Lip Lift Surgery London
Lip Lift Surgery
Lip lift surgery reduces the space between the nose and the upper lip, a distance that naturally lengthens over the years. As this gap grows, the upper lip tends to roll inward, making it look thinner, even when little real volume has been lost. By shortening the space, the procedure eases the lip gently outward again to restore a fuller, more defined and youthful upper lip.
The surgical procedure is performed by Mr Kshem Yapa, a GMC-certified Consultant Plastic Surgeon who sub-specialises in facial surgery and practises from Harley Street in London. His approach favours natural, understated results that keep the upper lip in proportion with the rest of the face rather than weighing the lower face down with filler.
Book your consultation for a lip lift in London.
Lip Lift Surgery London
The Procedure: At a Glance
Procedure Length:
Typically 1 to 2 hours
Cost:
Anaesthesia:
Local anaesthesia, or general anaesthesia by patient and surgeon preference
Hospital Stay:
Usually an outpatient procedure, so you can go home the same day
Downtime:
Most patients return to normal activities within around 24 hours, with healing over 1 to 3 weeks
Sleeping:
Sleep with your head elevated for the first few nights to help reduce swelling
Makeup:
Avoid makeup on the surgical site for at least 10 days
Driving:
Avoid for 48 hours after surgery and while taking pain medication
Smoking:
Avoid for at least 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after the procedure
Sun Exposure:
Avoid for at least 2 weeks afterwards, then always wear a high SPF
Before and After Lip Lift Surgery
Benefits of Lip Lift Surgery
A lip lift offers lasting improvement to the appearance of upper lip and nose proportions, drawing on natural features rather than added lip volume. The main benefits include:
Fuller, More Defined Upper Lip
By raising the upper lip to a lasting degree, a lip lift adds lip definition and refines the lip shape, whether that means a more pronounced Cupid’s bow or a softly rounded finish.
A More Balanced Lip Border
The vermilion border, where the coloured lip meets the surrounding skin, gives the mouth much of its definition. Lifting the lip brings this border into clearer view and sharpens the overall lip appearance of the lip.
A Softer, Warmer Smile
Raising the upper lip reveals a little more of the upper teeth at rest and when smiling, lending the smile a more open and youthful quality.
Lifted Mouth Corners
A lip lift can gently raise slightly downturned corners of the mouth, softening a resting expression so it reads as calmer and more approachable.
Renewed Confidence
Many patients find that a result which sits naturally within the face restores a quiet confidence in how they look, both in company and in photographs.
Lip Lift Procedure
Every lip lift is planned around your anatomy and goals, and the exact steps are confirmed at your consultation. The most common approach is the subnasal, or bullhorn, technique, carried out as follows.
Anaesthesia
The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia, keeping the area numb while you remain awake and comfortable. General anaesthesia is available where it’s preferred and agreed during your consultation.
Making the Incision
Mr Yapa places a fine incision along the base of the nose, following its natural bullhorn shape so that the resulting line is concealed within the contour where the nose meets the lip.
Removing Excess Skin
A carefully measured strip of skin is removed from beneath the nose. Taking away this excess is what shortens the gap and raises the position of the upper lip so it rolls gently outward.
Suturing and Closure
The incision is closed with fine sutures tucked beneath the nostrils, where healing follows the natural creases of the face to keep any scaring as discreet as possible.
Risks and Complications of Lip Lift Surgery
As with any cosmetic surgery, every procedure carries some risk. A thorough consultation and careful aftercare are central to a safe procedure and a pleasing result.
Reaction to Anaesthesia
Though uncommon, a reaction to anaesthesia can occur, ranging from a minor allergic response to more significant complications. A full pre-operative assessment helps identify any risk in advance.
Infection
Any surgical wound can become infected if not cared for properly. Following your aftercare instructions and seeking advice quickly if you notice redness, swelling or discharge keeps this risk low.
Lip Distortion or Lengthening
Very rarely, uneven healing can lead to slight distortion or a longer appearance to the lip than intended. Careful surgical planning and measurement are used to prevent this.
Pain and Stiffness
Some discomfort and tightness are expected in the early days. Persistent or pain that gets worse is unusual, so let the team know if it doesn’t settle as healing progresses.
Paraesthesia
A temporary tingling or prickling sensation around the treated area can occur while the tissues heal. This is normal and usually passes with time.
Scarring and Numbness
The aim is always a fine, well-hidden scar, though some patients notice more visible scarring or temporary numbness. Scars typically soften over the months that follow and sensation usually returns.
Lip Lift Recovery
Recovery from a lip lift varies from patient to patient, shaped by your age, general health and how closely you follow your aftercare. Most patients are fully healed by around six weeks. Every surgical patient receives a direct phone line to our specialist surgical nurse, available around the clock for any concerns, side effects or questions.
0 – 48 Hours
You can expect some swelling and tightness across the upper lip. Rest, keep your head elevated, and take any prescribed pain relief. An antibiotic ointment may be recommended for the lip area during these first few days.
1 Week
Sutures are generally in place for around a week and are removed by Mr Yapa’s specialist nursing team. Most patients spend this week resting at home before returning to work or their usual routine.
2 Weeks
Any redness or raised appearance along the incision should be settling by the end of the second week, at which point it can usually be concealed with makeup if you wish.
