Subnasal Lip Lift in Las Vegas

The ideal proportion between the skin above the upper lip (White Lip)), the base of the nose (Columella), and the lower lip to the chin is roughly 1:2. Due to genetics, aging, loss of bone and dental support, and lip volume, the upper lip appears to elongate and flatten over time, resulting in a “duck bill” deformity. The ideal upper lip measurement, depending on gender and build, is 11 to 15 mm.

Who Can Benefit

Patients with elongated, flattened upper lips that hide their teeth when they smile, and with the pink lip rolled inward, may benefit from this minor surgery to shorten the distance between the upper lip and nose, expose more teeth centrally when smiling, and improve the proportion between the upper and lower lips.

The Subnasal Lift Procedure At Arlv

The procedure starts with careful measurements and marking the desired amount of skin and tissue (down to the muscle around the mouth) to be removed to reduce upper lip height and restore the proportion between the upper and lower “white” lip. A bullhorn-shaped tissue is designed to place the curved incision scar just beneath and within the nose, in a natural crease.

Injectable anesthesia and twilight sedation are administered, and a sterile field is established. The CO2 laser is used to precisely make incisions and seal bleeding and nerve endings. Then the deeper tissue and skin are closed with sutures, elevating the central white lip and rolling the central pink lip outward.

Pre-Surgical Guidelines

To prepare for a Subnasal Lip Lift, patients should:

• Avoid nicotine for at least 4–6 weeks before and after surgery
• Stop blood-thinning medications as directed
• Maintain good overall health
• Follow all pre-operative instructions provided during consultation

What to Expect and After Care

Recovery from a subnasal lip lift is usually uneventful.

After surgery:

• Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are expected
• Temporary tightness or pressure and numbness in the treated area may occur
• Your smile may be smaller for a few days until the swelling and numbness subside

Patients should:

• Avoid strenuous activity for 1-2 weeks
• Follow all incision and hygiene instructions carefully
• Attend all follow-up appointments
• Apply silicone gel to the incision scar daily after sutures are removed

Recovery Timeline

• Initial recovery: 1–2 weeks
• Visible sutures are removed at 10 to 14 days
• Return to light activity: 1–2 weeks
• Resume full activity: 4–6 weeks
• Final results become more apparent as swelling resolves. Remodeling and balancing with your facial features can continue for 6 to 12 months.

Results

The subnasal lift procedure restores Cupid’s Bow, reinforces the philtral pillars, and improves overall appearance and proportions. It can be combined with other surgical and laser procedures, fillers, and neuromodulators to optimize the outcome. CO2 laser resurfacing of the “bar code” lines around the mouth can be performed at the same time.

CONSULTATION

Facial surgery is highly individualized and requires careful planning. During your consultation, Dr. Z will evaluate your health, facial structure and proportions, and any photos you provide, and discuss your aesthetic goals to determine whether a subnasal lift and/or other procedures can help you achieve safe, natural, long-lasting, and balanced results.