Lip Lift in Turkey

A lip lift (also called a subnasal lip lift or upper lip lift) is a minor surgical procedure that permanently enhances the appearance of your upper lip. It works by removing a small strip of skin just beneath the nose, lifting the upper lip to reveal more of the pink lip border.

What a lip lift achieves:

• Shortens the distance between the nose and the upper lip (the philtrum)
• Reveals more of the pink upper lip, creating a naturally fuller appearance
• Defines the Cupid's bow for a more attractive lip shape
• Creates a subtle upturn at the lip edges for a youthful, pleasant expression
• Achieves permanent results, no repeat treatments needed

How it differs from lip filler:

A lip lift and lip filler achieve different things. Lip filler adds volume to the lips (making them plumper), while a lip lift repositions the upper lip to show more of what you already have. Many patients choose a lip lift because they want a permanent, natural-looking result without the ongoing cost and maintenance of fillers. Some patients combine both treatments for the ultimate enhancement.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia at a clinic, no general anaesthesia or hospital stay required. It takes approximately 45-60 minutes. The incision is carefully placed in the natural crease beneath the nose, where it heals to become virtually invisible.

A lip lift may be right for you if:

• The distance between your nose and upper lip appears too long
• Your upper lip has thinned with age and shows less of the pink lip border
• You want a permanently fuller, more defined upper lip without ongoing fillers
• You want a more youthful, refreshed appearance around the mouth area
• You are in good general health and over 18
• You are a non-smoker, or willing to stop smoking at least 2 weeks before and after the procedure
• You have realistic expectations, the goal is a natural, enhanced version of your lips

A lip lift is particularly well-suited to patients whose upper lip has lengthened with age. It can also benefit younger patients who naturally have a long philtrum and want a permanent improvement.

During your free consultation, your practitioner will assess your facial proportions, discuss what you hope to achieve, and confirm whether a lip lift is the right approach. If lip filler or a combination of treatments would better suit your goals, they will advise you honestly.

Before Your Procedure

Your journey starts with a free consultation, online, by phone, or at a UK consultation day. You will discuss your lip concerns and goals. Your practitioner will assess the length of your philtrum (nose-to-lip distance), your lip shape, and your overall facial proportions.

Once you decide to proceed, you will receive preparation instructions. Avoid blood-thinning medications for 1 week beforehand. Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before your procedure.

During Your Procedure

The procedure takes place under local anaesthesia at a licensed clinic, you are awake but the area is completely numb. Your surgeon carefully marks the incision line in the natural crease beneath your nose, ensuring symmetry and the correct amount of lift.

A small strip of skin is removed, and the incision is closed with fine sutures. The procedure takes approximately 45-60 minutes. Because it is performed under local anaesthesia, you can communicate with your surgeon throughout.

After Your Procedure

You will have fine sutures beneath your nose and mild swelling around the upper lip. You can return to your hotel immediately. Pain is minimal, most patients manage comfortably with over-the-counter pain relief.

Sutures are typically removed after 5-7 days. You will receive detailed aftercare instructions covering wound care, what to eat, and how to protect the healing incision. Your aftercare team will monitor your progress remotely once you return home.

A lip lift has a relatively straightforward recovery. The key is patience and gentle care of the healing incision.

Days 1-3: Moderate swelling of the upper lip is expected. The area may feel tight. Bruising is possible but not guaranteed. Keep the incision clean and apply any prescribed ointment. Eat soft foods and avoid stretching the mouth wide.

Days 3-5: Swelling begins to reduce. You may notice tightness when smiling or talking. Avoid excessive facial expressions.

Days 5-7: Sutures are removed. The incision will appear as a fine line in the crease beneath the nose. It will be pink initially.

Week 2: Most of the swelling has resolved. You can return to most normal activities. The lip shape is beginning to show its final result, though minor swelling can persist.

Week 2-4: The scar continues to heal and begins to fade. You can return to work and social activities. Most people will not notice the incision line.

Month 1-3: The scar matures and fades significantly. Sun protection is important during this period, use SPF on the area daily.

Month 3-6: The final result is fully apparent. The scar beneath the nose is typically very well concealed in the natural crease and becomes virtually invisible in most patients.

A lip lift is a minor surgical procedure with a strong safety profile when performed by an experienced surgeon. As with any procedure, there are considerations to be aware of.

Common effects (expected and temporary):

• Swelling of the upper lip, resolves over 1-2 weeks
• Tightness and restricted movement, temporary, improves daily
• Numbness of the upper lip, very common, typically resolves within weeks to months
• Mild discomfort, managed with standard pain relief

Less common considerations:

• Visible scarring, the incision is placed in the natural crease beneath the nose to minimise visibility. In most patients, the scar fades to become virtually invisible. Darker skin tones may have a higher risk of visible scarring
• Asymmetry, minor unevenness is possible. Your surgeon takes precise measurements to minimise this risk
• Infection, rare, minimised through sterile conditions and aftercare instructions

How your safety is managed: Your procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon at a licensed clinic. Local anaesthesia avoids the risks associated with general anaesthesia. You receive detailed aftercare instructions and ongoing support from your team.