Lip lift for tooth show without vermilion increase: possible? (Photos)

Yes I think a conservative lip lift of about 4 mm to 5.5 mm would be a good result which would likely increase your incisive show by about 1 mm.

The short answer is that there is a technique that can elevate the lip without creating a larger lip and more red mucosal show. A photo of you smiling is going to be of more benefit than one with just your mouth open as that will also help determine the degree of tooth show.

In cases like yours — with a long philtrum, low upper tooth show at rest, and satisfaction with the existing upper lip volume/shape — a modified subnasal (bullhorn) lip lift can be customized to increase tooth show and shorten the philtrum while minimizing change to the upper vermilion. Specifically, techniques like a "deep plane lip lift" or central lip lift focus on internal dissection that repositions the lip without over-everting or thickening the vermilion, preserving your current lip contour. The amount of skin excised and the vector of pull are carefully balanced — more vertical lift (rather than outward) gives you increased incisor show and reduced philtrum length, with minimal change to vermilion height. Additionally, careful muscle manipulation (orbicularis oris release) can help prevent over-rotation or "duck lip" appearance. This approach is particularly appropriate for male patients seeking natural, subtle outcomes.

However, I'd deem a misjudgement thinking your philtrum needs reduction; furthermore, you might be unaware of the very visible scars associated.

Thank you for your question — and for clearly expressing your aesthetic priorities. You're absolutely not alone: many patients seek increased tooth show and shortened philtrum length while preserving the natural shape and volume of the upper lip.
The good news is: yes, there are lip lift techniques that can help meet your goals with minimal change to the upper vermilion.
Here are your best options:
Subnasal Lip Lift (Bullhorn Lift):The most commonly used technique. By removing a small strip of skin under the base of the nose, it shortens the philtrum and rolls out the upper lip slightly, increasing central tooth show. In skilled hands, the effect on vermilion height can be subtle, especially if conservative resection is performed.
Modified Bullhorn or "Deep Plane" Lip Lift:Offers more control over tissue vectors and can reduce tension on the upper lip skin. This is a good choice for minimizing impact on lip shape while enhancing central tooth exposure.
Italian Lip Lift (double incision at the nostril base):A more discreet option in select patients, but less effective in producing noticeable central lift or increased tooth show.
In your case — where upper lip size is satisfactory and only the philtrum/tooth relationship is the concern — a tailored subnasal approach with conservative advancement would likely be ideal. It can improve facial balance by shortening the philtrum and enhancing incisor show, while keeping the vermilion projection nearly unchanged.
A detailed in-person consultation, possibly with digital simulation, can help you visualize subtle outcomes before committing.
I hope this helps clarify your options.
— Güray Yeşiladalı, MD

Thank you for your question and photos. The best way to shorten your philtrum and increase tooth show is with a nasal base lip lift. This procedure will remove excess skin at the base of your nose, shortening your nasal to vermillion length. This has a high patient satisfaction, and the scar is well hidden in the nasal crease.

Short answer, yes. There are different techniques to perform a lip lift to achieve the results you are looking for. I'm sure you've mostly seen the classic "bullhorn" technique which would alter the amount of pink lip shown, which is what you want to avoid. However, there are other techniques that those of us experienced in lip lifts, could discuss with you to achieve your desired outcome.

Thank you for your question. When it comes to lip lift techniques, there are many options to choose from. Typically, if you are shortening the vertical length of the philtrum and upper lift, this will, in essence, increase the amount of dental show and red lip show. The vermillion border itself should not be affected. A full consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon may benefit you the most.

Thank you for your inquiry! We would love to sit down with you and explore options to help you reach your goals. I recommend scheduling a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon like myself so we can create a surgical plan.

The lip lift procedure will shorten the upper lip but not change the upper lip vermilion. The amount of tooth show at rest (not smiling) should be 2-4 mm. The recommended distance between the base of the nose and upper lip vermilion is 11-13 mm.