Is It Possible to Perform a Lip Suspension or Lip Lift Without Cutting the Columella?

Thank you for your question. The Lip Lift procedure is performed to accentuate the size and/or shape of the upper lip by removing skin from the region underneath the nose. As the distance is decreased between the nose and the lip, the red lip is 'lifted'. In appropriate individuals, shortening this distance may impart or restore a more favorable balance to lips and face. Typically, the incision, and skin removal, extends along the entire width of the nasal base, including underneath the columella. Although it may be possible to impart some lifting without an incision underneath the columella, this approach does not produce the desired result in most patients. Reliance upon suspension sutures in place of skin removal compromises the predictability and longevity of lip lift results.

Lip lifting typically requires an incision either at the base of the nose or along the lip line where the red and white portions of the lip meet. If you have a scar across the columella from a rhinoplasty this is in a different area than where a lip lift incision would be placed. Therefore, the lip lift shouldn't complicate any of the previous surgery that has been performed on your nose. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACS

Lifting the upper lip without removing skin through suture suspension is a myth. There is no getting around removing skin if one really wants to shorten the distance from the base of the nose to the upper lip.