The Distance Between Nose and Upper Lip is 2 Cm. Can 9mm of Lip Lift Be Done to Reach 1.1? (photo)

With 2cm of upper white lip you are definitely a candidate for a lip lift. However, a more conservative approach with

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. The decision as to how much shortening may be appropriate for you depends on several factors including your facial proportions, the desired amount of teeth show, and your aesthetic preference. It is possible to remove 9 mm of lip, but that may be excessive. Once removed, you cannot predictably undue such shortening. You may find satisfaction in a more conservative lip lift during which less then 9 mm is removed. Consider consulting in person with an experienced lip lift surgeon about your concerns and goals. 

Your picture shows a long upper lip, but as your mouth is closed and one can not see if your upper teeth are covered or not, it is impossible to give you the right answer. I would need to see you in animation and examine you to determine if 9 mm is appropriate. Technically it can be done and I have removed even more, but this operation need to be individualized and other facial features need to be taken into consideration. If you like, you can send pictures from the front and the sides with your mouth slightly open and I can give you a better answer.

Thank you for your question. I think it is important to identify why you want to achive 9 mm of lift specifically? When looking at the actual margins, The distance between the nasal margin and the lower point of the upper lip is half the distance between the upper margin of the lower lip and the point of the chin. Therefore if the overall distance from the lower nose margin to the chin is say 3 cm in total, then the nose to upper lip margin would be 1 cm and the lower lip to chin margin would be 2 cm.In order to achieve the correct result for you, it would be advisable to see a surgeon who carries out a lot of these and can assess how much lift is possible. It might well be possible to achieve 9 mm if there is adequate skin laxity but this needs to maintain the correct facial proportions and symmetry. That extent of lift, with you r facial features, would result in two main effects. Firstly, it would make the lateral aspects of the lips (the points heading towards the corner of the mouth) more downturned and give a much steeper angle to the sides of your lips and secondly, it would result in a large proportion of your teeth showing. The effect of a pouty lip and teeth showing needs to be subtle enough to just show part of the two incisors but not the gums as well as this results in more of a gummy smile.I would advise you to see a surgeon who will assess your lips appropriately and determine what is in fitting with your facial features. Deciding how much you want to remove is not always th ebest way as this may distort the overall anatomy and not give you the result you desire.I hope this helps with your decision making.Best wishes

It looks like you are a great candidate for a lip lift if you're looking to reduce the space between the bottom of your nose and the top of your lips. I prefer the bullhorn scar, right underneath the nose where it's well hidden, as opposed to the gull wing scar, right above the lips. The procedure may be done in the office under local anesthesia with minimal discomfort. An incision is placed directly beneath the nose and a small strip of skin and tissue is removed.

However, while the ideal distance for women is about the 1.1cm you mention, I like to leave a much longer distance for men, about 1.5cm.

Hi @Shadowprince the ideal lip length in men should be 1.5 to 1.6 cm. Going below 1.5 may give you a feminized appearance. In women, we tend to reduce the lip length to 1.2 to 1.4 cm.See a expert.

A 9 mm move with a lip lift is too much, it's really not possible.  Plus, a 1.1 cm upper lip would likely be too little.  There are other issues to consider as well - how much of your upper teeth show in repose and during animation?  Don't forget there will be a scar under your nose - it will likely heal discretely, but nevertheless will be there forever. 

You have facial proportions which will make a lip lift a poor option:


Narrow nose at the base

Broad face

A broad lip centrally and narrow laterally


Unfortunately in order to achieve adequate lip lift, the incision would have to be extended beyond your narrow nasal base creating a visible scar.

Interestingly, the proportions of you face might be improved by having botox injected into your masseter muscle and this will make your lips appear better proportioned.

Dr. Mayl

Fort Lauderdale