Dr. Johnson Lee is an award-winning board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California. He is a graduate of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and one of a few plastic surgeons in the country who completed an integrated residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and pursued further training in Oculoplastic and Aesthetic Surgery under world-renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Codner. This unique combination of experiences has given him the knowledge and skills to become the premier Beverly Hills plastic surgeon specializing in aesthetic eyelid and facial surgery.

Haute Beauty sits down with Dr. Lee to learn more about a lip lift procedure, a permanent alternative to lip fillers for a more plump pout. 

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

HB: What is a lip lift and what does it work to fix?

As we get older, the distance between the base of our nose and the border of the lip increases. This can make the lip roll inwards and appear thin. There is also less teeth show at repose or when smiling. A lip lift is a surgical procedure used to shorten the distance between the base of the nose and the lip vermillion (red part of lip) by removing skin

HB: How does a lip lift work?

A lip lift works by removing the extra skin between the base of the nose and the lip vermillion and restoring the amount of teeth show and a visible red lip. The incision is specially designed to hide at the natural crease along the base of the nose and the nostrils. This procedure can be done awake or with general anesthesia. Patients can expect to be swollen for 1-2 weeks with light bruising.

Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Dr. Johnson Lee

HB: How do you work with patients to achieve the desired look?

During the examination several measurements are taken including the distance between the nose and lip border, the number of front teeth show at rest, and the vertical width of the vermillion. The ideal amount of skin to be removed is then determined which will lift the lip into a more youthful appearance. Injectable filler can also be used simultaneously to enhance and volumize the vermillion for an even more dramatic result.

HB: Does this require more than one treatment?

If the measurements are performed accurately, this procedure can be done once for lifelong improvement. The results are permanent.