3 – 6 Weeks
Swelling continues to resolve and the shape of the lip refines, with your lip lift results becoming clear as the tissues fully settle by around the six-week mark.
Book your consultation
If you would like to discuss this procedure in detail and understand if it’s the right procedure for your goals, book a consultation with Mr Kshem Yapa.
“I feel fantastic, look fantastic and natural. I can’t praise Mr Yapa enough. From the moment I met him I felt I am in good hands. I had many questions and he was always happy to provide answers and advice. He is very knowledgeable, professional and caring for his patients.”
Facelift patient
“Fantastic experience that I couldn’t fault what so ever! From the consultation to the operation to the anaesthetist and to the after-care has been nothing but exceptional, Dr Yapa an amazing Surgeon who achieves exactly what you ask for. I would have no hesitation what so ever recommending him to anyone.”
Browlift and upper blepharoplasty patient
“Mr Yapa understood what I wanted and went above and beyond to make it happen. During our consultation, I wanted a slight change in my nose, not to be a swoop just straight and he did just that. He understood what I wanted and just went above and beyond for it. This beyond what I expected. He is an amazing, empathetic surgeon.”
Rhinoplasty patient
“Mr Yapa completely changed my life – I can finally wear my hair up!
I would highly recommend considering this surgical procedure with Mr Yapa because my ears were completely different due to the shape of my ears and one stuck out more. I am unbelievably amazed by the outcome of the surgery and how my ears now look. “
Prominent Ear Correction patient
As seen on
Lip Lift Surgery FAQs
What is a bullhorn lip lift?
The bullhorn lip lift describes the most common technique, named after the shape of the incision made at the base of the nose. A measured strip of skin is removed and the edges are sutured just beneath the nostrils, shortening the distance between the nose and lip and revealing more of the pink lip. Placing the incision here keeps any scar tucked into the natural contour of the face.
What techniques are used for a lip lift?
There are a few approaches, and the right lip lift technique depends on your anatomy and goals. The most common is the central lip lift, also known as the subnasal lip lift or bullhorn lift, which raises the middle of the upper lip through a hidden incision at the base of the nose. A direct, or vermilion, lift removes a strip of skin along the lip border itself and is used less often as it leaves a line on the lip edge. A corner lip lift instead raises the sides of the mouth. Mr Yapa will recommend the most suitable approach at your consultation.
Am I a suitable candidate for a lip lift?
Good candidates are generally healthy adults who would like to refine the upper lip, particularly those with more than around 1.5 cm between the nose and the top lip, those whose lipstick bleeds into fine lines, or those seeking better balance between the upper and lower lips. Mr Yapa sees many patients enquiring about upper lip lift surgery London-wide, from those bothered by a long philtrum to those wanting a lasting alternative to repeated fillers.
Is a lip lift better than lip filler?
Neither is simply better, but it depends on what you want. A surgical lip lift is a longer-term, largely permanent lip enhancement that lifts and defines the upper lip while keeping a natural look, whereas filler and the non-surgical lip flip add temporary volume and need topping up every six to twelve months. Filler can also migrate over time and widen the gap between the nose and lip, which is one reason some patients opt for a lip lift.
Can I have a lip lift if I have had filler?
Having had lip filler or lip augmentation does not rule out a lip lift, though Mr Yapa may suggest allowing any remaining filler to dissolve first so the lip can be assessed and lifted accurately. This is discussed on an individual basis at your consultation.
Will a lip lift make me look more youthful?
Shortening a lengthened upper lip and revealing more of the pink lip tends to read as more youthful, and does so through a relatively minor procedure compared with a larger operation such as a facelift. If you would like a more defined smile and a fresher lip contour, a consultation with Mr Yapa will confirm whether it suits your goals.
What is a corner lip lift?
A corner lip lift is a separate technique that focuses on the sides of the mouth. Small incisions allow a little skin to be removed at each corner, lifting downturned edges so the mouth rests in a more neutral or cheerful position. It can be considered where the corners, rather than the central lip, are the main concern.
Is a lip lift a same-day procedure?
A lip lift is carried out as a day case, so you can return home the same day rather than staying overnight. Mr Yapa performs the procedure in an accredited setting, including the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital, prepared to full operating theatre standards, so you are well cared for throughout.
How much does a lip lift cost in London?
A lip lift with Mr Yapa starts from £6,000 under local anaesthetic, or £7,000 under general anaesthetic. Your final quote is confirmed after your consultation, as the cost of a lip lift depends on the technique used and the type of anaesthesia chosen. This price includes the surgeon, hospital, anaesthetist and equipment fees.
Lip Lift CONSULTATION LONDON
Book Your Appointment
A lip lift is a small procedure with a considered effect on the balance of the face, and it is worth talking through with an experienced lip lift surgeon before you decide. At your consultation, Mr Yapa will listen to what you would like to change, assess the proportions of your lip and philtrum, and explain honestly what a lip lift can and cannot achieve for you. Where lip filler or another option would serve you better, he will say so.
2026 consultation dates are now available to book online, costing £250 (redeemable against your surgery should you wish to go ahead). You can join our waiting list to be notified when new dates become available. For general enquiries or to learn more about our procedures and services, please use the form below to request a callback.
