Is it better to do rhinoplasty and lip lift at the same time?

If a lip lift is done at the same time as a rhinoplasty, especially an open rhinoplasty, you could have healing problems because the blood supple to the columella is disrupted by the lip lift. I’ve actually seen this problem on the internet. Not a great idea, even doing them separately

I literally wrote the paper that showed that these two procedures are safely done together. Doing them together is cost effective and time efficient. But, they can be done in any order as well.

Yes, rhinoplasty and lip lift can be done at the same time in selected patients, but it depends on the exact rhinoplasty plan and the anatomy of the upper lip and nasal base.
The advantage of doing them together is that the surgeon can plan the nose, columella, nostril base, and upper lip relationship as one aesthetic unit. It also means one anesthesia and one recovery period. This can be useful when both procedures affect the same central facial area.
However, in some cases it may be better to stage them. Rhinoplasty can change the nasolabial angle, tip rotation, columella show, and the way the upper lip appears. If the rhinoplasty plan includes significant tip rotation or nasal base work, doing a lip lift at the same time may increase the risk of over-shortening the upper lip or creating an unnatural result.
My general approach would be conservative. If only a mild rhinoplasty and a clearly indicated lip lift are planned, they can often be combined safely. If the nose requires major structural changes, I may prefer to complete the rhinoplasty first, allow healing, and then decide whether a lip lift is still needed.
The best decision should be made after an in-person examination and measurements of the upper lip length, tooth show, nasal base, and facial proportions.

It is easier to do both of them at the same time and there is usually no adverse effect of doing them together. However, they can be done separately if you prefer.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Hello and thank you for your question. I never recommend having a lip lift and rhinoplasty at the same time. The extra swelling will put tension on the lip lift scar and form a much worse scar. It is better to separate these by at least six months. Make sure you are going to a surgeon with hundreds of long-term before and after pictures on their website with standardized lighting and standardized backgrounds. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon