Face & Eyes

Lip Lift

at Cadogan Clinic, London’s Leading Cosmetic Surgery Specialists. 

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Award Winning Specialist Clinic

We've won 12 top industry awards since 2010 and regularly feature in the national and international press.

Industry Leading Consultants

We've invited only the very best consultants in the country to practice with us.

Care Quality Commission

Our Leadership has been rated Outstanding by the independent regulator of health and social care in England

GMC Registered Surgeons

All of our surgeons are registered with the General Medical Council.

Medically Reviewed 15 February 2024, by Mr. Bryan Mayou (GMC: 1414396) - founder of the Cadogan Clinic and one of the world's leading plastic surgeons

What is a Lip Lift?

A lip lift is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the upper lip by reducing the distance between the lip and the nose.

Unlike treatments focused on adding lip volume, a surgical lip lift primarily aims to enhance the lip's height and definition. Remarkably, this procedure can even create the illusion of fuller lips without the need for traditional fillers. What sets lip lift surgery apart is its permanent nature, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a low-maintenance solution, avoiding the periodic upkeep often associated with dermal fillers.

One of the most co​​mmon issues that a lip lift effectively addresses is thinning lips, a concern frequently associated with the natural ageing process. Additionally, it can counteract the effects of a downturned mouth, which is another age-related concern. By opting for a lip lift, you can ‌turn back the clock, rejuvenating the central portion of your face for a more youthful appearance.

At the Cadogan Clinic, we offer a range of customised lip lift London options tailored to your unique facial features and desired outcomes. During your consultation, our skilled surgeons will thoroughly discuss these options with you, ensuring that the chosen approach is the perfect fit for your goals.

 

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Lip Lift At a glance

Surgery Time

1 - hour

Time off work

7 days

Hospital Stay

Day Case

Shower

After 1 week

Reasonable Mobility

After 1 day

Exercise

After 4 - 6 weeks

Sleeping on back

Sleeping on back recommended for 3 weeks

Full Recovery

4 - 6 weeks

Driving

1 week


Before and after Lip Lift

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Why do people have it?

Lip lift surgery is chosen by individuals for a variety of reasons. This transformative procedure effectively addresses concerns such as a naturally thin upper lip, whether inherited or a result of the ageing process, as well as the elongation of the philtrum – the vertical groove that extends between the nose and the upper lip.

This procedure offers a remarkable, long-lasting solution to the challenges of thin lips that lack volume and definition. As such, lip lift before and after cases can procure beautiful, natural-looking results.

Who is suitable?

At the Cadogan Clinic, we evaluate individuals for suitability for this procedure based on the following criteria:

  • You are in good overall physical and psychological health.
  • You are at or near your ideal body weight, ensuring a stable foundation for the procedure.
  • You possess a positive outlook and have realistic expectations regarding the achievable outcomes of the surgery.
  • You are seeking a permanent solution to enhance your lip aesthetics.
  • You have a gap measuring 15mm or more between your nose and upper lip.
  • Your thin lips are either due to the natural ageing process or genetic factors.
  • You wish to address ‌down-turned corners of the lips.
  • You are interested in an alternative approach to lip enhancement, moving away from the use of traditional lip fillers.

Words from our clients:


The cost of a Lip Lift

Cadogan Clinic has collaborated with Chrysalis Finance to offer a variety of payment choices for our patients including:
12 months 0% Interest-free - APR
24 - 60 months at 12.9% APR
Flexible Finance

Get in touch now for your estimated lip lift cost

Lip lift prices vary and can be higher when paired with another treatment, for example a corner lip lift combined with another lip procedure, or done under general anaesthetic.

Get in touch 0207 901 8500

Included in this treatment

Up to two 60 minute consultations with a leading specialist plastic surgeon at our award-winning premises in Chelsea

Your procedure carried out at London’s leading specialist cosmetic surgery centre of excellence

24/7 on call nurse assistance

Dedicated Patient Co-ordinator, as a personal point of contact through your journey with Cadogan

A pre-operative medical assessment to ensure you are fit for surgery

Comprehensive post-operative aftercare courtesy of our specialist cosmetic nurses


What are the options?

We offer a number of different lip lifts; direct lip lift, subnasal bullhorn, central lip lift, corner lip lift and Italian lip lift. We will look at these different techniques in more detail here.

The direct lip lift, or more common upper lip lift, procedure is a highly effective method for enhancing the definition of the lip border. During this specialised technique, the surgeon carefully removes a narrow strip of skin located just above the upper lip. This strip of skin is gently lifted, resulting in a more pronounced and well-defined upper lip. Occasionally, this technique is affectionately referred to as the 'gullwing lip lift.' It's important to note that, as with any surgical procedure, there may be a minor scar in the upper lip area following treatment.

The subnasal bullhorn lip lift derives its name from the distinctive shape of the incision, which extends along the base of the nose. During this procedure, the surgeon skillfully elevates the central, right, and left portions in an upper lip lift, drawing them upwards toward the nose.

The central lip lift is primarily focused on reducing the gap between the nose and the upper lip. This procedure involves making an incision at the base of the nose, a technique closely resembling the subnasal bullhorn approach.

The corner lip lift is a widely sought-after surgical technique that imparts a more 'upturned' or 'smiley' appearance to the face by lifting the down-turned corners of the lips. This is accomplished through the creation of two small incisions at the corners of the mouth, followed by the careful removal of a small amount of skin. The corner lip lift can also be seamlessly combined with other lip lift procedures to achieve a fuller and more balanced lip aesthetic.

The Italian lip lift is a procedure closely akin to the subnasal bullhorn technique. The key distinction lies in the placement of two incisions beneath each nostril. This approach typically results in minimal to no visible scarring.


Lip Lift Surgeons

We have invited a selection of the country's very best consultants to join us at the Cadogan Clinic so that you can be sure that whatever the nature of your treatment, you will be seeing one of the top practitioners in the country.


What to expect

Below you will find some key information to help you prepare for surgery and make necessary arrangements to ensure you have the support you need and that everything runs smoothly on the day.

Your journey begins with a no-obligation, in-person assessment conducted by one of our exceptionally trained cosmetic surgeons at our Clinic on Sloane Street in Chelsea.

Committed to upholding our unwavering medical philosophy and stringent standards, we exclusively offer lip lift surgery performed by skilled and qualified plastic surgeons. This not only enhances safety but also ensures superior aesthetic results.

 

During this comprehensive consultation, your consultant will cover the following essential aspects:

  • Your consultant will provide expert insights into the best options tailored to your unique facial anatomy, discussing the expected outcomes you can anticipate.
  • You will receive a thorough explanation of the available procedure options, complete with insights into expected results, recovery timelines, and associated costs.
  • Your past medical history will be diligently reviewed to ensure a holistic understanding of your health and well-being.
  • Any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure or the process will be addressed with care and clarity.

If both you and your consultant agree on proceeding with the treatment during the consultation, a personalised treatment plan will be created to suit your specific needs and goals.

If you decide to move forward with surgery after the cooling-off period, your next visit to the clinic will be on the day of the procedure. It’s essential to prep for your lip lift with the following measures:

  • Stop smoking: Quitting smoking is crucial, as smoking reduces blood flow in the skin, affecting the integration of the transferred fat into the buttocks.
  • It's advisable to stop smoking six weeks before surgery and throughout the recovery period.
  • Cut down on alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can impede the healing process and should be minimised.
  • Review medications: In the week leading up to your lip lift, refrain from taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements, as these substances can increase the risk of bleeding.
  • Pre-surgery fast: In the six hours leading up to surgery, avoid food and drinks, except for small sips of clear fluids (like still water, black coffee, and black tea), which are allowed up to two hours before your clinic admission.

On the day of your scheduled procedure, we kindly request that you arrive at least an hour before the agreed-upon surgery start time. During this period, a dedicated nurse will be available to record essential health metrics, including blood pressure and other relevant tests. You will also have the opportunity to meet with both your skilled anaesthetist and your surgeon, who will conduct final assessments and mark the targeted areas.

After the procedure, you will undergo a monitored recovery period in our ambulatory recovery rooms, typically lasting between two to three hours. Once you regain the ability to eat and drink comfortably and our specialised nursing team confirms your initial recovery progress, you will be cleared to depart from the clinic in the company of a friend or family member.

In the immediate aftermath of surgery, it is common to experience some mild pain and discomfort; however, these sensations will gradually subside. The recovery process for a lip lift is known for its swiftness, with any residual discomfort typically diminishing within a few days.

Approximately one-week post-surgery, you will have a follow-up appointment with our nursing team to assess the incision sites. Additionally, we highly recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our aestheticians to explore any ongoing treatments that may support the healing process if desired.

Finally, a comprehensive check-up will be scheduled at our clinic six weeks after the surgery to ensure your continued progress and satisfaction.

 

The Patient Journey. A breakdown of what you can expect on your journey with us

We are deeply invested in ensuring that every step of your surgical journey with us is as informative and reassuring to you as it can be. This article outlines what you can expect at each stage of the journey

The Patient Journey

Frequently Asked Questions

The recovery period following a lip lift procedure is relatively brief. We highly recommend dedicating the first 24 hours post-surgery to rest and recuperation, while also avoiding strenuous physical activities and refraining from smoking during the following weeks. For those who smoke, quitting ahead of your lip lift surgery is strongly encouraged.

To ensure the best outcome, we advise gentle care around the lip area, including avoiding sleeping on your face and minimising the extent to which you open your mouth. Using a toothbrush with a smaller head can also be helpful.

You should be able to resume your regular day-to-day activities within approximately seven days following the surgery.

The extent of scarring post-lip lift surgery varies depending on the specific technique employed. Procedures such as the corner lip lift and subnasal bullhorn, which require multiple incisions, may result in more noticeable scars compared to the central lip lift, which involves just one incision. Patients opting for a direct lip lift, where a strip of skin is taken from above the upper lip, may experience a minor scar in the upper lip area.

Our highly skilled surgeons work to minimise the visibility of scars by strategically placing incisions within the body's natural creases and contours wherever possible.

You can anticipate noticing initial improvements in the appearance of your lip lift within a few weeks following the surgery. The results should become increasingly prominent over the course of two to three months post-surgery. If there are any scars present, please keep in mind that these may take up to a year or more to fully mature and fade. The visibility of scars tends to diminish naturally over time.

To ensure the best possible outcome and to minimise the appearance of any scarring, it is crucial to carefully follow all post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon. 

The results of a lip lift procedure are permanent.

Your initial consultation fee is £150, which covers the valuable time and expertise of our qualified surgeons.

During this initial consultation, your surgeon will provide you with a detailed breakdown of the procedure's cost. Our lip lift procedures typically start at £3,200.

It's important to note that the overall cost of a lip lift can vary based on individual factors and specific requirements. For instance, costs may be higher when combining a lip lift with another treatment, such as a corner lip lift paired with an additional lip procedure.

We highly advise quitting smoking in the weeks leading up to your upper lip lift surgery. Medical research has confirmed that smoking can have an impact on anaesthesia. Additionally, the same caution applies to alcohol consumption, so it's essential to abstain from alcohol for a minimum of 48 hours before your scheduled surgery.

In preparation for your procedure, it's important to refrain from taking blood-thinning medications, including aspirin, for two weeks leading up to the surgery.

Furthermore, on the day of your lip lift surgery, please ensure you do not eat or drink anything for a minimum of six hours before the procedure. These precautions are essential for ensuring a safe and successful surgical experience.

A lip lift provides a lasting solution for individuals with thin lips seeking both definition and volume. In contrast, lip fillers offer only a temporary enhancement, necessitating regular repetitions to maintain results. While lip fillers effectively add volume to thin lips, they do not address the issue of definition. Some individuals may find that the results of lip fillers appear too artificial for their liking. 

However, the effects of lip fillers can be readily reversed if a person is dissatisfied with the outcome. Whereas, if a patient is unhappy with the results of an upper lip lift, it would require additional surgical intervention to address and correct any concerns.


A state of the art, award winning clinic.

Founded in 2004 by world renowned plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, we now work with over 100 leading consultants and successfully treat over 20,000 patients each year. We have been winning industry awards since inception.

About Us

Best in Class Facilities

All of our treatments take place at our beautiful boutique premises in Chelsea. We have six consulting rooms and five operating rooms, as well as a dedicated pre and post-operative suite, and a full team of specialist nursing staff.

Our Clinic

A Strong Tradition of Innovation

We were founded in 2004 by world renown plastic surgeon Mr Bryan Mayou, best known for his pioneering work in the area of liposuction, lasers and microvascular surgery. We continue to collaborate with pioneers in our field.

Our History

At Home in Sloane Street, London

We are proud that our state of the art award-winning clinic is located in one of the best neighbourhoods in the country

Welcome to Sloane Street

Clinics Nationwide

We offer surgical consultations in London, Birmingham, Chelmsford and Bristol, and attract international patients from all corners of the globe such as as the USA, the Middle East and Europe.

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What are the risks?

While a lip lift is regarded as a low-risk medical procedure, it's important to acknowledge that, like any other cosmetic surgery, there is always a potential for complications. These risks may encompass challenges such as delayed wound healing, scarring, minimal blood loss, nerve-related issues, or even an allergic reaction to the anaesthetic used.

During your initial consultation, your surgeon will thoroughly discuss these potential risks with you and address any concerns you may have. Our London lip lift surgeons are highly skilled and reliable, and have performed countless of these such procedures for our patients.


Face & Eyes

Related Treatments

We believe in the delivery of excellent outcomes and results, and exceptional levels of service. Our outcomes are natural and long-lasting, and we remain the premier choice for cosmetic surgery treatments in the UK.



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Laurel Wreath for Awards

2023

Aesthetic Awards

Highly Commended Best Clinic in London

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2021

Aesthetics Awards

Highly Commended

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2021

My Face My Body

Best Clinic Winner

Laurel Wreath for Awards
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2020

My Face My Body

Best Clinic Winner

Laurel Wreath for Awards
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2019

My Face My Body

Winner

Laurel Wreath for Awards
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2018

My Face My Body

Highly Commended

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2018

Aesthetics Awards

Highly Commended

Laurel Wreath for Awards
Laurel Wreath for Awards

2017

Aesthetics Awards

Winner

Laurel Wreath for Awards

0207 901 8500

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