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

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.

It is possible to perform a lip lift procedure with minimal changes to the upper vermillion. It just requires finding a surgeon who can utilize a technique that can allow for this to happen.