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A lip lift is a subtle yet powerful surgical procedure that reshapes the area between the upper lip and the base of the nose to enhance the natural contours of your mouth. As we age, the upper lip can lengthen and lose volume, causing the lips to appear thinner and the smile less defined. A well-performed lip lift shortens this distance, increases the visible pink portion of the upper lip, and can restore youthful balance to your facial features.
Whether you’re looking to reduce the distance between your nose and upper lip or enhance lip definition, the team at Schoemann Plastic Surgery in Encinitas, CA, offers expert care tailored to your aesthetic goals. We understand how subtle changes in the lips can dramatically influence your confidence and facial balance. That’s why we specialize in surgical lip lift procedures to help you achieve a fuller, more youthful appearance without relying on ongoing lip fillers or temporary treatments.
Improves facial harmony by lifting the area between the nose and mouth
A permanent lip augmentation solution that doesn’t require touch-ups
Minimally invasive surgical procedure with no general anesthesia required
Most patients return to daily activities within 5–7 days
Restores a youthful upper vermilion height and defined cupid’s bow without looking overdone
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the philtrum length, or the space between the nose and upper lip, helping to restore the lip’s natural curve and fullness. This technique is ideal for patients with thin lips, a long upper lip, or diminished visibility of the red lip (vermilion).
Unlike lip fillers, which temporarily increase lip volume with injectable fillers, the surgical lip lift offers permanent enhancement by physically adjusting the position of the upper lip. Techniques such as the subnasal lip lift or gull wing lip lift can be selected based on anatomy and desired aesthetic outcomes. These procedures are often part of broader facial rejuvenation procedures for patients concerned with signs of facial aging.
During your consultation, Dr. Schoemann will assess your facial features, lip proportions, and skin type to determine the best approach—whether a subnasal lip lift, corner lip lift, or central lip lift. This is also when risks like noticeable scarring, excessive bleeding, or an under correction are reviewed. You’ll receive pre-op instructions such as avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and herbal supplements to support healing.
Performed under local anesthesia in our Encinitas office, the procedure typically takes under an hour. Using precise surgical techniques, Dr. Schoemann removes a strip of excess skin at the nasal base. The incision site is placed in the natural crease below the nose to keep any lip lift scar as discreet as possible. The remaining tissue is elevated to shorten the upper lip, enhance the vermilion border, and expose more of the upper teeth, improving the shape of the cupid’s bow and overall lip aesthetics.
A lip lift procedure corrects age- and genetics-related concerns involving lip length, volume, and shape. This includes:
Lip lift surgery offers both cosmetic and structural improvements to your appearance:
If you’ve noticed a long upper lip, thinning or flattening of your smile, or are looking for a permanent alternative to lip augmentation with fillers, you may be a candidate for a surgical lip lift.
Candidates should be in good health, free from smoking or excessive alcohol use, and have realistic expectations for what the lip lift results can achieve. This procedure is popular among many patients seeking subtle yet meaningful facial refinement.
After your lip lift procedure, you’ll receive detailed instructions for caring for the surgical site, including the use of pain medication and tips to minimize noticeable scarring. Keep your head elevated, avoid heavy lifting, and refrain from disturbing the incision site.
Swelling typically peaks within 48 hours and begins to subside by the end of the first week. Full healing occurs within a few weeks, with the lip lift scar fading gradually over several months.
You’ll begin to see your lip lift results within days, with enhanced lip volume, improved curvature of the cupid’s bow, and a shorter upper lip that appears lifted and youthful.
Final results are typically visible in 6–8 weeks and are long-lasting, as the surgical changes are structural—not temporary like injectable fillers. With proper care and sun protection, your results can last for many years.
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A lip lift requires more than just surgical precision—it demands a sense of artistry and deep understanding of facial plastic surgery. Dr. Mark Schoemann brings over two decades of experience and has been recognized nationally for his work in aesthetic plastic surgery.
He takes a conservative, tailored approach to each lip lift surgery, prioritizing natural-looking, harmonious results while minimizing the risk of noticeable scarring or distortion.
From the moment you walk in to your final follow-up, our team is here to ensure your comfort, safety, and patient satisfaction—making us a trusted destination for patients across San Diego County and Southern California.
If you're ready to enhance your lips with a refined, long-lasting solution, schedule a lip lift consultation with Schoemann Plastic Surgery today. Call (760) 487-2520 or fill out our online form to get started.
The lip lift scar is typically hidden in the natural crease beneath the nose. With good skincare and sun protection, it fades significantly over time.
While lip fillers add temporary volume, a surgical lip lift creates permanent improvement by lifting the tissue above the vermilion border, enhancing shape and fullness.
Yes. A lip lift is often performed alongside facial rejuvenation treatments like a facelift, brow lift, or upper or lower eyelid surgery for comprehensive results.
No. Most lip lift procedures are performed with local anesthesia in our office, allowing for faster recovery and fewer risks.
Yes. While you may feel some initial tightness or mild swelling, normal lip movement—including smiling and speaking—returns quickly with healing.
