Lip Lift/Lip Augmentation or Lip Filler

Full, well-defined lips have become a highly sought-after feature in cosmetic enhancement. Whether due to natural aging or personal preference, many individuals in Plano seek procedures that enhance their lips' shape, volume, and symmetry. While lip fillers are a well-known solution, a lip lift—also referred to as a lip flip—offers an alternative approach that can achieve a more youthful and defined look.

​​​​​​​What Is a Lip Lift?

A lip lift enhances the appearance of the upper lip without injecting fillers directly into the lips. This procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals who desire a more pronounced shape or increased lip height rather than simply adding volume. There are two main types of lip lifts: Botox lip flip and surgical lip lift.

Botox Lip Flip

This non-surgical approach involves injecting Botox into the area just above the upper lip. By relaxing the muscles, the top lip gently “flips” outward, creating the illusion of a fuller shape. Botox results typically last between 4 to 6 months, after which additional treatments are needed to maintain the effect.

Dr. Scott Harris’s Technique: The Endonasal Lip Lift

With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Scott Harris is a leading expert in facial rejuvenation. His pioneering technique, the Endonasal Lip Lift, was published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal in March 2014 (Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 2014, Vol. 34(3), 457-468), highlighting its effectiveness in achieving natural, youthful results with minimal scarring.

The main indication for a lip lift is the excess distance between the nasal base and the upper lip vermillion border, irrespective of lip fullness or etiology. While most lip lifts are performed for rejuvenation purposes, some patients, including younger individuals with congenitally longer philtra, may also benefit from this procedure.

The Endonasal Lip Lift is considered the "ideal" lip lift technique as it reduces visible scarring by keeping incisions hidden intranasally and camouflaged at the nasolabial junction. This technique restores dental show, enhances the youthful pout, and increases visible vermillion while maintaining a natural appearance.

The Endonasal Lip Lift offers several benefits:

• Minimal Scar Appearance: By placing incisions within the nasal vestibules, visible scarring is minimized, leading to a more aesthetically pleasing outcome.

• Improved Lip Aesthetics: The technique increases dental and vermilion display, enhancing the natural pout of the lips without adding tension to visible areas.

• Stability and Longevity: Anchoring the lip to relatively immobile tissue within the nasal vestibule ensures lasting results with minimal scar migration or loss of lift.

How Do Lip Fillers Compare?

Lip fillers involve injecting hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers directly into the lips to increase volume, enhance shape, and smooth fine lines. This method allows for customizable results based on the patient’s aesthetic goals. However, unlike a surgical lip lift, fillers are temporary, typically lasting between 6 to 12 months before touch-ups are needed. While lip fillers are excellent for those looking to add volume, they may not be the best option for individuals who want a more lifted or defined lip shape.

Is Lip Enhancement Right for You?

Deciding to enhance your lips is a personal choice, often driven by aesthetic preferences and self-confidence. You may be an ideal candidate for a lip lift, lip flip, or lip fillers if any of the following apply to you:

• You have naturally thin lips and desire more shape and definition.

• Your upper lip disappears when you smile, making your lips look less prominent.

• You’ve noticed thinning lips due to aging and want to restore a more youthful appearance.

• You feel self-conscious about the size or shape of your lips.

• You avoid wearing lipstick or gloss because you feel they don’t enhance your lips the way you’d like.

• You believe fuller lips would improve facial harmony, balancing your features.

• You feel that achieving plumper, more defined lips would boost your confidence in your appearance.

At Scott Harris, MD, every patient receives personalized recommendations to ensure they choose the treatment that best aligns with their facial structure and aesthetic goals. Whether you’re looking for a subtle enhancement or a more dramatic transformation, Dr. Harris can help you achieve natural, beautiful results.