Lip Lift
Thin lips due to ageing or genetics can be the cause of too much space between the base of the nose and the top lip. It is often a person’s personal preference to want this area of the face to be shorter, especially if they feel that it is causing an imbalance with the overall facial profile.
There are limits to what can be achieved, but in the right person, this procedure works really well, and can often be a good alternative to repeated filler injections.
Enquire for lip lift pricing
Schedule a consultation with one of the best Plastic surgeons in London
What to expect on the day
Each procedure at REAL plastic surgery is adapted to suit the specific needs of the patient, and the individual approach that we’ll take will be explained at the consultation.
The procedure itself requires an incision(s) to be made either at the base of the nose, or at appropriate places in the lip area. Where we make cuts in the skin will depend on which parts of the lip are to be lifted, whether that’s around the middle of the lips, at the corners or a combination of both. From here we can remove some skin and tissues, and raise the top lip into the desired position. As with many other procedures available at REAL plastic surgery, this procedure can be used as part of a combination that works to improve the entire facial profile or rejuvenate an ageing appearance.
Treatment Time
A lip lift in London usually takes up to 1 hour. We use a general anaesthetics and you can usually go home on the same day.
Downtime
Most people need about one week off work while swelling and bruising settle.
Reasonable Mobility
You can return to light activities the same day, but avoid excessive lip movement for the first week.
Sport & Exercise
Gentle walking is fine immediately, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for two weeks.
Driving
Most patients can drive the next day, once comfortable after anaesthetic has worn off.
Shower
You can usually shower the next day, avoiding hot water and pressure on the incision.
Full Recovery
Healing takes around two weeks, with scars continuing to refine over several months.
Maintenance
Results are permanent, though lips and skin will continue to change naturally with age.
Reason for doing this?
A lip lift shortens the space between the nose and upper lip, creating a fuller, more youthful appearance.
Reasons to Avoid
It may not be suitable if you smoke, have poor wound healing, or unrealistic expectations about scarring.
Showering After a Lip Lift
As part of our aftercare we ask that patients who have undergone a lip lift are careful to keep all wounds dry following the procedure, so they can heal effectively. In this case, we would advise that you do not shower for around 48 hours.
Follow Up and Aftercare
Recovery time following a lip lift is relatively short, compared to other surgical face procedures. Within 5 – 7days the mouth area may have significantly healed and you could feel comfortable enough to resume your usual daily activities. A final review will take place 6 weeks after surgery when we will assess your results.
Book a Consultation
Every transformation starts with a conversation. During your consultation at Real Plastic Surgery, we’ll take the time to understand your concerns, assess your goals, and create a tailored treatment plan that’s right for you. Book your consultation today and take the first step towards feeling your best
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a lip lift compare to non-surgical lip fillers?
Lip fillers are less invasive than surgery, but the outcome is only temporary and will need to be repeated to maintain the results. In some cases a patient prefers to undergo a lip lift as the procedure can provide a natural looking result that improves both volume and definition – some people feel that lip fillers look artificial and don’t always create the defined outlines that are desired.
Are there any side effects or risks?
Any surgical procedure will be performed with a degree of risk attached. Poor healing, bleeding, haematoma and infection are complications that will be discussed at consultation, but the risk is very low. Side effects may include: swelling, bruising and tenderness.
Will I have some scarring?
Scarring usually goes largely unnoticed, once it has had some time to fade – which may take several weeks or months. Incisions are often made in the natural crease under the nose, within the nostrils or on the lips, which helps to conceal any scarring.
Related Procedures
Latest Blog Posts
Doctify Reviews
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel
What is the difference between Surgical procedure and non-surgical procedure?
Another heart warming review from a happy patient of Mr. Robbie Walker!
Your vision deserves expert care. | The REAL Clinic
Breast Reduction Before and After | Mr Matin Nizamolgu
Eye treatment room at The REAL Clinic — delivering safe, precise, and personalised ophthalmic care.
What is Plastic Surgery? || Ms Lara De Luca
At The REAL Clinic, successful vision correction begins with a long-term approach to eye health.
Open Septorhinoplasty by Mr Eamon Shamil at The REAL Clinic
Happy International Nurses Day from The REAL Clinic Team
Join our Pre-Summer Skin Prep Event at The REAL Clinic Battersea on Saturday 16th May, from 10am-4pm
Long term patient outcomes are one of the most meaningful measures of care.
If you missed our last Open Day then what are you waiting for?We’ve limited seats, reserve yours now
It’s time to get a HydraFacial because Summer is closer than you think and your skin prep starts now
Why did she become a plastic surgeon? | Ms Lara De Luca
Glow your skin this summer with our exclusive HydraFacial.
At The REAL Clinic, cataract surgery is delivered with a deeply patient-centred approach.
Optimising surgical outcomes requires precision
The REAL Clinic's Consultation Room Walk Through
Patient safety is at the heart of everything we do here at The REAL Clinic.
I didn't even know cosmetic surgery existed.
Here’s what nobody tells you about the plastic surgery | with Dr Lara De Luca
What is Plastic Surgery? | With Dr Lara De Luca, A Plastic Surgeon With Over 18 years Experience.
Our team enjoyed a wonderful evening filled with fun games, laughter, dinner, and meaningful moments
Delivering a seamless experience is at the heart of everything we do at The REAL Clinic.
We were delighted to welcome plastic surgery trainees from across London to The REAL Clinic in March
What happened after returning back to work after a Rhinoplasty?
Meet our specialist Mr George Murphy.
Choosing the right plastic surgeon is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
Meet Ms Lara De Luca, Plastic Surgeon at The REAL Clinic Battersea, London.
We’re proud to share this patient review following cataract treatment at The REAL Clinic.
Training Day for the plastic surgeons at The REAL Clinic.
How to prepare for a plastic surgery?
Nothing speaks more highly of patient care than a recommendation from family.
Not sure whether your skin needs Hydrafacial or microneedling?
A discreet and reassuring look inside the patient journey at The REAL Clinic.
A question we’re often asked: why is a surgeon called Dr, Miss, or Mrs?
A refined glimpse inside the operating theatre, where expertise define every stage of care.
We’re grateful when patients share their experience with us.
Confidence begins with feeling comfortable in your own body. ✨
Proud moment for our team ✨ #topdoctors
HydraFacial & Micro-Needling ✨
Are plastic surgery results permanent?
Save this if you have surgery coming up, and message us if you’d like to discuss your options.
We’re grateful when patients share their experience with us.
We’re proud to support the next generation of clinicians alongside delivering exceptional care
HydraFacial Before ➝ After ✨
Skin looking tired even when you’re doing “all the right things”?
A patient’s words mean everything to us. 🤍
Step inside The REAL Clinic 👋🏽✨
HydraFacial Before ➝ After ✨
If you’re considering breast augmentation, this video is for you!
Will rhinoplasty improve my breathing?
A calm, professional experience, from arrival to aftercare ✨
✨ Cosmetic Microneedling (Pen Treatment) ✨
Whether you're a good candidate for a breast augmentation?
What are the risks or side effects of surgery?
A lovely patient review of their experience with us.
We provide advanced eye care, including cataract surgery, vitrectomy, and YAG laser treatment.
Meet Mr. Konal Saha, our Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon.
Scars tell the story of your healing and they take time to mature. 🤍
Real patients. Real transformations. 🌟
Meet the Faces of The Real Clinic: Mia ✨
What is the recovery time of Rhinoplasty?
Experience the power of laser technology designed to rejuvenate, and enhance your natural radiance
Real patients. Real transformations. 🌟
Brow lift and upper eyelid surgery!
Why our patients trust us?
When will I see my results?
Ever wondered what a private clinic looks like before treatment?
What's the difference between reconstructive & cosmetic surgery?
One of our lovely patients shares her experience at The Real Clinic.
Meet Sorina, our wonderful clinical manager here at The Real Clinic 💙
What exactly does an oculoplastic surgeon do?
One of our patients said it best: "I was scared of not knowing the recovery."
Happy New Year, from all of us at The REAL Clinic! 🎆💙
Everything is just so good about here. 💙
Meet Karolina, one of the friendly faces caring for you in theatre at The Real Clinic 💙
How do I choose the right Plastic Surgeon?
From all of us at The Real Clinic, we wish you a very Merry Christmas 🎄✨
Will I have a visible scar after rhinoplasty?
Real patients. Real transformations. 🌟
What is oculoplastic?
Travelling all the way from Beckenham isn’t easy but results like these make every mile worth it. 🙌
Losing vision suddenly is frightening but it doesn’t have to be the end of the story. 👁✨
Will I still look like myself after surgery?
Ever wondered what total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) actually is?
The REAL’s Stories.
Seeing clearly again starts with moments like this.
Real stories of our patients.
How long will my recovery take after surgery?
Every transformation starts with preparation and precision begins long before the procedure itself.
Meet Adrian, the warm welcome behind your first step into The Real Clinic. 🤝
HydraFacial Session At The REAL Clinic!
Which type of scars will I have after my abdominoplasty or tummy tuck?
Clear vision can change everything and hearing our patients describe life after cataract treatment.
Understanding your treatment options is important!
In this vitrectomy procedure done by Mr. Robbie Walker.
Ever wondered what your skin really holds onto?
Meet Raihana, one of the warm, dedicated faces behind the patient experience at The Real Clinic.
020 3031 0820
HydraFacial Before & After at The Real Clinic.