Consultation
A Subtle Change That Elevates Everything
When the upper lip starts to lengthen or flatten—whether due to age or genetics—it can shift the balance of your entire face. It’s a small change, but in profile, in photos, and especially in person, it makes a difference. A lip lift restores harmony by shortening the space between the nose and upper lip, giving your mouth a naturally fuller, more defined look. If you’ve been chasing temporary volume with fillers—or avoiding them altogether because you want something more refined—a lip lift might be the answer.
Dr. William Harris performs the lip lift procedure with the same focus and finesse he brings to all facial work: subtle enhancement, natural movement, and balance. As a double board-certified Beverly Hills facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with advanced training in facial anatomy and aesthetics, he approaches every lip lift like a conversation between proportion and expression.
A lip lift is a minor surgical procedure that elevates the position of the upper lip, creating more visible pink tissue (vermillion) and slightly increasing tooth show. This not only adds volume without the use of fillers, but also gives your face a more rested, youthful appearance.
At our Beverly Hills practice, Dr. Harris primarily performs the Deep Plane Subnasal Lip Lift, which uses a hidden incision under the base of the nose. This technique allows for natural elevation of the upper lip without distortion, preserving facial expression and minimizing visible scarring.
He also offers the Corner Lip Lift—a targeted solution for patients whose lip corners naturally turn downward. This can be done on its own or in combination with the subnasal lift for a more balanced, lifted smile.
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For many patients, a lip lift solves what fillers can’t. Fillers can puff the lips, but they don’t shorten a long philtrum or add youthful definition. A lip lift:
Following a lip lift Beverly Hills patients often report feeling more confident in photos, makeup-free moments, and everyday interactions. A well-executed lip lift doesn’t just change your mouth—it refreshes your entire lower face.
If you’ve noticed your upper lip lengthening with age, or if you were born with a naturally long philtrum, you might be a great candidate. Many of our patients are women and men in their 30s to 60s, often professionals or creatives in the Beverly Hills and Los Angeles area who want to make a subtle yet lasting improvement to their facial balance.
You might be a candidate if you:
Dr. Harris will walk you through the lip lift process in detail during your consultation. He’ll review your facial proportions, take photographs, and explain which technique will offer the best result. You’ll also receive a customized list of pre-op guidelines, which typically include:
The goal of preparation is to ensure optimal healing and the most seamless results possible.
At our practice in Beverly Hills lip lift procedures are performed in our office under local anesthesia. You’ll be awake but comfortable, and the procedure usually takes about 45 to 60 minutes.
For the Deep Plane Subnasal Lip Lift, Dr. Harris makes a precise incision in the natural crease beneath the nose. He then removes a small, customized strip of skin and lifts the lip to its new position, securing it with fine sutures. The incision is carefully placed and closed to fade discreetly over time.
For patients choosing a Corner Lip Lift, two small incisions are made at the corners of the mouth. A small wedge of skin is removed, and the corners are gently lifted to improve the appearance of a downturned mouth.
These techniques can be performed together or separately, depending on your goals.
Recovery after a lip lift is generally straightforward. Expect mild swelling and bruising for the first 5–7 days. Most patients take a few days off work or social activities, but it’s entirely possible to resume light activities quickly.
Dr. Harris will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to keep the area clean and reduce tension on the incision. Sleeping on your back, avoiding strenuous activity, and keeping the lip moisturized are key.
Sutures are usually removed within a week. Final results begin to reveal themselves within 2–3 weeks, with full healing and scar fading taking a few months.
Patients often describe their final results as subtle but powerful—an effortlessly refreshed look that enhances facial balance and expression without shouting “surgery.”
Dr. William Harris brings elite training, technical precision, and an aesthetic eye to every procedure. A double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, he specializes exclusively in the face and neck, giving him deep familiarity with the nuances of facial proportion, aging, and expression.
With a background in fine art and a surgical style built around natural movement and proportion, Dr. Harris doesn’t chase trends or overcorrect. He listens to what you want, offers honest guidance, and delivers results that elevate—not erase—your natural features.
This commitment to restraint, clarity, and patient trust keeps his Beverly Hills patients coming back and referring others.
The cost of a lip lift at Harris Facial Plastic Surgery varies based on the technique, complexity, and whether it’s combined with other procedures. Most lip lifts in Beverly Hills range between $4,000 and $7,500. After your consultation, you’ll receive a personalized quote and a breakdown of what’s included.
We also offer financing options through CareCredit and Alphaeon to help make your procedure more accessible.
Call (818) 501-3223 or book online to meet with Dr. Harris in person or virtually. Get honest advice, expert care, and a lip lift that looks like it always belonged on your face.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you’ll feel pressure but no pain. Mild discomfort during recovery can be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed medication.
All surgeries carry some risk. For lip lifts, the most common concerns include scarring, asymmetry, or changes in lip movement. Dr. Harris takes great care to minimize these with precise planning and surgical technique.
It can enhance your smile by improving tooth show and creating more upper lip definition. Your natural expression remains intact.
Yes. While the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, we recommend having someone drive you home for safety.
Results are considered permanent, though your face will continue to age naturally over time.
Not easily. This is a permanent surgical procedure, so choosing an experienced facial plastic surgeon is essential.
If you are considering plastic surgery, choose the doctor who goes above and beyond for his patients. Dr. William Harris makes it his mission to deliver artful, innovative, and detailed surgical and non-surgical procedures to help you live more beautifully every day. Schedule a consultation today to start your journey.
Seeing Patients in Beverly Hills, CA
Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm
Saturday: 9am - 12pm
