Is this subtle ‘lip show’ result realistically achievable with a surgical lip lift? (Photos)

Question

HI’m considering a surgical lip lift and want to understand what is realistically achievable. In the attached photo, I’m gently lifting my upper lip with my fingers to demonstrate the kind of result I find aesthetically pleasing: – more visible upper lip (“lip show”) – minimal projection – no bulky or protruding area above the lip I currently have lip fillers, but I’m aware these could be dissolved if needed. Based on my anatomy, is this type of subtle result actually achievable with a lip lift, or is this something surgery often cannot reliably reproduce?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your photos and describing the look you’re hoping to achieve. I completely understand wanting a natural, subtle increase in upper lip visibility without adding unwanted projection or bulk.

A surgical lip lift can indeed enhance the “lip show” by shortening the distance between the upper lip and nose, which can make the upper teeth more visible when you smile. However, the amount of lift that is achievable depends on your natural anatomy, skin elasticity, and lip thickness. Very subtle results, like the example you demonstrated with your fingers, are sometimes achievable, but it’s important to understand that surgical outcomes are generally less adjustable than fillers—once tissue is lifted, the result is permanent.

Dissolving your current lip filler first can provide a clearer picture of your natural lip shape and how much surgical lift is needed. Combining a lip lift with minimal filler afterward can also help fine-tune the balance between volume and visibility.

Overall, a subtle enhancement is possible, but it requires careful planning and realistic expectations about how much the surgery can move tissue without overcorrecting.

Take care,
Dr. Anna Chacon

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

I recommend you dissolve the lip fillers before any lip lift. Once that is done, I recommend an eccentric lip lift. This 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. This takes 1 hour to perform under local anesthesia and costs $4,000.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Is this subtle ‘lip show’ result realistically achievable with a surgical lip lift? (Photos)

Answers (2)

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