Lip Lift
IN LONG BEACH, CA AND SERVING LA, ORANGE COUNTY AND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
A balanced, proportionate smile can transform the entire face, and one of the most effective ways to achieve that harmony is through a lip lift performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Josh Waltzman at the Waltzman Institute in Long Beach, CA.
By subtly shortening the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip, a lip lift reveals more pink lip tissue, enhances tooth show, and restores youthful curvature, without changing what makes your smile uniquely yours.
Did you now that Dr. Waltzman offers a cutting-edge new technology that dramatically reduces recovery times? Click here to learn more!
Learn More Lip Lift
What is a Lip Lift?
A lip lift is a minor surgical procedure that elevates the upper lip by removing a narrow strip of skin beneath the nose. The technique exposes a naturally fuller portion of the vermilion (the pink part of the lip) and creates a gently upturned shape at rest.
Unlike injectable fillers, which add volume temporarily, a lip lift offers a permanent adjustment to lip height and contour while maintaining a soft, natural texture. The procedure can also refine lip symmetry and improve balance between the upper and lower facial thirds.
How Does a Lip Lift Work?
After meticulous measurements that consider facial proportions, Dr. Waltzman places a bullhorn-shaped or modified incision concealed along the base of the nostrils. A precise amount of tissue is excised, and the skin edges are re-approximated with fine sutures. By advancing the lip upward, the procedure:
- Shortens the philtral length (the space between nose and lip) for a more youthful ratio.
- Increases central lip fullness without adding artificial bulk.
- Optimizes tooth show so a sliver of upper incisors is visible when the mouth is relaxed, an aesthetic marker of youth.
Because the incision hides in the natural crease, it heals to a discreet, nearly invisible line.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Lip Lift?
You may benefit from a lip lift if you notice any of the following:
- An elongated space between the nose and upper lip that has lengthened with age.
- Disappointing results with filler due to thin lip tissue or desire for a more pronounced Cupid’s bow.
- Upper teeth that remain hidden when the lips are at rest.
- A desire for permanent improvement without ongoing maintenance treatments.
Ideal candidates are nonsmokers in good overall health with realistic expectations. During your consultation, Dr. Waltzman evaluates skin elasticity, dental alignment, and overall facial harmony to determine whether a lip lift alone or in combination with complementary procedures will best achieve your goals.
What Results Can I Expect From a Lip Lift?
Results develop quickly, often noticeable the moment dressings are removed. Patients enjoy:
- A fuller, more visible upper lip that retains natural softness and movement.
- Enhanced smile aesthetics with improved tooth show and a gentle upward tilt of the lip edges.
- Better facial balance, especially when viewed in profile.
Because the adjustment is structural, the outcome is long-lasting. Aging continues, but most patients find the refreshed proportions endure for many years without repeat surgery. Fillers remain an option for subtle touch-ups if desired, yet many discover they no longer need them.
What is Recovery Like After a Lip Lift?
Recovery is comparatively brief:
First 48 hours – Mild swelling and tightness are common. Oral prescription pain medication or over-the-counter analgesics typically provide adequate comfort. Keep the head elevated and apply cold compresses as directed.
Days 3–7 – Swelling begins to subside. Small, dissolvable sutures may be trimmed or removed in the clinic. Light activities such as walking are encouraged, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should wait until cleared.
Week 2 onward – Bruising fades, and makeup can camouflage any residual redness. Most people return to work and social events after 7–10 days. The incision line matures over several months; silicone gel or scar tape can optimize fading.
Long term – Scars generally fade to a fine, pale line hidden beneath the nose. Dr. Waltzman provides customized aftercare instructions to ensure smooth healing and beautiful, lasting results.
Dr. Waltzman now offers ELIXIR MD™, an FDA-cleared, medical-grade device developed exclusively for plastic surgery recovery. It delivers precise wavelengths of light to different layers of the skin, stimulating cellular repair and tissue regeneration while reducing surface-level redness and swelling. The result is a better, faster healing experience.
Return to Life Faster & Quicker After Surgery
ELIXIR MD™, an FDA-cleared medical-grade device, is exclusively designed to transform post-surgical care. It employs advanced photobiomodulation technology, infusing energy into the skin with varying light wavelengths. Each wavelength is precisely calibrated to penetrate different skin layers, enhancing specific healing mechanisms. Deeper wavelengths stimulate cellular repair and tissue regeneration, while surface-level wavelengths reduce redness and swelling.
Accelerated Healing Process
Reduced Pain & Discomfort
Minimized Swelling & Bruising
Customizable Treatment Options
Hands-Free, Relaxing Experience
Why Choose Dr. Waltzman for Your Lip Lift?
Dr. Waltzman is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in facial aesthetics. He uses advanced surgical techniques that honor each patient’s unique anatomy while preserving their natural expression.
At the Waltzman Institute, precision and artistry guide every procedure. Each lip lift is carefully customized to enhance your features harmoniously, avoiding any unnatural or “done” appearance.
From the initial consultation, which may include 3-D imaging to visualize your potential results, through every stage of post-operative care, the team provides attentive, personalized support. Dr. Waltzman believes in subtle enhancement, so patients consistently praise how their refreshed smiles look authentic and unmistakably their own.
If you’re ready to rejuvenate your smile and refine your facial balance, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Waltzman and the Waltzman Institute is the first step toward lips that reflect your natural vitality.
Dr. Waltzman also offers advanced recovery options like ELIXIR MD™ for faster healing.
Take the Next Step
When you are ready to consider a lip lift, reach out to The Waltzman Institute Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics at (562) 448-6100 to schedule your initial consultation and learn more about our many aesthetic enhancement options.
We are located in Long Beach and serve patients in LA County, Orange County, the South Bay and all of Southern California. You’ll find that we are fully committed to the best possible experience and outcomes for all of our patients!
