Have you noticed your upper lip disappearing when you smile—or that the space between your nose and your mouth seems longer than it used to? If so, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining it. These are common signs of aging related to facial anatomy, and they can be corrected. But how? Lip flip with botox? Filler? Or is it time to consider a lip lift?
Watch the full video below where I break it all down—science-backed, unsponsored, and totally transparent. I may even take you along on my own lip lift journey!
What Happens to the Upper Lip as We Age?
As we get older (or as I like to say, gain wisdom and have birthdays), our craniofacial anatomy changes. The distance between the nose and upper lip—called the philtrum—can lengthen due to:
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Skull and maxillary bone changes
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Skin thinning from collagen and elastin loss
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Ligaments and tendons sagging with gravity
All of this leads to lips looking thinner, less defined, and even “disappearing” when we smile.
The Difference Between Lip Flip, Filler, and Lip Lift
💉 Lip Flip with Botox
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Involves tiny injections along the orbicularis oris muscle
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Relaxes the muscle to subtly roll out the upper lip and reduce lines
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Minimally invasive but temporary (usually lasts 2–3 months)
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Can make sipping from a straw tricky—and might increase philtrum length over time
💋 Lip Filler
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Adds volume and definition to lips
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Can help make lips look fuller even when smiling
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But overcorrecting with filler distorts anatomy (think “duck lips”)
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Not permanent, and may not effectively lift or shorten a long philtrum
✂️ Lip Lift Surgery
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A minor in-office surgical procedure that shortens the philtrum by removing a small strip of skin under the nose
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The most common and effective method is the bullhorn lip lift
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Offers natural-looking, longer-lasting results with proper technique and care
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Involves some downtime, potential scarring (which lasers can treat), and surgeon selection is key
Who’s a Good Candidate for a Lip Lift?
Lip lift surgery is ideal for:
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Those with a naturally long philtrum
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Patients whose lips have thinned with age
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People wanting a permanent solution rather than temporary fixes
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Individuals who’ve had rhinoplasty and lost some lip movement when smiling
Younger patients or those looking for temporary enhancement may still benefit from Botox or filler—but for true structural change, lip lift surgery is often the better solution.
Minimizing Risks and Optimizing Results
Key tips for safe and effective lip lift results:
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Avoid blood-thinning meds and supplements before surgery
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Choose a highly qualified, board-certified surgeon
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Use Botox pre-op to minimize post-op scar tension
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Use laser treatments post-op to fade scars
Pricing can range from $3,000 to $7,000, and possibly higher depending on your provider. Always get multiple opinions and avoid being pressured into unnecessary procedures.
Lip Lift vs. Filler: Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Lip Flip | Filler | Lip Lift Surgery | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive | Minimally invasive | Surgical |
| Downtime | None | 24-48 hours | 1–2 weeks |
| Lasts | 1-3 months | 6–12 months | Years (varies) |
| Addresses Philtrum Length | No (can worsen) | Slightly | ✅ Yes |
| Results | Subtle | Volumizing | Structural, defined |
| Risk | Low | Overfilled look | Scar (treatable) |
Final Thoughts
Lip lift surgery isn’t for everyone, but for the right patient, it can rejuvenate the lower third of the face in a subtle yet dramatic way. If your smile feels like it’s fading or your upper lip vanishes in photos, it may be worth exploring.
🎬 Don’t miss the full video embedded above—I take you through the science, the pros and cons, and even my own personal experience. If you're considering this procedure, you'll want to see the behind-the-scenes journey.
Have questions? Drop them in the comments section under the video. I’ll be recovering post-surgery and would love to chat while I’m on the mend!
