A lip lift offers a permanent lip enhancement option for those wanting to perfect their pout. During lip lift surgery, a small amount of upper lip skin is removed at the base of the nose, and once the upper lip is raised and sutured in place, the entire upper lip is slightly lifted, revealing more of your natural lip shape and volume. In this post, our Lafayette cosmetic surgeons Dr. Duplechain and Dr. Ishee answer the top questions they get about this lip enhancement procedure to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Can I get a lip lift if I’ve had lip filler?
Yes, but we will wait to perform your surgery until after the filler has dissolved. Your lips should be in their natural state before a surgical lip lift so your results are optimal and consistent. That said, you can get lip filler after a lip lift if you desire even more volume and definition. If you’d like to take advantage of both a lip lift and lip filler, we would be happy to discuss the timing of each treatment for outstanding results.
Does a lip lift affect the lower lip?
No. A lip lift only modifies the area between the nose and the upper lip known as the “philtrum,” so the pigmented lip tissue isn’t touched at all during lip lift surgery. Many people seek a lip lift to balance out a lower lip that may be noticeably larger than the upper lip. If you do wish to address your bottom lip, we can add a precise amount of filler for natural-looking volume that is proportionate to your newly enhanced upper lip.
Does a lip lift change your nose?
A lip lift doesn’t physically change your nose, but the closer proximity of the lip to the nose can slightly change the balance of your facial features. Most patients find that a lip lift indirectly enhances their nose’s appearance. If there are things you want to address about your nose, you can ask about combining a lip lift with a “liquid nose job” using filler or nose reshaping surgery (rhinoplasty).

Can a lip lift fix smoker’s lines?
A lip lift can improve smoker’s lines (vertical lines along the lips) to a certain extent. During a lip lift, the skin above the upper lip is reduced and slightly stretched when re-attached under the nose. This adjustment can soften the lines around the upper lip—it will not affect lines in your bottom lip. For more noticeable or deeply etched lines, a lip lift alone will not likely achieve noticeable improvement, so we’ll recommend adding one of the non-surgical treatments at our Lafayette med spa to your lip lift procedure, like laser skin resurfacing, lip fillers, or a chemical peel to directly address lip lines in both the top and bottom lip if needed.
Does a lip lift change your smile?
Your smile won’t change per se, but one of the most exciting aspects of a lip lift is how it enhances your smile! Because your upper lip is raised, you’ll see more of your upper teeth (called “tooth show”) when you smile. This effect can make the smile appear brighter, more youthful, and defined without altering the fundamental shape of your smile. A lip lift is ideal for achieving a subtle enhancement that brings out your natural expression without added artificial fullness.
A lip lift can make the smile appear more youthful and defined without altering the fundamental shape of your smile.
Will a lip lift leave a scar?
Technically you will have a scar, but it will be concealed in the natural crease where the base of your nose meets the philtrum. With proper care, a lip lift scar heals to a very fine line that becomes nearly invisible over time. Unless you tell someone you’ve had a lip lift, it is very unlikely anyone will be able to tell you’ve had anything done. During your consultation and follow-up appointment, we will provide you with tips for scar care to further minimize any visible scarring.
“Want to thank Dr. Duplechain and his team for the great care they gave me before during and after my procedure! Would recommend them for all your skincare needs. So happy I chose them! Local experts located here in our area”
—5-star Google review
Do lip lifts last forever?
One of the primary reasons people opt for lip lifts over fillers is the long-lasting results of the procedure. Unlike lip fillers, lip lifts are a one-time lip enhancement and do not require maintenance treatments. A lip lift is considered a permanent enhancement because it removes a small portion of skin to surgically alter the position of the upper lip. Your lips will continue to age, but the surgery will not be reversed over time.
How do I choose the best lip lift surgeon for me?
Your lips are a dynamic and prominent facial feature, so trust your appearance to a highly- qualified, credentialed surgeon with specific expertise in facial cosmetic surgery and lip lift procedures. It’s also a great idea to read real reviews from previous patients to learn about their experiences, including their satisfaction with both the results and the overall care they received. But don’t rely on reviews alone – schedule a consultation to see if a surgeon is a good fit for you. A great surgeon will have an excellent bedside manner that puts you at ease, and they will take the time to understand your aesthetic goals and create a personalized plan just for you. During your consultation, ask all the questions you need to so you feel comfortable with the surgeon’s approach and recommendations.
Schedule a consultation for a lip lift todayLafayette cosmetic surgeons Dr. J. Kevin Duplechain and Dr. William Ishee together have decades of experience performing facial cosmetic surgery and are highly sought after by both patients local to the Lafayette-area, as well as out-of-town patients who desire beautiful, natural-looking results. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Duplechain or Dr. Ishee, call our office at (337) 456-3282 or submit an online contact form and our team will be in touch!
Areas Served:
- Lafayette
- Baton Rouge
- Alexandria
- Lake Charles
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