Would I benefit from a lip lift or do I need a nose job? (Photo)

Question

I'm not a fan of my nose as I feel it looks short. Would getting a lip lift help or am I better off getting a nose job? I have approximately 15-16mm space. I know my nose isn't ideal but I'm more afraid of getting a nose job vs lip lift.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your photograph is inadequate to assess your nose completely. I would need lateral views and a view looking up towards the nose. However, you may be a good candidate for a lip lift. A lip lift 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.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ritu Chopra, MD · Answer

In general, if you were thinking about your nose or a lip lift,  I would rather have you undergo the rhinoplasty first and let it settle, and then we can evaluate your lip for a possible lip lift. In general, as a rhinoplasty ages, the lip gets longer, and longer as the tip of the nose is slightly elevated. By doing a conservative lip lift this will harmonize the face and the nose and you will continue to age in a graceful way.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

This is a really thoughtful question, and I think you’re approaching it in exactly the right way by asking which feature is actually creating the imbalance you’re noticing, rather than jumping straight into surgery.

Looking at your photo, I would not describe your nose as truly “too short.” In fact, your nose appears relatively proportionate to your facial features, with a slightly upturned tip and a shorter visual appearance because of the angle and the relationship between the nose and upper lip. What I notice more is the upper lip length and the amount of philtrum showing, which can make the nose seem shorter than it really is.

Your 15–16 mm Measurement

For women, the ideal philtrum (the space between the base of the nose and the upper lip) is often quoted around 11–15 mm, though this varies significantly with facial structure and ethnicity.

At 15–16 mm, you are right at the upper end of the typical aesthetic range, so you are not dramatically long-lipped. That’s important because it means a lip lift would need to be very conservative if it were done at all.

What a Lip Lift Would Likely Do

A subtle lip lift could:

Shorten the philtrum by 2–4 mm
Increase upper tooth show at rest
Create a slightly fuller, more youthful upper lip
Make the nose appear a bit less dominant relative to the lip

However, because your philtrum is not excessively long, an aggressive lip lift could risk:

Looking overdone
Creating too much tooth show
Making the nose appear more upturned or shorter, not longer
What a Rhinoplasty Would Address

A rhinoplasty would be the better option if your main concern is:

Tip projection
Tip rotation (upturn)
Nostril show
Overall nasal shape or symmetry

But from your photo, I don’t see a nose that obviously requires rhinoplasty to achieve facial harmony. In fact, I think there is a real possibility that a rhinoplasty could change your face more dramatically than you’re expecting, which is especially relevant since you already feel more anxious about a nose job.

The Key Question

Ask yourself this:

When you look in the mirror, what bothers you more?

“My upper lip looks long and I wish it were closer to my nose.” → Lip lift territory.
“My nose shape itself looks wrong regardless of my lips.” → Rhinoplasty territory.

From your description (“I feel it looks short”), I suspect the issue is not the size of the nose itself, but the nose–lip relationship.

My Honest Impression

Based on your photo and the 15–16 mm measurement, I think:

You do not have a strong surgical indication for rhinoplasty from an aesthetic balance standpoint.
A small, conservative lip lift could potentially provide a subtle improvement in facial balance, but I would be very cautious about overcorrecting because your philtrum is only mildly long, if at all.
If I had to choose between the two procedures based solely on the photo and your stated concerns, I would lean toward a conservative lip-focused approach rather than rhinoplasty, especially since you are hesitant about nose surgery.

One additional thought: before committing to surgery, many patients in your situation benefit from trying a small amount of upper lip filler placed in the vermilion border or central upper lip. This can sometimes improve the nose–lip proportion enough that the desire for a lip lift disappears, and it gives you a reversible way to see whether enhancing the upper lip changes how you perceive your nose.

The encouraging part is that your facial proportions already appear quite balanced overall, so you’re deciding between subtle refinement options, not trying to correct a major deformity. That usually means the safest and most satisfying approach is the least aggressive one that addresses the specific proportion that bothers you most.

Ruslan Zhuravsky, DO · Answer

When it comes to the face, there are many important things to consider and every millimeter counts. Consultations with high quality surgeons is critically important. You need to discuss your goals, have the surgeon evaluate you, and then discuss realistic expectations. Computer morphing is extremely helpful in this process when it comes to the nose. This can even be done virtually if there is no one in your area that you trust. Lip lift results are harder to replicate (accurately) with morphing, but these can be done with specific photos, gestures, and movements of the lip. I highly recommend at minimum 2-3 good quality consultations before you decide to proceed. Compare the advice you get and make an informed decision. I know this isn't a direct answer, but I hope this helps you down the right path. Good luck!

Would I benefit from a lip lift or do I need a nose job? (Photo)

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