Lip Lift Surgery in Bondi Junction, Sydney

Dr Scott J Turner is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) based in Bondi Junction, Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, with more than a decade of practice devoted exclusively to facial aesthetic surgery. At FacePlus Aesthetics, he offers upper lip lift surgery for patients seeking to address age-related changes to the upper lip region or to improve lip-to-nose proportions and dental show.

The upper lip follows a predictable anatomical trajectory over time — the philtrum gradually lengthens while the visible vermilion recedes, resulting in reduced tooth display and diminished lip definition. Unlike injectable treatments that add temporary volume without altering underlying structure, lip lift surgery permanently corrects these changes by surgically shortening the philtrum. The procedure can be carried out as a standalone treatment or alongside facelift surgery such as the Vertical Restore Facelift for broader facial correction.

Understanding Lip Lift Surgery

Lip lift surgery — technically a cheiloplasty — modifies the structural relationship between the base of the nose and the upper lip. The operation involves removing a precisely measured segment of skin at the nasal base, then advancing the remaining tissue upward to shorten the philtrum, increase visible vermilion, and produce a better-defined upper lip border.

Upper Lip Anatomy and the Ageing Process

Understanding the key anatomical structures in this region clarifies why ageing changes occur and what surgery can realistically achieve.

The Philtrum: This central vertical column runs from the columella (the tissue separating the nostrils) down to the upper lip border. A philtrum measuring approximately 12–15 mm is typical in younger adults. As years pass, this distance often extends beyond 20 mm — a change that significantly contributes to an aged perioral appearance.

The Vermilion: As the philtrum elongates, the visible red portion of the lip progressively recedes, giving the impression of thinner lips even when the underlying tissue volume is essentially intact.

Cupid’s Bow: The distinctive M-shaped contour along the central upper lip border provides character and definition. Philtral lengthening tends to flatten this curve, reducing the architectural interest of the upper lip.

Dental Show: Upper tooth visibility during relaxed lip separation and natural smiling carries considerable aesthetic weight. Philtral elongation directly reduces dental show, reinforcing the appearance of ageing in the lower face.

Why Upper Lips Change Over Time

Several overlapping factors drive upper lip changes:

• Progressive gravitational effects combined with age-related collagen loss
• Genetic predisposition — some individuals carry a naturally long philtrum from early adulthood
• Maxillary bone resorption, which reduces bony support for the overlying soft tissues
• Volume depletion in the perioral soft tissue compartments
• Cumulative ultraviolet exposure affecting skin texture and quality

Lip Lift Techniques Offered by Dr Turner

Dr Turner selects the most appropriate surgical approach based on individual anatomy, existing philtral length, and the patient’s specific aesthetic concerns.

Subnasal Bullhorn Lip Lift

The bullhorn technique is Dr Turner’s preferred method for the majority of patients. The incision traces the natural curves at the nasal base — along the columella centrally and curving around the nostril sills — producing a shape that resembles bull’s horns. A measured strip of skin is removed, shortening the philtrum to a post-operative target of approximately 14–16 mm (exact dimensions are tailored to individual facial proportions).

This approach delivers reliable, lasting correction and positions the resulting scar within the natural shadow beneath the nose, where it becomes considerably less visible once healed. Centrally directed tissue advancement simultaneously refines the cupid’s bow contour, increasing upper lip definition.

Corner Lip Lift

This technique addresses downward deflection of the lateral commissures (mouth corners) through small incisions placed along the vermilion border at each corner. By excising small skin wedges, the corners can be elevated. The corner lip lift is often combined with the bullhorn technique when comprehensive upper lip correction and improved symmetry are both required.

Direct Lip Lift

With this approach, the incision is placed immediately above the vermilion border and a strip of skin is excised to increase visible lip height directly. While it can produce significant enhancement in selected patients — particularly those with very thin lips — the resulting scar at the lip border tends to be more perceptible than alternatives. Dr Turner reserves this method for specific anatomical situations where other approaches would fall short.

Lip Lift Compared to Non-Surgical Options

Lip Lift vs. Lip Flip: Neuromodulator injections used for a lip flip relax the orbicularis oris muscle enough to allow the upper lip to roll slightly outward. The result is modest and temporary (approximately 2–3 months), and does not shorten the philtrum or provide lasting dental show improvement. Lip lift surgery offers structural correction that addresses the root anatomical cause.

Lip Lift vs. Dermal Fillers: Filler injections add volume and create temporary fullness without modifying philtral length or permanently increasing dental show. They require ongoing maintenance and can produce an unnatural appearance when used in excess. Surgery resolves the underlying structural issue permanently, though fillers may still complement surgical outcomes when additional volume is also desired.

Lip Lift vs. Fat Transfer: Facial fat grafting increases lip volume and fullness but, like injectable fillers, cannot address philtral elongation directly. Fat transfer can be combined with a lip lift when both structural correction and enhanced volume are the patient’s goals.

Am I a Suitable Candidate for Lip Lift Surgery?

Lip lift surgery is appropriate for carefully selected patients whose presenting concerns align with what the procedure can genuinely achieve. Dr Turner conducts detailed assessments during consultation to confirm candidacy and establish realistic expectations.

General Health Requirements

Well-suited candidates typically demonstrate:

• Good general health with no medical conditions that would impair wound healing
• Non-smoker status, or a firm commitment to abstain from all tobacco and nicotine products for at least six weeks before and after surgery (nicotine critically compromises tissue healing in the perioral region)
• No active cold sores or perioral infections at the time of surgery
• Stable weight and reasonable overall physical health
• Psychological readiness for a permanent surgical outcome (mandatory psychological assessment applies to all cosmetic surgery patients under Australian regulations effective 1 July 2023)

Anatomical Indicators

Lip lift surgery tends to be most effective for patients presenting with:

• Elongated philtrum — typically exceeding 15–16 mm in women or 17–18 mm in men
• Reduced dental show — minimal upper tooth visibility when the lips are in relaxed separation
• Thin upper lip appearance caused by diminished visible vermilion despite adequate underlying tissue volume
• Age-related perioral changes — progressive upper lip lengthening and loss of structural definition
• Genetically long philtrum — present since youth rather than caused by ageing
• Flattened cupid’s bow — loss of central upper lip contour definition

Who May Not Be Suitable

A lip lift may not be the most appropriate option for:

• Patients with adequate philtral length who primarily want more lip volume — injectable fillers or facial fat grafting may be more suitable
• Active smokers unwilling to cease completely before and after surgery
• Individuals with a personal history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring, given its implications for scar visibility
• Patients with unrealistic expectations about scar concealment or the degree of achievable correction
• Those with very poor perioral skin quality or active skin infections

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you are considering lip lift surgery in Sydney, the starting point is a personal consultation with Dr Turner at his Bondi Junction practice. During your appointment, Dr Turner will assess your philtral proportions and perioral anatomy, discuss which technique best suits your individual goals, and ensure you have a clear and honest understanding of what surgery involves before any decisions are made.

Dr Turner sees every patient personally — consultations are never delegated to a coordinator or patient representative.

Book a Consultation | Call 1300 437 758 | Learn About the Consultation Process

How is Lip Lift Surgery Performed?

Lip lift surgery is performed under local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia in a fully accredited private hospital facility. When performed as a standalone procedure, it typically takes 45 minutes to one hour, and patients are discharged the same day.

Pre-Operative Planning and Surgical Marking

Precise pre-operative marking is carried out with the patient seated upright. Dr Turner identifies and marks:

• The existing philtral measurement from the nasal sill to the vermilion border
• The planned bullhorn incision, following the columella and nostril sill contours
• The width of skin to be excised — typically 3–6 mm depending on the degree of correction required
• The intended post-operative philtral length (approximately 14–16 mm in women; proportionally longer in men)
• Any existing asymmetries requiring differential correction on each side

Careful pre-operative measurement is fundamental to achieving balanced, symmetric outcomes and avoiding overcorrection.

Local Anaesthesia

Local anaesthetic solution containing adrenaline is infiltrated throughout the upper lip region. This produces complete sensory blockade during surgery while simultaneously reducing intraoperative bleeding and post-operative bruising. Patients remain alert and comfortable throughout the procedure.

Incision and Skin Excision

Dr Turner creates the bullhorn-shaped incision along the pre-marked pattern at the nasal base, following the natural junction between nose and upper lip. The incision hugs the columella centrally and curves along each nostril sill laterally, positioning the eventual scar within the anatomical shadow cast by the nose.

A measured segment of skin is then carefully excised. The width of this excision governs the degree of philtral shortening that results. Dr Turner applies conservative judgement throughout — modest undercorrection can be revised, whereas overcorrection presents considerably greater technical challenges.

Tissue Advancement and Wound Closure

With the skin segment removed, the remaining upper lip tissue is advanced upward to meet the nasal base incision. This advancement simultaneously shortens the philtrum, increases visible vermilion, refines the cupid’s bow, improves dental show, and produces a fuller upper lip appearance through controlled lip border eversion.

Dr Turner performs meticulous layered closure, using fine absorbable deep sutures to reduce skin tension followed by precise surface closure to optimise long-term scar quality.

Combining Lip Lift with Other Procedures

Lip lift surgery is frequently incorporated into more comprehensive facial surgery programmes. Common combinations include:

• Vertical Restore Facelift or Deep Plane Facelift — addressing upper lip elongation as part of complete lower face correction
• Rhinoplasty — to refine the nose-to-lip relationship following structural philtral changes
• Facial fat grafting — providing both structural shortening and perioral volume enhancement

When combined with other procedures under general anaesthesia, a lip lift adds minimal additional operative time while contributing meaningfully to overall facial harmony.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from lip lift surgery follows a predictable course, though the perioral region warrants careful wound care during the early healing phase. Swelling typically peaks at 48–72 hours before subsiding progressively. Some bruising may be present across the upper lip and lower nasal area. During the first week, patients are advised to apply cold compresses intermittently to manage swelling, sleep with the head elevated, maintain a soft diet to avoid placing tension on the repair, and limit wide mouth opening and prolonged talking.

