What is the risk of changes to nose/nostril shape with a lip lift?

Question

I'm getting more and more interested in having an upper lip lift. I would want something subtle that hardly anyone could tell the difference except me. My question is... how often does an upper lip lift change the look/shape of the nose? This is my single biggest fear with the procedure. I've seen some photos and the nostrils clearly look different in the final after photo. Does it depend on the surgeon's expertise or does it depend on the shape of the person's nose?

Miguel Mascaro, MD · Answer

You are 100% right. Depends on technique. If the sill is violated or depending on the anchoring points (and how many) things may shift. However an appropriately performed lip lift should not cause these problems for you. Common concern with patients and I always make sure to try and discuss these with them during consultation. Sometimes we can improve nostril/lip relationship during the procedure depending on the anatomy. Great question! Best of luck with your consultations.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello donna tLip lifts are minor surgical procedures that actually shorten the distance between the nose and upper lip and allow more of your central upper teeth to show both at rest and when you smile. This has sometimes been called the bullhorn procedure because of the shape. The incision at the base of the nose, just within the nostrils, tucks the muscle and shortens the skin providing a youthful upper lip in less than an hour under local anaesthetic

Gary Linkov, MD · Answer

There are surgical and non-surgical approaches to lip augmentation. Non-surgical approaches include botox (slight lift, reducing gum show) and filler (volume restoration). Surgically, you can have two separate incisions under the nose (italian), one incision under the nose (bull horn), one incision at the red/white upper lip junction (gull wing) or two separate incision at the corners, or a combination, depending on your desired look and anatomy. Some surgeons prefer to violate the nasal sill in order to hide the incisions and in so doing can inadvertently alter the shape of the nose. Talk to your surgeon about his/her specific technique and weight the pros/cons. Consult with an experienced lip surgeon for a complete range of options that are appropriate for your situation.
Gary Linkov, MD
Facial Plastic Surgeon in Manhattan

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. That is truly a great question. The lips and nose work in concert with one another to create an aesthetic appearance. It is important that you and your surgeon consider the philthrum because it is a sign of beauty in the face. I suggest that you move forward and consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon.
Best wishes,

Sarah Saxon, MD · Answer

There should not be a considerable change in the nostril shape after a lip lift unless a rhinoplasty was done at the same time. A lip lift only should entail trimming the skin layer only and not the muscle. Initially, the area is swollen which can change the nostril shape temporarily, but it should go back to baseline after that. 
Be sure to go to someone who is experienced in lip lifts who can give you a natural result. This is usually dependent on designing the area of skin to be removed appropriately. 
Best of luck to you, 
Sarah Saxon, MD

Greg Bran, MD, PhD · Answer

Hi there and thank you for your interest. There a various reasons why a nose can look different after a lip lift procedure This has to do with the initial shape of the transition zone between the base of a nose and the upper lip-cheek junction. another important aspect are the dynamics of a patient with regards to the muscles on your nose, your lips and your smiling muscles. Their activity can be affected by surgery. A thorough physical examination should therefor include a close look at the activity of your muscles in that area, and identification of your smile type. Some people pull their nostrils to the side when laughing, some don't. 
An experienced lip lift surgeon knows how to perform the surgery without affecting your muscles in a way that your smile will change. 
Good luck.

Jeffrey Jumaily, MD · Answer

There shouldn’t be major changes to the nose base. Like you mentioned it depends on the surgeon and a little bit on the shape of the nose. If done well there should be no noticeable change to the nose. If you are a candidate it’s a great a procedure if done by the right surgeon.

What is the risk of changes to nose/nostril shape with a lip lift?

Answers (7)

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