There are different types of an upper lip lift such as:

• Direct lip lift: thin strip of skin just above the upper lip is removed. This shortens the distance between your nostril and lip and gives your upper lip a fuller look. A small scar just above your upper lip will remain.
• Bullhorn lift: a strip of excess skin just beneath the nostrils is removed in the shape of a bull horn to lift the upper lip. The scar is hidden at the lower margin of your nostrils.
• Corner lip lift: suitable for individuals with turned down lips. Small flap of skin are removed from the corners of the lips and the corners of your lips are rotated upwards. This results in a more upturned lip corners that corrects the downturn lips giving some patients a sad appearance.
• V-Y mucosal lip plasty: this is a special technique suitable for younger patients without a long upper lip skin but desires a fuller lip and hidden scars. The inner surface of the upper lip is advanced outwards to increased forward protrusion of the red lip and its volume. The scars are hidden and it can give lasting volumization similar to lip fillers.

• Permanent alternative to lip fillers
• Safe 
• Prominent lip line
• Fuller lips
• Reduction in fine lines above the upper lip

‍Medical history

It is important to give honest answers with regards to your medical history. This allows your surgeon to make accurate and safe decisions with regards to the procedure. Inform your surgeon about any medications, surgeries, or allergies you have/had. You must also inform your surgeon if you have diabetes, circulatory problems, thyroid problems, and other health issues if any.

‍

Physical examination

Your surgeon will conduct a physical examination and help to identify any problem areas that can be treated with an upper lip lift.

After this, you and your surgeon will discuss the options available and the possible results with each option. Once the treatment plan has been decided for you, your procedure will be booked. Before the procedure, you must:

• Stop smoking: smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and hinders the healing process. It also increases your risk of tissue damage.
• Control allergies: upper lip lift patient will be screened for allergic rhinitis (ie. sensitive nose) and started on treatment before the surgery. This will reduce the chance of adverse scarring due to frequent rubbing of the nostrils and the post-surgical scars.
• Stop some medications: medications such as aspirins and anti-inflammatory drugs are blood thinners which may increase bleeding during and after the procedure.

• Premedication: Oral antibiotics, pain-killers and a mild anxiolytic will be given to you to reduce risk of complication and improve your experience.
• Oral hygiene: You will be asked to gargle your mouth before surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
• Local anaesthesia will be administered to the treatment site.
• Depending on the type of upper lip lift chosen for you, the incisions or excisions are made.
• Your upper lip is lifted, and incisions are sutured up.