Lip
Lift
Permanently shorten the space between nose and upper lip — adding fullness, revealing more of the upper teeth, and defining the cupid's bow with natural, lasting results no filler can replicate.
What Is a Lip Lift?
✓ Medically reviewed by Dr. Andre Y. Levesque, MD · Board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS) · Last reviewed October 26, 2025
A lip lift — most commonly performed as a subnasal bullhorn lip lift — removes a small, precisely measured strip of skin from just below the nose to permanently shorten the philtrum (the space between the nose and upper lip). This shortening elevates the upper lip, reveals more of the upper teeth (especially when smiling), and adds natural fullness and definition to the cupid's bow.
Dr. Andre Y. Levesque performs lip lifts in Austin, TX under local anesthesia only. The procedure takes approximately 45–60 minutes. The scar, when healed, falls precisely in the natural shadow beneath the nose and becomes essentially invisible within 3–6 months.
The lip lift achieves what lip filler cannot: permanent shortening of the philtrum and genuine upper lip elevation. Filler adds volume but cannot change the lip's position or the philtrum length. Many patients who have used filler for years find the lip lift produces a more natural, youthful result without ongoing maintenance.
Results are permanent. The philtrum does not re-lengthen after a lip lift, and the elevated lip position is maintained indefinitely. Most patients describe it as one of the most satisfying procedures they have had.
Permanent Results. Minimal Recovery. Natural Appearance.
The lip lift's success is entirely dependent on precise measurement and execution. The amount of skin removed determines the degree of elevation — too little and results are underwhelming; too much and the result looks overdone. Dr. Levesque carefully measures each patient's philtrum, assesses their facial proportions, and removes exactly what is needed.
The incision placement — in the shadow directly beneath the nose — is chosen to make the scar essentially invisible. Patients with concerns about scarring are consistently pleased with how well scars heal in this location.
What to Expect
From your first consultation to your final result, here's how the process works at Levesque Plastic Surgery.
Consultation
Dr. Levesque measures your philtrum, evaluates your upper tooth show and cupid's bow, and determines the optimal amount of excision for your proportions. Digital imaging may be used to illustrate the projected result.
Surgery Day
Performed under local anesthesia in 45–60 minutes in our Austin surgical suite. A precisely measured crescent of skin is removed below the nose. Fine sutures are placed. You go home the same day.
Recovery & Results
Swelling peaks in the first 24–48 hours and resolves significantly within 1 week. Sutures are removed at 5–7 days. Most patients are comfortable in public within 1–2 weeks. Final result is visible at 3–4 weeks.
Lip Lift Before & After
All photos are of Dr. Levesque's own patients, presented with permission. Hover each card to see the after.
Am I a Candidate?
Here's a general guide — Dr. Levesque will assess your candidacy personally at consultation.
Good Candidates Typically Have:
- Long philtrum (distance from nose to upper lip) that has increased with age
- Desire for more upper tooth show when smiling or at rest
- Upper lip that appears thin or flat without fullness
- Dissatisfaction with repeated filler — wanting a permanent solution
- Good overall health; non-smoker or willing to quit ≥4 weeks prior
Factors That May Affect Candidacy:
- Short existing philtrum — over-shortening creates an unnatural appearance
- Active smoking — compromises wound healing significantly
- History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring (discuss with Dr. Levesque)
- Unrealistic expectations about the degree of change possible
What Does a Lip Lift Cost?
A lip lift at Levesque Plastic Surgery is performed under local anesthesia and typically takes under one hour — making it one of the more accessible surgical procedures we offer.
The cost covers surgeon, surgical suite, and local anesthesia. Dr. Levesque provides a complete quote at consultation.
Patients frequently note that the permanent result eliminates the ongoing cost of filler — making the lip lift cost-effective over time. Financing through CareCredit, Alphaeon, Cherry, and PatientFi is available.
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What Patients Say
Dr. Andre Y. Levesque, MD
Dr. Levesque brings the same precision to the lip lift that he applies to all facial procedures: careful measurement, respect for proportion, and restraint. The goal is a lip that looks naturally fuller and more youthful — not overdone.
His patients routinely describe the lip lift as one of the most satisfying procedures they've undergone — a permanent improvement that no filler appointment could replicate.
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Consultations are with Dr. Levesque, personally. Fill out the form below and our team will contact you within one business day.