift is equally effective for younger patients wanting more definition and older patients wanting to restore a more youthful appearance
You may wish to wait if:
- Your philtrum length is already short as shortening it further may create an unnatural appearance
- You are looking for a dramatic increase in volume rather than a structural lift in which case fillers may be more appropriate
- You smoke and are not willing to stop before and after surgery
- You have unmanaged health conditions that may affect healing
- You have unrealistic expectations about the degree of change achievable with a lip lift alone
- The Procedure
What happens during your lip lift procedure?
A lip lift is a relatively quick and straightforward procedure compared to most facial surgical treatments. Here is a step by step overview of what to expect.
Consultation & Planning
Before surgery, Dr. Orman conducts a detailed consultation to assess your philtrum length, lip anatomy and facial proportions. The precise amount of skin to be removed is carefully measured and planned — this is one of the most critical steps of the entire procedure as it determines the degree of lift and the naturalness of the final result.
Anaesthesia
A lip lift is typically performed under local anaesthesia — meaning you are awake but the treatment area is completely numbed. You will feel no pain throughout the procedure. In some cases sedation can be offered for patients who prefer to be more relaxed during the treatment.
Incision
A carefully measured and precisely shaped incision is made just beneath the base of the nostrils — following the natural contours of the nose so the resulting scar is hidden within the natural crease where the nose meets the upper lip.
Skin Removal and Lifting
The measured strip of skin is removed and the upper lip is gently lifted upward into its new position. This simultaneously shortens the philtrum, increases the visible pink portion of the lip, enhances the Cupid's bow and creates a more youthful curl to the upper lip.
Closing
The incision is carefully closed with very fine sutures placed within the natural crease beneath the nose. The precision of this closure is essential to minimising the visibility of the scar once healed.
- The Recovery
What to expect during your lip lift recovery.
Lip lift recovery is one of the most manageable of all facial surgical procedures. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how quickly they feel comfortable and how soon the result begins to look natural.
Timeline:
Days 1–3
Some swelling, bruising and tightness around the upper lip and base of the nose is completely normal. The area will feel tender and the lip may appear more lifted than the final result — this is entirely normal and settles as swelling reduces. Prescribed pain medication manages any discomfort effectively.
Week 1–2
Sutures are typically removed at around day 5 to 7. Swelling reduces noticeably during this period and the lip begins to settle into its new position. Most patients feel comfortable in social situations from around day 7 to 10.
Week 2–4
The majority of swelling has resolved and the result begins to look natural and settled. The scar beneath the nose is still healing during this period and will appear pink or slightly raised — this is completely normal and continues to improve significantly over the coming months.
Month 1–3
The scar continues to fade and soften. The lip settles fully into its lifted position and the result becomes increasingly natural and defined. Most patients feel completely happy with their result by the end of month 3.
Final Results
Final lip lift results are typically fully visible at around 3 to 6 months once the scar has fully matured and any residual swelling has resolved. The naturally lifted, defined and youthful upper lip you and Dr. Orman discussed is now permanently revealed.
Activities to avoid during recovery:
- Stretching the mouth widely — laughing, yawning or eating large bites — in the first 1 to 2 weeks
- Smoking throughout the entire recovery period
- Strenuous exercise for at least 2 weeks
- Applying makeup directly to the incision line until sutures have been removed and the wound has fully closed
- Exposing the scar to direct sunlight for at least 12 months
The most beautiful version of your lips has been there all along. A lip lift simply reveals it.
- Why a Lip Lift
Naturally defined, permanently beautiful lips — without the filler.
A lip lift does what no injectable can — it changes the structure, not just the volume.
Permanent Results
Unlike fillers that dissolve within months, a lip lift delivers a permanent improvement to the shape, definition and position of the upper lip — with no ongoing maintenance required.
Structural Enhancement
By lifting the lip at a structural level rather than simply adding volume, a lip lift creates a more natural, defined and lasting result that looks entirely authentic.
Youthful Definition Restored
The procedure restores the natural curl of the Cupid's bow, increases the visible pink portion of the lip and shortens the philtrum — addressing the specific structural changes that make the mouth look older or less defined.
Subtle and Natural
A well performed lip lift should never look overdone or obvious. Dr. Orman's approach prioritises a result that looks like your lips simply at their natural best.
Quick Recovery
With a recovery time of just 1 to 2 weeks, a lip lift is one of the most time efficient facial procedures available — delivering permanent results with minimal downtime.
World Class Care in Istanbul
All procedures are performed in internationally accredited facilities in Istanbul with full concierge support from airport transfer to final follow-up.
- Face Aesthetics
Lip Lift
- Hospital Stay
Not Required
- Operation Duration
45–90 Minutes
- Anaesthesia
Local
- Stay in Istanbul
3–5 Days
- Recovery Duration
1–2 Weeks
- Start Your Journey
Naturally beautiful lips — permanently. It starts with one conversation.
A lip lift is one of the most precise and rewarding facial procedures Dr. Orman performs. His consultation is honest, unhurried and completely free. There is no pressure and no obligation.
- FAQs
Everything you need to know before taking the next step.
We understand that choosing a surgeon is one of the most important decisions you will make. Here are the answers to the questions we hear most often.
Lip fillers add volume to the lips and can improve their shape to some degree but they cannot address the structural changes that cause the upper lip to look thin, flat or aged — specifically a long philtrum and a loss of the natural lip curl. A lip lift addresses these structural changes permanently by repositioning the lip itself. The two treatments can also be combined for a more comprehensive result.
A lip lift delivers permanent results. The structural change made during the procedure — shortening the philtrum and lifting the upper lip — is permanent and does not reverse over time. While the natural ageing process continues after surgery, the improvement achieved by a lip lift is lasting.
The procedure itself is performed under local anaesthesia so you will feel no pain during the treatment. Some tenderness and mild discomfort in the days following surgery is normal and is well managed with prescribed pain medication. Most patients describe recovery as very manageable.
The amount of skin removed is carefully measured and planned during your consultation and is specific to your individual anatomy and goals. Typically between 3 and 8 millimetres of skin is removed. This seemingly small measurement has a significant and beautiful impact on the appearance of the lip.
Yes and this is a very popular combination. A lip lift addresses the structural position and definition of the upper lip while fillers add volume where needed. When combined thoughtfully the two treatments deliver a more complete and natural result than either can achieve alone. Dr. Orman will advise on the most appropriate combination for your goals during your consultation.
A lip lift is suitable for adults of any age. Younger patients often seek a lip lift for improved definition and a more pronounced Cupid's bow. Older patients typically seek restoration of the youthful position and proportion that the lip has lost over time. Dr. Orman assesses suitability individually during your consultation.
Dr. Orman provides fully transparent, all-inclusive pricing during your consultation covering the procedure, all follow-up appointments and aftercare support with no hidden costs.
- Get in touch
Let's Begin Your Journey.
Dr. Orman understands that choosing to have a Lip Lift is deeply personal. His consultation is a conversation honest, unhurried and completely confidential. There is no pressure and no obligation.
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