Lip lift combined with an alar base reduction - Is this advisable? Lip lift alternatives?

Question

I would like to get a lip lift and was thinking of combining it with an alar base reduction. Is this advisable? I'm a little worried of too much work being done in the same area. Also, besides filler, are there any good alternatives to lip lifts to appear making the philtrum appear shorter? Thank you.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

I recommend an eccentric lip lift, not a bullhorn lip lift. This does 4 things: shortens the distance between your nose and upper lip, increases the mucosa of the upper lip, increases the incisor show and pulls up the corners. This takes about 1 hour to perform under local anesthesia and costs $4,000. This can be combined with an alar base reduction as well.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Yes, a lip lift and an alar base reduction can be performed together, and in carefully selected patients, combining the procedures can create a more harmonious balance between the nose and upper lip. Many facial plastic surgeons perform these procedures during the same surgical session.

That said, whether it's advisable depends on your anatomy and goals.

Both procedures involve incisions in close proximity to the base of the nose. Performing them together is generally safe in experienced hands, but it does require careful planning to avoid:

Excessive tension on the tissues.
More noticeable scarring.
Distortion of the nostrils or upper lip.
Overcorrection, which can be difficult to reverse.

If both procedures are indicated, many surgeons actually prefer combining them because they can better balance the proportions of the nose, philtrum, and upper lip rather than correcting one area at a time.

Regarding alternatives to a lip lift, it depends on what you're trying to achieve.

If your goal is simply to make the philtrum appear shorter, there are a few nonsurgical options, although none truly shorten the skin between the nose and lip:

A small amount of hyaluronic acid filler can add subtle height and eversion to the upper lip, creating the illusion of a shorter philtrum.
A lip flip with Botox® can gently roll the upper lip outward, exposing a little more pink lip without adding volume.
Carefully placed filler around the Cupid's bow may also improve upper lip definition and reduce the appearance of a long philtrum in some patients.

These treatments can create the appearance of a shorter philtrum, but they do not physically shorten it. A surgical lip lift remains the only procedure that permanently reduces philtrum length.

If your philtrum is significantly long or your upper lip hides your teeth at rest, a lip lift generally provides the most predictable and lasting improvement. If the philtrum is only mildly long, conservative nonsurgical treatments may be enough to achieve the look you're after.

Ultimately, the best approach depends on your facial proportions rather than the philtrum alone. The goal is to maintain balance between the nose, lips, and chin while preserving a natural appearance. A surgeon who routinely performs both lip lifts and rhinoplasty-related procedures is often well equipped to determine whether combining these surgeries is appropriate or whether staging them would provide a better aesthetic outcome.

Lip lift combined with an alar base reduction - Is this advisable? Lip lift alternatives?

Answers (2)

More Lip Lift Questions

Massive scar after lip lift procedure - can this be improved 2 years post op? (Photos)

Is there a way to loosen the tethering beside my nose from a lip lift? (Photos)

1 year post failed lip lift - what treatment options will help with tightness and discomfort? (Photos)

Would I be a good candidate for a subtle lip lift? (Photos)

How to fix overhanging lip - hidden smile? (Photos)

Do you get more teeth show with a direct lip lift?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS