Lip & Dimple
Lip Lift LA
Subnasal lip lift under local anaesthesia
Is it safe?
Your hospital holds the same JCI accreditation as Cleveland Clinic and Johns Hopkins. Verified by TEMOS for international patient safety.
Will the price change?
Your price is locked before you book. Surgery, hospital, hotel, transfers, aftercare — one number, no extras.
What if something goes wrong?
Mandatory insurance required by Turkish law. If a revision is needed — flights, hospital, surgeon — covered. You never pay twice.
Who's my surgeon?
Confirmed before you pay. Full credentials, specialisation, and patient results shared upfront. No last-minute switch.
What happens after I fly home?
24/7 WhatsApp with your coordinator. Scheduled video check-ups with your surgeon. 12 months, not 12 days.
What is Lip Lift LA?
A subnasal lip lift performed under local anaesthesia is a facial rejuvenation procedure that shortens the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip border (the philtrum). By removing a small strip of skin just beneath the nose, the upper lip is lifted to reveal more vermilion (the red portion of the lip), creating a more youthful and defined appearance. MedProper performs this procedure in a JCI and TEMOS-accredited Istanbul hospital.
How Does Lip Lift LA Work?
- 1Your surgeon measures the philtrum length and plans the exact amount of skin to remove for a balanced, natural result.
- 2Local anaesthetic is injected around the base of the nose and upper lip, fully numbing the area. You remain awake and comfortable.
- 3A precisely measured strip of skin is excised from just beneath the nose, following the natural crease at the base of the nostrils.
- 4The upper lip skin is lifted and secured with fine sutures, increasing the visible vermilion and shortening the philtrum.
- 5The incision is closed meticulously in layers to minimise scarring, and steri-strips are applied for support.
Who is a Good Candidate for Lip Lift LA?
- Adults with a long philtrum (typically over 15 mm) who want to restore a more youthful upper lip proportion
- Those who have lost upper lip definition due to ageing, with the red lip border rolling inward and becoming thinner
- Patients who want a permanent alternative to repeated lip filler injections for upper lip enhancement
- Individuals comfortable being awake during a minor surgical procedure
- Non-smokers in good health with realistic expectations
Why Choose Lip Lift LA at MedProper?
Permanent Lip Enhancement
Unlike fillers that require repeat treatments every 6-12 months, a lip lift provides a one-time, permanent improvement to upper lip projection and definition.
Natural Youthful Proportion
Shortening the philtrum restores the youthful ratio between the nose and lip, which naturally lengthens with age.
No General Anaesthesia
Performing under local anaesthesia avoids the risks and recovery effects of GA, and allows same-day discharge.
Well-Hidden Scar
The incision sits in the natural crease at the base of the nose, where it becomes virtually invisible once healed.
What is the Recovery Timeline?
Days 1-3
Initial Healing
Mild swelling and tightness around the upper lip and nose base. The area may feel stiff when smiling. Keep the incision clean and dry.
Days 5-7
Suture Removal
External sutures are removed at your follow-up visit. The incision line is pink but already beginning to fade.
Weeks 2-3
Return to Normal
Most patients return to work and social activities within 7-10 days. Concealer can be used over the healing incision line.
Weeks 4-8
Scar Maturation
The scar continues to flatten and lighten. Upper lip movement feels natural again.
Months 3-6
Final Result
The scar fades to a fine line hidden in the nasal crease. The lifted upper lip appears natural and well-proportioned.
Quick Facts
Duration
45-60 minutes
Hospital Stay
Day case
Recovery
7-10 days before social activities
Permanence
Permanent
Anaesthesia
Local anaesthesia
Results Visible
Immediate (final at 3-6 months)
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically 3-6 mm of skin is removed. The exact amount is carefully calculated based on your current philtrum length and facial proportions to ensure a natural result.
The incision is placed in the natural crease where the base of the nose meets the upper lip. With proper care, the scar matures to a fine line that is very difficult to see, especially from conversational distance.
Yes. A lip lift and lip filler address different aspects. The lift shortens the philtrum and rolls the lip upward; filler adds volume. They complement each other well.
They serve different purposes. If your main concern is a long philtrum and lack of visible upper lip, a lip lift provides a permanent structural solution. Filler is better for adding volume to already well-positioned lips.
Immediately after surgery, the upper lip may feel tight when smiling. This resolves within 2-4 weeks as the tissue softens and adapts. Long-term, your smile will look natural.
Medical References
- Dermatologic Surgery (2022). Lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid fillers demonstrates a safety profile exceeding 98%, with results lasting 6-12 months. DOI: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000003456
Last medically reviewed: April 2026
Quick Facts
- Duration
- 45-60 minutes
- Hospital Stay
- Day case
- Recovery
- 7-10 days before social activities
- Permanence
- Permanent
- Anaesthesia
- Local anaesthesia
- Results Visible
- Immediate (final at 3-6 months)
What's Included
- Private hospital stay
- VIP airport transfers
- All medications & dressings
- Compression garments
- 12-month follow-up care
- 24/7 patient coordinator
Your Surgical Team
Meet Your Doctor
Where Your Surgery Takes Place
A JCI & TEMOS-Accredited Hospital in Istanbul
Your procedure is performed at a 45,000 m² state-of-the-art hospital with 12 operating rooms, advanced surgical technology, and VIP patient suites. International accreditations ensure the highest standards of patient safety and care.
12 Operating Rooms
Latest Surgical Technology
Related Treatments
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