I am considering a rhinoplasty and a lip lift - which procedure should I have done first?

Question

I already have a decent nose to begin with, so I only wish for more of a slope to it as it is currently straight, which makes it seem a bit masculine, and I also wish for a smaller nose tip. I doubt my nose tip would have to be raised as my nose is already upturned, but I've heard rhinoplasty can lengthen the philtrum, in which case, should I do rhinoplasty first and then a lip lift? Or vice versa in case my lip lift stitches affect how my nostrils look, as I've heard can be the case?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. There should be no issue on which procedure should come first. A lip lift will not alter your nose, and a rhinoplasty won’t affect the lip. A lip lift and rhinoplasty can be performed at the same time too. That way, you don’t go through two healing periods.
 
I recommend consulting with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon who can do a proper evaluation, determine your eligibility for both procedures, and customize the best procedure plan for you.

Timothy Osborn, MD · Answer

Typically, a rhinoplasty would be done first. You are correct that it would change the philtrum. If you did a lip lift first, then the rhinoplasty changed the philtrum, it would also change the appearance of the lift. These procedures are not generally done together because the lip lift incision would be pulling down, while the incision under the nose would be pulling up. Having them pull in opposite directions affects their ability to heal and ends up leaving larger scars. Occasionally a rhinoplasty will lift the philtrum to a position where you may no longer want/need the lift. I recommend that a rhinoplasty is done first (and is fully healed) before you make a decision for a lip lift.

Mehdi Sina, MD · Answer

Hi,

It is possible to do the rhinoplasty and lip lift at the same time. Your goal for the rhinoplasty is modest and should be reliably achieved if performed by a rhinoplasty expert. Regarding a lip lift, in the last photograph you posted, you appear to have a lot of tooth show in repose (at rest with lips gently parted). This is usually considered a contraindication as a lip lift will exaggerate tooth show further. A rhinoplasty will not impact philtral length.

Best,
MS

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question. As far as I can see from your photos you have a bulbous tip and very thick skin. Your wishes can be achievable with one rhinoplasty surgery. However, you need to be patient about recovery stage. It can take 1,5 year due to thick skin. Also you have lip lift in the same surgery. This way the scar will be heal more healthy. Best Regards!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Lip lifts are a fad today but they have some drawbacks. Although the scar heals well in most cases sometimes it dies not. Also it doesn’t really do what you think. The lip will pull down on the nostrils making them look distorted  in many cases even those in the internet that are down as good results. Dumb operation all around.

I am considering a rhinoplasty and a lip lift - which procedure should I have done first?

Answers (6)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Lip lift

Answer: Lip lift

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I am considering a rhinoplasty and a lip lift - which procedure should I have done first?

Answers (6)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Lip lift

Answer: Lip lift

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.