Lip lifts are used to create a more attractive upper lip by removing some of the normal skin between the upper lip border and the base of the nose. There are two types of lip lifts; the Bullhorn lift and the Gull-wing lift. Lip augmentation can be performed with a lip lift.

The Gull-Wing Lift
Involves an incision along the upper border of the lip along the junction between the pink lip skin and the normal flesh-colored upper lip skin. The effect is a lifting effect on the lip with more of the pink portion of the lip showing. This is very helpful for patients with very thin lips with very little lip showing. This can be performed on the upper lip or lower lip. Risks include poor scarring, swelling, sensation changes, and asymmetry.

The Bullhorn Lift
Involves an incision along the curves at the base of the nose. The effect is shortening the length of the upper lip (lifting the lip position upward) and improving vermillion show of the lip. This can provide a more attractive upper lip complex appearance with more teeth showing and a decreased lip to nose ratio. This is commonly helpful in the aging lip, but can be useful in all age groups. Risks include scarring, swelling, excessive shortening, relapse, inadequate vermillion show and asymmetry.