Lip lift is a surgical upper lip lifting procedure designed to shorten the distance between the nose and the upper lip and subtly enhance the visibility of the vermilion border. At Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej in Gdańsk, lip lift procedures are performed by Dr. Piotr Rak.
The procedure does not add volume in the same way as hyaluronic acid fillers. A lip lift changes the proportions of the upper lip, making the lips appear fuller, more visible, and better defined — without an overfilled or “puffy” effect.
Lip lift is especially a good solution for women who do not want to endlessly enlarge their lips with hyaluronic acid fillers and are concerned about an exaggerated appearance. The procedure enhances the lips while still allowing subtle definition without artificially increasing volume.
| Procedure type | surgical upper lip lift |
| Technique | most commonly bullhorn lip lift — incision under the nose |
| Effect | shorter philtrum, more visible vermilion border, improved lip proportions |
| Anesthesia | most often local anesthesia |
| Procedure duration | usually around 45–60 minutes |
| Performed by | Dr. Piotr Rak |
| Location | Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, Gdańsk |
| Price | check the current price list |
A lip lift involves surgically shortening the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip. As a result, the upper lip is gently lifted and more of the vermilion border becomes visible.
The most commonly used technique is the bullhorn lip lift. The name comes from the shape of the incision, which resembles bull horns and follows the natural crease beneath the nose. Because of this placement, the scar is usually well hidden after healing.
The procedure does not replace fillers in every case, but it is an excellent option when the issue is not lack of lip volume, but rather an excessively long distance between the nose and upper lip or insufficient visibility of the vermilion border.
Hyaluronic acid fillers increase lip volume. A lip lift works differently — it does not add material to the tissues, but instead changes the position of the upper lip and improves the proportions of the mouth area.
For some patients, repeated lip filler treatments no longer provide a natural appearance. Instead of improving vermilion definition, there may be a risk of excessive projection, heaviness of the lip, filler migration, or an overfilled appearance.
A lip lift may then become a reasonable alternative. It enhances the lips by lifting them and exposing more of the vermilion border, rather than by adding additional volume.
This is an important difference: a lip lift may make the lips appear more feminine and defined without the need for constantly increasing volume with fillers.
Lip lift is intended for individuals who want to improve the proportions of the upper lip and achieve more naturally visible lips. The procedure may be especially beneficial when the distance between the nose and upper lip is elongated or when the upper lip “disappears” during speaking and smiling.
The effects of a lip lift include a more visible upper lip, a shorter distance between the nose and lips, and improved proportions of the lower face. The lips may appear fuller even though no additional filler volume is added.
Lip lift procedures in Gdańsk are performed by Dr. Piotr Rak. Before surgery, a consultation is required during which the physician evaluates facial proportions, philtrum length, lip shape, skin quality, and the patient’s expectations.
A lip lift does not enlarge the lips by adding volume like hyaluronic acid fillers do. The procedure lifts the upper lip and reveals more of the vermilion border, making the lips appear fuller without actually filling them.
For some patients, yes — especially when the issue is a long distance between the nose and the upper lip or limited visibility of the upper lip vermilion. However, a lip lift is not the same as lip augmentation with fillers — it works by improving proportions rather than increasing volume.
The procedure may be a good solution for women who do not want to continuously increase lip volume with hyaluronic acid fillers and are concerned about an overfilled or unnatural appearance. A lip lift can enhance the lips without the need for large amounts of filler.
The scar is usually located under the nose, within a natural skin crease. Initially, it may be visible, but over time it typically becomes less noticeable. Its appearance depends on healing, suturing technique, and post-procedure care.
Initial recovery usually lasts about 1–2 weeks. Swelling and skin tightness gradually decrease, while the scar continues to mature over the following months. Detailed post-procedure recommendations are provided after the surgery.
A lip lift provides a permanent surgical change because it shortens the distance between the nose and the upper lip. However, the aging process continues over time, so the appearance of the lip area may still gradually change.