Lip Lift in Turkey

A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip, called the philtrum, by removing a small strip of skin. This lifts the upper lip, can reveal more of the pink part of the lip, and may show slightly more of the upper front teeth at rest. The most common approach uses an incision under the nose, often called a subnasal or bullhorn lip lift. Unlike lip filler, a lip lift changes lip position and shape rather than simply adding volume.

A lip lift and lip filler address different concerns. Lip filler adds volume and can improve lip definition, but results are temporary and too much filler can create an unnatural look. A lip lift shortens a long upper lip and changes how much lip and tooth show, with a permanent scar under the nose or near the lip border. Some patients choose a lip lift first and then use small amounts of filler for volume. Compare non-surgical options in our dermal fillers guide.

Good candidates usually have a long upper lip, little visible pink lip, or very little upper tooth show when the lips are relaxed. Age-related lengthening of the upper lip is a common reason for considering the procedure. Patients who already show a lot of upper teeth or gums at rest may not be suitable, because a lip lift can make this more noticeable. Suitability also depends on nose shape, lip proportions, skin quality and scar tendency. A surgeon should measure the lip at rest and while smiling.

Lip lift types include the subnasal or bullhorn lip lift, which removes skin below the nose; the corner lip lift, which lifts downturned mouth corners; and the direct lip lift, which removes skin along the upper edge of the pink lip. The gull-wing lip lift is a variation of the direct approach. Each technique changes lip shape differently and places scars in different locations. The subnasal approach is often used to shorten a long upper lip, while direct techniques may change the lip border more noticeably.

In a subnasal lip lift, the scar is usually placed along the base of the nose where the nostrils meet the upper lip, which helps camouflage it. It may look red, raised or pinkish for several months and usually matures over about six to twelve months. Scar visibility depends on skin type, healing, tension and incision design. Direct lip lifts place the scar at the lip border, where makeup may help conceal it. People with a history of raised or keloid scars should discuss this before surgery.

Lip lift risks include visible or widened scarring, asymmetry, over-shortening of the upper lip, excessive tooth show, distortion of the nostril base, numbness, stiffness and changes in lip movement. Infection, bleeding and delayed healing can also occur. Removing too much skin can make the lip look unnatural or affect lip closure, and correction can be difficult. The procedure requires careful measurement and conservative planning. Our guide to choosing a surgeon explains what to check before you commit.

Lip lift recovery is usually relatively short. The procedure is commonly performed as a day case under local anaesthesia, sometimes with sedation. Swelling, tightness and bruising are common for one to two weeks, and non-dissolvable stitches are usually removed around five to seven days after surgery. Patients may be advised to limit wide smiling, stretching the lip and strenuous activity at first. Careful cleaning and scar care help healing. The lip may look slightly short or tight initially before settling over the following months.

A lip lift permanently removes skin, so the shortening is intended to be long-lasting. However, ageing continues, and the upper lip may gradually lengthen or lose volume again over many years. The overall appearance can also change with skin laxity, bone and dental changes. Because the procedure is permanent, it is not easily reversed if the lip is shortened too much. Conservative planning and realistic expectations are important. Ask your surgeon how they balance a visible improvement with a natural lip shape.

Patients are commonly advised to plan around 7–10 days in Turkey after a lip lift. This usually allows stitch removal, a wound check and advice on scar care before flying home. Keep the incision clean during travel, avoid rubbing or stretching the lip, and follow instructions on eating, sun protection and ointments. Swelling may make the lip look tight or uneven at first. Before leaving, get your operation notes and a contact for concerns such as discharge, wound opening or increasing redness. See our guide to complications after returning home.

Lip lift cost in Turkey depends on the technique, whether one or more lip areas are treated, anaesthesia type, operating time, surgeon's fee and facility. A corner lip lift, direct lip lift or combination with other facial procedures may affect the price. Stitch removal, medication, scar products, follow-up visits, accommodation and transfers may be charged separately. Ask how scar revision or correction of asymmetry would be priced if needed. Request a lip lift consultation for an individual quote.