Lip Lift in Newport Beach
Standard and Deep Plane Lip Lift at Beyond Restore
A lip lift shortens the space between the base of the nose and the upper lip, showing more of the lip and restoring upper-lip shape. At Beyond Restore, lip lifts are performed by fellowship-trained surgeon Dr. Paris Sabo, MD.
What Is a Lip Lift?
With age, the area between the nose and upper lip (the philtrum) can lengthen, and the upper lip can thin, flatten or show less of the teeth at rest. Some people also have a naturally long upper lip. A lip lift is a surgical procedure that removes a small strip of skin through an incision under the nose and lifts the upper lip into a shorter, fuller-looking position. Unlike lip filler, it changes the lip’s position rather than adding volume.
Standard vs. Deep Plane Lip Lift
Beyond Restore offers both versions.
- Standard lip lift: the surgeon removes skin under the nose and closes the incision. The lift relies on the skin closure, so tension sits at the incision line.
- Deep plane lip lift: the surgeon also works beneath the skin, releasing and lifting the deeper tissue and securing it, so the deeper layer carries the lift rather than the skin alone. The aim is less tension on the incision and a lift that holds its shape.
Neither approach is right for everyone. Dr. Sabo recommends one at your consultation based on your anatomy and goals.
Who Is a Candidate?
A lip lift may suit people who:
- Have a long space between the nose and upper lip
- Show little upper tooth at rest and want more
- Have a thin or flattened upper lip, or an upper lip that has lengthened with age
- Want a longer-lasting change than repeated lip filler
- Are in good general health and don’t smoke, or can stop before and after surgery
Fit is confirmed at a consultation.
The Procedure
- Consultation: Dr. Sabo reviews your lip, smile and goals, and recommends a standard or deep plane approach.
- Comfort: the procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
- Surgery: a small strip of skin is removed through an incision under the nose; for a deep plane lip lift, the deeper tissue is also released and secured. It takes about 1 hour.
- Closure: the incision is closed with fine sutures.
- Going home: you go home the same day. There is no overnight stay.
A lip lift can be combined with other face procedures, such as a facelift, SMAS facelift or eyelid surgery.
Recovery
Swelling, tightness and some bruising around the upper lip are expected, and the lip may look overly lifted at first while it settles. Plan on about 1 week of downtime. Your surgeon reviews suture removal timing with you at your follow-up. The scar typically fades over several months. Recovery varies from person to person; you’ll receive aftercare instructions before you go home.
Meet Your Surgeon
Dr. Paris Sabo, MD, fellowship-trained surgeon. Meet Dr. Sabo
Pricing and Financing
Pricing is discussed at your consultation. Financing is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lip lift?
A surgical procedure that shortens the space between the nose and upper lip by removing a small strip of skin through an incision under the nose, showing more of the upper lip.
What is the difference between a standard and a deep plane lip lift?
A standard lip lift removes skin and relies on the skin closure. A deep plane lip lift also releases and lifts the deeper tissue beneath the skin, so the deeper layer carries the lift and there is less tension on the incision. Beyond Restore offers both.
Who performs lip lifts at Beyond Restore?
Lip lifts are performed by Dr. Paris Sabo, MD, a fellowship-trained surgeon.
What anesthesia is used, and how long does it take?
A lip lift is performed under local anesthesia and takes about 1 hour. You go home the same day; there is no overnight stay.
How long is recovery?
Plan on about 1 week of downtime. Swelling and tightness are expected at first, and your surgeon reviews suture removal timing with you at your follow-up. Recovery varies from person to person.
Will there be a scar?
Yes. The incision is placed under the nose, and the scar typically fades over several months.
Can a lip lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes. It can be combined with other face procedures, such as a facelift, SMAS facelift or eyelid surgery.
Is a lip lift different from lip filler?
Yes. Filler adds volume; a lip lift changes the lip’s position by shortening the skin above it. Some people choose both.
Ready to talk about a lip lift?
Book a consultation at Beyond Restore.
1501 Westcliff Dr, Ste 303, Newport Beach, CA 92660 · 949-503-9621
Hours: Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–4 PM