A lip lift is a surgical procedure that removes a small strip of skin from beneath the nose to shorten the philtrum — the vertical space between the nose base and the upper lip border. It permanently raises the upper lip, revealing more pink lip and improving proportion between the nose and mouth.

The bullhorn lip lift (also called a subnasal lip lift) is the most commonly performed lip lift technique. It removes a bullhorn-shaped piece of skin from directly beneath the nostrils, shortening the central philtrum and lifting the cupid’s bow. The scar sits in the shadow at the base of the nose.

A corner lip lift addresses downturned mouth corners rather than central philtrum length. Small excisions at the corners of the mouth lift the corners upward. It can be done alone or combined with a central bullhorn lip lift depending on the patient’s anatomy.

A gullwing lip lift places the incision along the upper lip border itself rather than at the nose base. It can produce strong lip border definition but leaves a scar in a more visible position than the bullhorn technique. It’s used in specific cases rather than as a routine first choice.

A lip lift surgically shortens the philtrum and permanently raises the upper lip position — it changes proportion. Lip filler adds volume to the body of the lip and creates a subtle eversion of the border but doesn’t change the length of the philtrum. They address different concerns and can be combined.

A Botox lip flip uses a small amount of Botox to relax the muscle at the upper lip border, allowing the lip to curl outward slightly and show a little more pink lip. The effect is subtle, temporary (around 3 months), and non-surgical. A lip lift is a permanent surgical procedure producing a more significant and lasting change in upper lip proportion.

Lip lift cost in Dubai depends on the technique used and the facility involved. An accurate price can only be provided after consultation, once the appropriate technique and approach have been confirmed for your case.

A surgical lip lift produces a permanent result. The philtrum is structurally shortened and the change is lasting, unlike filler or Botox which require regular maintenance.

The procedure itself is performed under local anaesthesia so there is no pain during surgery. Mild tenderness, tightness, and swelling in the first few days are normal and well managed with standard pain relief.

The bullhorn lip lift scar sits in the shadow beneath the nostrils — it’s typically a fine line that fades significantly over the first 3–6 months. Initial pinkness and slight firmness are normal and reduce with time. Scar outcome varies by individual skin type and healing, which is discussed before surgery.

Sutures are removed at 5–7 days. Most swelling settles within 1–2 weeks. Returning to work for desk-based roles is typically possible within 1–2 weeks, depending on the individual’s comfort with the early scar. The scar continues to mature and fade over 3–6 months.

Avoid smoking, strenuous exercise, and unnecessary tension on the upper lip (such as opening the mouth very wide) for the first 1–2 weeks. Sun protection on the scar during the maturation period is important for the best long-term outcome.

Yes, revision lip lift is possible once the result has fully settled — typically waiting at least 6–12 months after the initial procedure before considering any correction.