Is it painful to have my my philtrum shortened or have an upper lip lift?

Hi! Very common question.  I usually tell patients that its very similar to a trip to the dentist - meaning that the worst part is the numbing shots.  Once you are numb and relaxed, its a pretty uneventful experience for the patient.  Usually takes about an hour from the time you get numbed to the time we are done.  Hope that helps! 

Hello queenyThey are usually brief and done under local anesthesia with quick recovery although some swelling may persist for several weeks. You should visit or contact a board certified PS about your concern. 

A Lip Lift is a surgical procedure that can be performed under local anaesthetic and sedation if needed. During the first days after surgery, the upper lip is quite swollen, and this will have an impact of speaking and smiling. The swelling usually goes down after the first week. Bruising may be visible up until the end of week 2.The swelling may cause discomfort, but there should not be extensive pain. Patients are usually advised medication that will alleviate the discomfort and accelerate the healing. 
Best, 
Greg Bran MD PhD
Double board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

It’s not painful if done by an expert. It’s usually done under local anesthesia. The results are permanent. Best wishes 

Lip lift can usually be performed in an office setting if done alone.  The procedure is done under local anesthesia.  It takes approximately 1 hour.  Many times this procedure is done in conjunction with other facial procedures while in the hospital outpatient center.