What exactly is a modified lip lift?

Ben Talei is a friend and wonderful surgeon. Keep in mind that the "modified" in modified lip lift does not refer to tooth show, it has more to do with the degree of dissection. There are times when some dental work is required if you already have upper tooth show but desire a lip lift to shorten the upper white lip distance to maintain balance and harmony. 

Hello cancitychicThis is based on the type of incision used, surgeons use varying methods for incision based on what they feel is best.Lip lifts are minor surgical procedures that actually shorten the distance between the nose and upper lip and allow more of your central upper teeth to show both at rest and when you smile. This has sometimes been called the bullhorn procedure because of the shape. The incision at the base of the nose, just within the nostrils, tucks the muscle and shortens the skin providing a youthful upper lip in less than an hour under local anaesthetic
Another method of lip lifting is an excision at the white line or top edge of the lip. This is useful for patients with significant lip lines and lipstick bleed. It will increase the red part of the lip. Filler can be added to make the lip fuller and rounder.
A third surgical treatment uses small incision inside the lip to advance the red part of the lips forward and out to add volume. Lastly a small excision can be performed at the corner of the mouth to raise this part of the lip.

There are many ways to design an incision for a lip lift. The incision is hidden in the crease/shadow under the nose. Depending on the anatomy, part of the incision can be hidden inside the nostrils if does not disturb the nasal sill. The art is in how the skin is excised and how much and perfect closure. Lip lift in general increases tooth show but not always and not the same amounts. Thats why it's important to sit down with a lip lift surgeon and talk about your goals and discuss the expected results. Best wishes