Subnasal Lip Lift

Enhance Your Smile with a Subnasal Lip Lift 

The position and length of the upper lip play an important role in your overall facial appearance. If your upper lip appears long, covers your upper teeth when your face is relaxed, or creates folds under your nose when you smile, a subnasal lip lift may help create a more youthful and balanced appearance.

What is a Subnasal Lip Lift? 

A subnasal lip lift, also called an upper lip lift, is a cosmetic procedure that removes a small amount of skin just beneath the nose. The upper lip is then repositioned slightly higher, creating a shorter, more balanced upper lip.

The incision is carefully hidden within the natural contours beneath the nose; because the procedure repositions your natural tissue, it creates a lasting improvement in the appearance of the upper lip and smile.

A subnasal lip lift can provide several cosmetic benefits, including: 

• Increased visibility of your upper teeth when your lips are relaxed

• Greater visibility of the pink or red portion of the upper lip

• Improved definition and shape of the upper lip

• A more youthful and refreshed appearance

• Better facial balance and proportions

• Reduction of folds or creases beneath the nose when smiling

Many patients are surprised to learn that showing a small amount of the upper teeth at rest is often associated with a youthful appearance. As we age, the upper lip naturally lengthens, and less of the upper teeth may become visible. A subnasal lip lift can help restore these proportions.


The procedure shortened the distance between the upper lip and base of the nose, creating 4–5 mm of natural upper tooth show with the lips at rest for a more youthful appearance.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Subnasal Lip Lift? 

You may be a candidate for a subnasal lip lift if you:

• Feel your upper lip appears too long

• Show little or no upper teeth when your face is relaxed

• Want more upper lip definition

• Notice creases or folds beneath your nose when smiling

• Desire improved facial balance and smile aesthetics

• Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations

During your consultation, our cosmetic surgeon will evaluate your facial proportions, lip length, tooth show, and aesthetic goals to determine whether a subnasal lip lift is right for you.

What is the Procedure Like?

A subnasal lip lift is typically performed in an outpatient setting using local anesthesia or IV sedation if preferred.

During the procedure, a small amount of skin is carefully removed from beneath the nose. The upper lip is then elevated and precisely repositioned to create a natural, balanced appearance.

The procedure generally takes less than an hour, and patients return home the same day.

Recovery After a Subnasal Lip Lift

Most patients experience mild swelling and bruising during the first several days after surgery and stitches are removed after 7 days.

Recovery typically includes:

• Mild swelling and tenderness
• Temporary tightness around the upper lip
• Returning to most daily activities within a few days
• Gradual improvement in the appearance of the incision as healing progresses

The incision is placed in the natural crease beneath the nose, helping the scar blend seamlessly with your natural facial contours.

Schedule a Consultation

If your upper lip feels too long, your upper teeth disappear when your face is relaxed, or you’d like a more defined and balanced upper lip appearance, a subnasal lip lift may be an excellent option.

During your consultation, our team will evaluate your facial proportions, discuss your goals, and determine whether a subnasal lip lift can help you achieve a naturally refreshed appearance. Schedule a consult with our experts today by contacting our office.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will a subnasal lip lift make my lips look fuller? 

A subnasal lip lift increases the visibility of the pink or red portion of the upper lip, creating a more defined and enhanced appearance and can be combined with fillers to create a fuller upper lip. 

Will I show more upper teeth after a lip lift?

Yes. One of the primary goals of a subnasal lip lift is to increase upper tooth show when the face is at rest, which is often associated with a more youthful appearance.

How long do the results of a subnasal lip lift last?

Because a small amount of skin is permanently removed and the upper lip is repositioned, the results are considered long-lasting.

Is the scar noticeable?

The incision is carefully hidden within the natural contours beneath the nose and typically becomes increasingly inconspicuous as healing progresses.

Can a subnasal lip lift help me look younger?

For many patients, yes. Improving upper tooth show, enhancing lip definition, and creating better facial proportions can contribute to a refreshed and more youthful appearance.

Can a subnasal lip lift improve my smile?

For many patients, yes. By increasing upper tooth show and improving the position of the upper lip, the procedure can create a brighter, more balanced smile.