What a Lip Lift Can Achieve
Over time, the distance between the nose and upper lip may lengthen, and the upper lip can lose definition and structural support. These changes may alter facial balance and contribute to an aged or tired appearance.
An upper lip lift, also known as a subnasal or bullhorn lip lift, addresses these concerns. The aim of surgery is to shorten the upper lip and improve lip show while preserving natural expression and maintaining harmony with the surrounding facial features.
Your Surgical Journey
Your surgical journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr Collins at The Surgery. This allows a detailed assessment of your anatomy and provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns and expectations and develop a surgical plan tailored specifically to you.
An upper lip lift is commonly performed at The Surgery under local anaesthetic. A small amount of skin is removed beneath the nose using a carefully planned bullhorn-shaped incision, positioned within the natural contour so that the resulting scar is typically very well concealed once healed. Sutures are usually removed after five to seven days.
Recovery and Aftercare
Swelling and bruising are expected in the early post-operative period. Cold compresses and LED light therapy may be recommended, and sleeping with your head slightly elevated can be beneficial. During early recovery, precautions such as a soft diet, gentle oral hygiene and avoiding excessive mouth opening are advised.
Most patients allow around one week away from work, although those able to work from home may return sooner. Low-impact activity can usually resume after two weeks, while strenuous exercise should be avoided for four to six weeks. Scar management forms an important part of aftercare. In selected patients, fractionated CO₂ laser treatment may be recommended to support scar quality and the long-term aesthetic outcome.
Is a Lip Lift Right for You?
You may be suitable for an upper lip lift if your concerns include an elongated upper lip, reduced lip definition or imbalance between the lips and overall facial proportions.
A consultation with Dr Collins allows for a personalised assessment of your anatomy and discussion of whether this procedure aligns with your goals and expectations.
Lip Lift in Dunedin with Dr Anne Collins
Frequently Asked Questions
A lip lift is a surgical procedure designed to shorten the upper lip. The aim is to improve lip definition and proportions without adding volume.
Patients commonly consider a lip lift due to age-related lengthening of the upper lip, reduced definition or a heavy or overhanging appearance.
The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic at The Surgery. A small amount of skin is removed beneath the base of the nose using a carefully planned bullhorn-shaped incision.
Preparing well is an important part of your surgical journey and plays a key role in optimising both healing and aesthetic outcomes. When it comes to a lip lift, skin quality forms the foundation on which surgical results sit. Medical-grade, evidence-based skincare helps preserve skin barrier function, enhance collagen signalling and strengthen antioxidant resilience. Good skin preparation prior to surgery may help reduce inflammation and contribute to a smoother, more predictable recovery.
Patients must be nicotine-free prior to surgery, as nicotine significantly impairs wound healing and increases the risk of complications. This includes smoking, vaping and the use of nicotine replacement products.
A lip lift is performed as a day procedure, and patients are able to return home the same day.
In the early recovery period, it is important to minimise swelling and support healing. Cold compresses may be used as advised, and LED light therapy can be beneficial in reducing inflammation. Sleeping with your head slightly elevated is recommended during the first few nights.
For approximately two weeks you will need to follow specific precautions including a soft diet, gentle oral hygiene, rinsing the mouth after meals and avoiding excessive mouth opening.
LED light therapy is commonly used at The Surgery to support recovery and skin health following both surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures.
The Healite LED system delivers specific wavelengths of light that support the skin’s natural healing and rejuvenation processes. Yellow light is used to reduce inflammation and support post-procedure healing, particularly following surgical and injectable treatments. Red light is used for its rejuvenating properties, supporting collagen and elastin production, improving skin tone and texture, and enhancing overall skin vitality.
Treatment is non-invasive and requires no downtime. Yellow light therapy is often used in the early post-operative period, with additional sessions in the first week if required. Red light therapy may be incorporated as part of an ongoing skin rejuvenation programme.
Facial rejuvenation is not a single event, but a continuum. High-performance, medical-grade skincare helps support surgical outcomes, promotes skin health, and protects your long-term investment. Appropriate skincare and sun protection play an important role in maintaining healthy, resilient skin over time.
Scarring is a common concern for patients considering a lip lift, and it is helpful to review a range of post-operative photographs to understand the natural variation in scar appearance and healing.
A permanent scar is present beneath the nostrils at the junction of the nose and upper lip. The scar is initially more noticeable but typically fades and softens over several months. In selected patients, fractionated CO₂ laser treatment may be offered to support scar quality and the long-term aesthetic outcome.
The wound is closed in layers. Skin sutures are typically removed after five to seven days, while deeper sutures dissolve gradually over several months.
Return to work depends on the nature of your role and your individual recovery. Many patients choose to allow around one week away from work due to visible bruising and swelling. Those able to work from home may feel comfortable returning sooner.
Driving is usually safe once you can comfortably perform all necessary manoeuvres without discomfort. This is often within a few days after surgery.
Gentle, low-impact activity can usually be resumed after two weeks. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for approximately four to six weeks to support optimal healing.
As with all surgical procedures, there are risks involved. These include pain, bleeding, infection, adverse scarring, bruising, swelling, temporary numbness or altered sensation, scar sensitivity, under- or over-correction, recurrence of lip lengthening, and the potential need for further surgery.
Surgical outcomes vary between individuals and depend on a number of factors, including anatomy, tissue quality, healing response and adherence to post-operative care. Expected outcomes, risks and limitations are discussed in detail during your consultation as part of the informed consent process.
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