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

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

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

Answers (7)

Answer: Lip Lift

Answer: Lip Lift

Answer: Nostril shape change after lip lift

Answer: Nostril shape change after lip lift

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.