Lip Lift

Lip Lift Surgery in Istanbul: Permanent Enhancement Without Fillers

A lip lift is a surgical procedure that permanently shortens the philtrum (the space between your nose and upper lip) to reveal more of the pink vermillion border, creating a fuller, more youthful upper lip. Unlike dermal fillers that need topping up every 6 to 12 months, a lip lift delivers a one-time, lasting transformation. At Estetica Istanbul, our facial plastic surgeons perform this delicate procedure with precision that balances proportion, symmetry, and natural beauty.

Why a Lip Lift Instead of Fillers?

Many patients come to us after years of repeat filler injections. While fillers add volume, they cannot change the structural relationship between your nose and lip. A lip lift addresses the root cause of a thin-looking upper lip: a long philtrum. The result looks entirely natural because it works with your anatomy rather than adding foreign material.

• Permanent results from a single procedure
• No risk of filler migration, lumps, or the overfilled look
• Reveals more of your natural lip colour and shape
• Shortens philtrum by 3 to 5 mm for ideal facial proportions
• Cost-effective compared to a lifetime of filler appointments

Who Is a Good Candidate?

The ideal lip lift candidate has a philtrum longer than 15 mm (the average youthful philtrum measures 11 to 13 mm). Common candidates include:

• Women and men who feel their upper lip has thinned with age
• Patients tired of repeat filler injections every few months
• Anyone who shows little pink lip when their mouth is at rest
• Patients who want permanent improvement in lip-to-teeth show when smiling

During your free consultation, our surgeon measures your philtrum and assesses your facial proportions to confirm whether a lip lift will achieve the improvement you want.

The Bullhorn Lip Lift Technique

We perform the subnasal bullhorn technique, the gold standard for lip lifts. A small incision is made at the base of the nose, following the natural crease where the nose meets the upper lip. A strip of skin is removed, and the lip is lifted into its new position. The incision is closed with ultra-fine sutures for minimal scarring.

• Performed under local anaesthesia with optional light sedation
• Procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes
• Incision hidden in the natural nose-lip junction
• Sutures removed at day 5 to 7
• Scar fades to a fine line within 3 to 6 months, virtually invisible with makeup

Recovery and Results

Recovery from a lip lift is straightforward. Expect mild swelling for the first 3 to 5 days. Most patients return to social activities within a week. The scar at the base of the nose goes through a normal maturation process, appearing pink for the first few months before fading to a barely visible line.

The improvement is visible immediately after surgery and continues to refine as swelling resolves over 2 to 4 weeks. Final results are permanent.

What Is Included

• Free online consultation with photo assessment
• Lip lift procedure under local anaesthesia
• Post-operative medications and scar care products
• Follow-up appointments at day 3, 7, and 30
• WhatsApp access to your surgical team during recovery

Book Your Free Consultation

Send us a side-profile photo via WhatsApp or through the form on this page. Our surgeon will assess your philtrum length and give you an honest opinion on whether a lip lift is right for you. No obligation, no pressure.