Dr Turner reviews patients at one week post-operatively to assess healing and remove sutures. The majority of patients feel ready to return to desk-based work and routine social activities within 7–10 days. Ongoing improvement continues over the following months — residual swelling generally resolves by 2–3 months, with the definitive lip shape apparent at 3–6 months. The scar will appear pink initially and gradually lightens over 12–18 months. Conscientious scar care makes a measurable difference to the final outcome. Consistent use of SPF 50+ sunscreen over the scar and the application of silicone scar gel as directed significantly improves long-term scar quality. Most patients find the final scar sits inconspicuously within the natural crease at the nasal base.

Risks and Complications

Every surgical procedure carries inherent risks that must be clearly understood before proceeding. The majority of patients experience predictable and temporary post-operative effects: upper lip swelling peaking at 48–72 hours, bruising that may extend to the lower nose, transient numbness or altered perioral sensation, and mild to moderate discomfort that is generally manageable with standard analgesia. These expected effects typically resolve within the first few weeks following surgery.

Potential complications — though less common — include visible or thickened scarring (most scars settle to become inconspicuous within the natural nasal base shadow), post-operative asymmetry that may require revision, wound infection, incision separation if tension is excessive or activities are resumed prematurely, and undercorrection or overcorrection of philtral length. Prolonged sensory change and lip contour irregularity occur infrequently. Dr Turner uses careful technique, conservative tissue excision, and thorough post-operative protocols to minimise these risks. Every patient receives comprehensive information about potential complications during their consultation. For a full overview of surgical risks, visit the Risks and Complications page.

Your Upper Lip Lift Consultation in Bondi Junction

Your journey toward lip lift surgery begins with a personal consultation at Dr Turner’s Bondi Junction practice, located at 39 Grosvenor St, Bondi Junction NSW 2022. The clinic is easily accessible from across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs — including Double Bay, Woollahra, Rose Bay, Paddington, Bellevue Hill, Vaucluse, Randwick, and Coogee — and sits just moments from Bondi Junction station and Westfield Bondi Junction.

Dr Turner conducts a minimum of two personal consultations before any surgical procedure — a philosophy that reflects his commitment to thorough preparation and genuinely informed decision-making. You will meet directly with Dr Turner at every appointment — not a patient coordinator or representative — meaning every question is answered by the Specialist Plastic Surgeon who will actually perform your surgery.

During your initial consultation, Dr Turner will listen carefully to your concerns about your upper lip, assess your philtral proportions and perioral anatomy in detail, discuss which lip lift technique is best suited to your individual anatomy, explain the recovery process and realistic timelines, and address risks and potential complications with candour. Pre-operative photographs and philtral measurements are taken as part of the surgical planning process. If you are considering combining a lip lift with other procedures — such as facelift surgery, rhinoplasty, or facial fat grafting — these options are explored during the same consultation to determine the most effective overall plan for your goals.

As required under Australian regulations effective July 2023, a mandatory psychological assessment is completed before proceeding with any cosmetic surgical procedure.

Patients travelling from outside Sydney can find detailed information about accommodation, transport, and planning their visit on the out-of-town patients resource page.

To arrange a consultation, please contact us or call 1300 437 758.

Related Facial Procedures

Dr Turner offers a comprehensive range of facial procedures at his Bondi Junction practice, many of which complement or can be performed alongside lip lift surgery. Depending on your anatomy and aesthetic goals, one or more of the following may be discussed during your consultation:

Vertical Restore Facelift — Dr Turner’s most comprehensive facial procedure, integrating deep plane facelift with brow lift, blepharoplasty, lip lift, and fat grafting in a single operation for complete facial harmony.

Deep Plane Facelift — An advanced facelift technique entering beneath the SMAS layer to release retaining ligaments and reposition the facial foundation as a single composite unit.

SMAS Facelift — A versatile technique working at or above the SMAS layer, suited to patients with moderate facial ageing who may not require deep plane dissection.

Neck Lift / Platysmaplasty — Addresses neck laxity, platysmal banding, and excess skin, frequently performed alongside facelift surgery for balanced face-and-neck correction.

Facial Fat Grafting — Restores age-related volume loss in the perioral region, temples, and cheeks using the patient’s own fat, commonly combined with lip lift surgery for structural and volumetric correction simultaneously.

Rhinoplasty — Surgical reshaping of the nose to optimise the nose-to-lip relationship, particularly relevant when philtral shortening changes the visual balance between these structures.

Upper Blepharoplasty — Corrects excess upper eyelid skin and hooding, a frequent complement to perioral procedures for comprehensive facial improvement.

Lower Blepharoplasty — Addresses under-eye bags, puffiness, and lower lid laxity to create a refreshed, less fatigued appearance around the eyes.

Brow Lift — Elevates descended brows and reduces forehead creasing, restoring a more alert, open expression when combined with other facial procedures.

Chin Implant — Enhances chin projection and lower facial balance, relevant when lip lift surgery changes the proportional relationship between the lips and chin.

For a complete overview of all available procedures, visit the face procedures, eye procedures, nose procedures, and male procedures pages, or explore the FacePlus blog for educational articles and patient guidance.

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