San Francisco
2299 Post St. Suite 207
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 530-5335
Los Angeles
1317 5th St #300
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 751-5886
A lip lift is a facial procedure that shortens the space between the upper lip and the base of the nose. By changing the position of the upper lip, this procedure can expose more of the pink lip and refine the shape of the mouth area. Even small adjustments to lip position can make a noticeable difference in how the mouth is framed and how the lower face feels in balance.
At Align Surgical Associates in San Francisco and Los Angeles, California, a lip lift is often considered when changes to lip position and proportion matter more than simply adding volume.
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What Is a Lip Lift?
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that raises the position of the upper lip. To do this, a small strip of skin is removed beneath the nose, shortening the distance between the nose and the upper lip and often exposing more of the vermilion.
The most common technique is the subnasal, or bullhorn, lip lift. In this approach, the incision is placed beneath the nose, where the scar can follow the natural contour of the area.
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We lead with your goals and make decisions—together.
Your plan starts with what matters most to you, such as function, sensation, privacy, recovery realities, and your day-to-day life.
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We give honest recommendations.
We'll be transparent about what a technique can and can't reliably do for your anatomy and priorities, and we'll explain why we're recommending a particular approach.
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We treat the whole person.
We don't reduce care to a single concern or body area. We look at your goals, your comfort, and what's safest and most supportive for you overall.
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We prioritize privacy, dignity, and emotionally safe care.
We understand that many patients come in with complex past healthcare experiences and strive to create an environment where you always feel respected, welcomed, and seen at every step.
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We're built for gender-affirming care.
Gender-affirming surgery isn't a side offering at Align—it's our life's work.
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We evolve with the community.
Care and language change over time. We are dedicated to staying current, listening, and adapting.
Who Might Consider a Lip Lift?
A lip lift may be a meaningful option for transgender individuals, nonbinary patients, and other gender-diverse people seeking changes in upper-lip shape, position, or proportion. People often consider the procedure when the distance between the mouth and nose is longer than desired, or when the goal is to change lip proportion without adding volume.
Lip Lift vs. Lip Augmentation
The key difference between these two main lip enhancement techniques is that a lip lift changes lip position and upper-lip show, while augmentation adds fullness.
Dermal fillers, fat transfer, and lip implants may be considered for volume enhancement, with or without a surgical lift.
Some surgeons "offer" gender-affirming surgery among many other services. For Align, it's the center of our life's work. Our 6 board-certified surgeons have committed themselves wholly to gender-affirming care and research. This means we aren't just helping patients reach their embodiment goals; we are helping to make their care better—better understood, better supported, and performed in the best way possible. Meet the specialists behind the transformations.
What Is Recovery Like After a Lip Lift?
Recovery after a lip lift is usually more limited than after a larger facial surgery plan. However, patients should still expect swelling, bruising, mild discomfort, and temporary activity restrictions during the early healing phase. We’ll go over what to expect during recovery so you can feel prepared and comfortable.
How Much Does a Lip Lift Cost in San Francisco and Los Angeles?
Gender-affirming care, including lip lift surgery, is often covered by insurance. If you are using insurance, we will guide you through the authorization process and what to expect.
If you prefer to pay out of pocket, we will give you a personalized quote based on your surgical plan, including whether your lip lift is being performed on its own or with other facial procedures.
Travel planning can involve a lot of moving parts, especially when you're coordinating around surgery. If you're coming to Align from outside the Bay Area or Los Angeles, we have resources specifically for you.
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgery, a lip lift carries risks, such as swelling, bruising, scarring, asymmetry, healing concerns, and temporary or longer-lasting changes in sensation. Because the incision sits in a visible part of the face, scar placement and healing are especially important parts of planning and recovery.
Lip Lift FAQ
What is the difference between a lip lift and lip fillers?
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the space between the upper lip and the nose, while lip fillers address the lips’ size and shape.
When is fat transfer or a lip implant used instead of a lip lift?
Fat transfer or a lip implant may be used when the goal is to increase fullness rather than shorten the space between the nose and upper lip.
Can a lip lift be combined with other facial procedures?
Yes. A lip lift may be combined with other facial procedures when changes to the lips are being planned alongside other changes in the face. The right combination depends on your anatomy, priorities, and embodiment goals.
When To See a Lip Lift Specialist in San Francisco and Los Angeles
We recommend booking a consultation if you want to understand whether a lip lift or a volume-based lip procedure is better suited to your goals, or if you are considering lip changes as part of a broader facial surgery plan.
Explore Your Lip Lift Options
When you’re ready, we’re here to help. Request an in-person or virtual consultation using the online form or call Align Surgical Associates to get started. We are proud to offer lip lift surgery for San Francisco and Los Angeles patients, as well as individuals traveling from outside of California.
San Francisco Office: (415) 530-5335
Los Angeles Office: (310) 751-5886
Reviewed for medical accuracy by Paul Mittermiller, MD
Further reading:
- Professional, C. C. M. (2025c, June 10). Lip lift. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/lip-lift
- Gallagher, G. (2020, February 21). All about lip lift surgery, including types, cost, and recovery. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/lip-lift