Lip lift & nose shape, which to prioritize for facial harmony? (Photos)

Thank you for your thoughtful question. When assessing facial harmony, particularly the area around the mouth and nose, both the philtrum length (distance between nose and upper lip) and the nasal tip/alar width can influence the overall proportion and femininity of the face.

A lip lift can enhance upper lip definition, reduce the perceived length of the mid-face, and increase tooth show—often giving a more youthful and feminine appearance. However, in individuals with a wider or more prominent nasal tip, a lip lift may visually accentuate the nose, especially if viewed in profile or if the nose projects downward.

On the other hand, nasal tip surgery or alarplasty can refine nasal width and projection, which might bring balance to the center of the face, especially if the nose currently feels dominant.

Combination Approach:
In many cases, combining a lip lift with nasal tip refinement or alarplasty can be done safely and effectively, provided by an experienced surgeon. This can allow for harmonized healing and aesthetic balance, especially when both features interact so closely in facial perception.

Staged Approach:
If you're more concerned about recovery, swelling, or being able to assess the impact of each change, doing one procedure at a time (often starting with the nose) may be preferred. This allows time to see how the changes in one area affect the overall balance before deciding on the second.

Ultimately, the best approach depends on your individual anatomy and aesthetic goals. From your description, addressing the nasal tip first may offer noticeable improvement in harmony, followed by a lip lift if the mid-face still feels elongated or flat.

It's a bit hard to see, but it may be that (1) the lip lift will benefit you, and (2) the anterior cheeks are a bit flat. This submalar area is very feminine when fuller.
Femininity of the face is my particular expertise. A video consultation is a great first step.

Based on these photos, lip lift would be the last procedure to consider in order to improve facial harmony, in your case. I am not sure that nose surgery is needed as well. It would be in your best interest to have in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon (possibly two) with good reputation in facial rejuvenation. Good luck.

You definitely need 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. You may also benefit from a rhinoplasty but it is not as critical. The medial crura on the right side needs to be narrowed and your nose is slightly turn upward, perhaps more than desirable.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.