If you’re considering a lip enhancement that doesn’t rely on frequent filler appointments, the lip lift might be the perfect solution. This small yet transformative procedure is gaining popularity for good reason—it creates a fuller, more youthful top lip and helps balance facial features by lifting and reshaping the area between the nose and the mouth. But one of the most common questions patients have is: Is a lip lift permanent? Knowing what kind of results to expect and how long those results will last can help you decide if this facial plastic surgery procedure is right for you.
5 Quick Facts About Lip Lift Longevity
- A lip lift offers long-term, often permanent, enhancement to the upper lip area.
- Results can last for many years, although natural aging will continue.
- Unlike fillers, a lip lift does not require repeated maintenance or refills.
- The skill of your plastic surgeon plays a major role in the longevity of your results.
- Dr. Homer Hojjat customizes each procedure to deliver natural, lasting improvements.
How Does Lip Lift Surgery Work?
A lip lift is a minor outpatient surgical procedure designed to enhance the shape, height, and overall appearance of the top lip. It involves shortening the vertical space between the nose and the upper lip—known as the philtrum—by removing a thin strip of skin just beneath the base of the nose. This subtle change can dramatically improve the visibility of the pink portion of the upper lip and restore youthful proportions to the face.
The most commonly performed technique is the bullhorn lip lift, also called the subnasal lip lift, named for the shape of the incision under the nostrils. This discreet placement helps hide any visible scarring within the natural creases of the nose. Other variations include the gullwing lip lift, which reshapes the border of the lip, and the corner lip lift, used to subtly lift the outer corners of the mouth when they droop or sag with age.
At SoCal Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Hojjat tailors every lip lift to each patient’s anatomy and goals. His advanced training in facial plastic surgery allows him to balance both technical precision and aesthetic artistry—ensuring natural-looking results that complement the rest of the face.
What to Expect Right After the Procedure
Immediately following a lip lift, patients can expect minor swelling, bruising, and tightness around the incision area. These are normal and typically resolve within the first two weeks. Most people are able to return to work or social activities within a week, although full healing takes a bit longer.
The incision area may appear red or slightly raised at first, but with proper aftercare, it fades significantly over time. Dr. Hojjat uses advanced closure techniques to minimize scarring and ensure a clean, refined incision site.
What’s most exciting is that the aesthetic improvement is noticeable right away. Patients often report a refreshed appearance, with more of the pink lip showing, better balance between the lips and nose, and an overall more defined and youthful look to the mouth. Unlike temporary dermal fillers, which simply add volume, the lip lift reshapes and repositions the lip for structural enhancement.
How Long Do Lip Lift Results Last?
Here’s the good news: for most patients, a lip lift is a permanent procedure. Once the excess skin is removed and the lip is lifted into its new position, the structural changes do not reverse. This means patients enjoy long-lasting benefits that don’t require ongoing maintenance.
While the surgery itself is permanent, it’s important to remember that the natural aging process will continue. Over time—usually many years—the effects of gravity, loss of skin elasticity, and collagen depletion may cause subtle changes in appearance. However, unlike fillers, which dissolve within 6 to 12 months, a lip lift delivers foundational enhancement that ages with you rather than disappearing entirely.
Many patients report satisfaction with their results well into the 5- to 10-year range or more, with some choosing complementary treatments like laser resurfacing, dermal fillers, or facelift procedures later on to maintain an overall youthful look.
Factors Influencing the Longevity of Lip Lift Results
Although the lip lift is a permanent surgical procedure, there are a few factors that can influence how long your results remain optimal:
- Age at the Time of Surgery: Younger patients tend to have better skin elasticity, which can enhance healing and extend the results. That said, older patients also benefit from the lip lift, especially when combined with other rejuvenation procedures.
- Lifestyle and Habits: Sun exposure, smoking, and inconsistent skincare can accelerate the natural aging process. To protect your results, be sure to use sunscreen daily and avoid habits that break down collagen.
- Surgical Technique and Surgeon Expertise: The success and longevity of your lip lift depend heavily on the plastic surgeon you choose. Dr. Hojjat’s double board certification and exclusive focus on facial plastic surgery ensure optimal technique, safety, and beautiful, enduring outcomes.
- Post-Operative Care: Following Dr. Hojjat’s aftercare instructions will help minimize swelling, reduce the risk of complications, and support a smooth healing process.
Why Choose Dr. Homer Hojjat?
When it comes to facial plastic surgery, credentials matter. Dr. Homer Hojjat is double board-certified in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He completed advanced fellowship training focused specifically on cosmetic facial procedures, and he limits his practice exclusively to the face and neck.
His patient-centered approach means that your goals and natural anatomy are the starting points for every treatment plan. Whether you’re seeking subtle lip rejuvenation or a more dramatic enhancement, Dr. Hojjat provides clear guidance, artistic insight, and expert execution. With his attention to detail and commitment to safety, your results won’t just last—they’ll look great every step of the way.
Your outcome depends on expert technique
Trust Dr. Hojjat for lasting, natural-looking results.
How to Maintain Your Lip Lift Results Over Time
Even though lip lift results are long-lasting, there are simple things you can do to preserve your youthful look:
- Use Sunscreen Daily: UV rays can damage skin and accelerate aging, especially around the mouth.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking reduces collagen and elasticity, which can compromise your surgical results.
- Stay Hydrated and Healthy: A balanced diet and hydration support skin quality and healing.
- Follow Post-Op Instructions Carefully: Proper healing sets the stage for long-term success.
- Consider Complementary Treatments: Laser treatments or skin-tightening options can extend the refreshed appearance.
Consult with a Facial Plastic Surgery Expert
If you’re wondering whether a lip lift is right for you, the first step is a personalized consultation. Dr. Hojjat will evaluate your facial anatomy, review your goals, and determine whether this procedure—or a combination of cosmetic surgeries—can deliver the results you’re after.
Patients across Southern California trust Dr. Hojjat for honest advice, technical expertise, and a warm, patient-focused experience. Don’t wait to feel more confident every time you smile—schedule your appointment today and learn how a lip lift could be the right next step in your facial rejuvenation journey.
