How much does a lip lift change your smile? How long does it last, on average?

A lip lift is permanent. There is swelling for several weeks to a month. The scar may extend right after surgery during the healing process but stabilizes shortly after that. A lip lift should not adversely change your smile but will allow more teeth show while smiling.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

The changes from a lip lift surgery are permanent. Generally, the smile is unchanged after surgery. Most patients show the same amount of teeth smiling after surgery as before surgery.

Thank you for your question. It doesn't change the dynamism of a smile because the muscles aren't affected, but it does increase tooth show, which can make a smile brighter in general. The change is permanent, although as we age the lip will continue to lengthen. The scar shouldn't expand over time unless there is scar hypertrophy. I hope this helps, and all the best to you.
-Dr. P