Should I move forward with a lip lift or is it best to wait for a full facelift?

Question

I’m 36 and know that at some point down the line I will want a face lift. Is there any point in doing a lip lift right now? My philtrum is sitting around 20+ mm and am wondering if I should move forward with correcting it in the next few years or if it’s better to wait for the facelift.

Farhad Rafizadeh, MD · Answer

I just want to make sure you know that the facelift will not reduce the height of the philtrum. The lip lift is a smaller procedure that I do in the office under local anesthesia. The facelift is a longer procedure that I also do under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation in the operating room. We often combine the lip lift with a facelift when it is indicated. I would have to say that if you can benefit from a lip lift now there is no reason to wait for the time when you are ready for a facelift.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, you have not provided photographs.  However, if your distance is 20+ mm then you would benefit from a lip lift.  A lip lift does 4 things: shortens the distance between your nose and upper lip, increases the mucosa of the upper lip, increases the incisor show and pulls up the corners.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

If you have limited tooth show with your mouth slightly open at rest, then a lip lift is a great procedure for you.  A facelift does not do the same thing, and why wait 10+ years concerned about your appearance?  We do lip lifts in the office with local anesthesia over about 30 minutes.  Watch our videos to learn more.

Daniel P. Markmann, MD · Answer

These procedures are unrelated.   It has been shown the the most beautiful lips typically have a length from the base of the nose to the lip line (Vermilion border) being between 11mm to 16mm.    If you would like a shorter lip and your plastic surgeon agrees that it will look good on you in proportion to the rest of your face, then do it!   There is no need or reason to wait until you need a facelift.   Like everything it the Plastic Surgery world.... No one really NEEDs any of the things we do.   If it bothers you, do it!

Should I move forward with a lip lift or is it best to wait for a full facelift?

Answers (4)

Answer: Lip lift now or wait until you need a facelift....?

Answer: Lip lift now or wait until you need a facelift....?

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Everything you need to know about Lip Lift

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Should I move forward with a lip lift or is it best to wait for a full facelift?

Answers (4)

Answer: Lip lift now or wait until you need a facelift....?

Answer: Lip lift now or wait until you need a facelift....?

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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.