Restoring the architecture of the lower face with surgical precision.

For the last decade, the aesthetic conversation has focused almost entirely on volume. The default answer to "better lips" was simply "more filler." But as the market matures, patients and providers are realizing that volume has limits. You cannot fill your way out of structural elongation. Adding gel to a lengthened upper lip doesn't lift it; it often weighs it down, leading to the dreaded "duck" profile or filler migration.

A lip lift addresses the architecture of the mouth rather than just the volume. It physically shortens the distance between the nose and the lip, rolling the pink tissue outward for a youthful, defined pout that filler cannot mimic.

At the Godek Center for Personal Enhancement, we approach this surgical procedure with engineering precision. Whether you are looking for a subtle refinement or comprehensive facial rejuvenation, Dr. Christopher Godek treats the lip lift as a permanent restoration of your facial proportions, not just a quick fix.

Permanent Structure

What Is a Lip Lift?

A lip lift is a targeted cosmetic surgery designed to shorten the philtrum—the vertical strip of skin between the base of the nose and the top of the upper lip.

As we age, this space naturally lengthens. Gravity, combined with the loss of collagen and elasticity, causes the skin to stretch. As the philtrum gets longer, it pushes the upper lip downward and inward, making the red lip (vermilion) look thinner and hiding the upper teeth.

Unlike lip fillers, which add bulk to try and create the illusion of height, a lip lift removes a small strip of skin just under the nose. This tension-free adjustment helps to achieve natural lip definition without artificial volume.

No Filler Fatigue.

Benefits of a Lip Lift

Shortens the Philtrum: It restores a youthful appearance by reducing the vertical height of the upper lip skin (ideally 11–13mm).
Increases "Tooth Show": It reveals a few millimeters of the incisors when the mouth is relaxed—a key subconscious marker of youth.
Everts the Lip: It rolls the vermilion border outward, creating natural lip definition and height without artificial volume.
Prevents "Filler Mustache": It eliminates the need to overfill the upper lip, keeping the area above the lip flat and crisp.

By addressing the root cause of the "long lip," the lip lift procedure offers a permanent solution that dermal fillers simply cannot achieve.

Anatomy Determines Candidacy

Ideal Candidates: Are You Right for a Lip Lift?

Not every patient is a candidate for a lip lift. In fact, performing a lift on the wrong patient can result in an unnatural "bunny" look. We are very selective to ensure facial harmony.

The Long Philtrum

Ideally, the space between your nose and lip should be 11–13mm. If your philtrum measures more than 15–16mm, you are likely a strong candidate for this procedure.

The Hidden Smile

A key sign of a long lip is the inability to see your upper teeth when your mouth is slightly open. A lift restores this youthful dental smile.

Thin or Inverted Lips

If you have thin lips that roll inward, a lift will roll the tissue outward, revealing more pink surface area without the need for volume.

Filler Fatigue

Patients who feel lip fillers make them look "ducky" rather than lifted often find relief with a surgical lift. It allows for a defined shape without the projection.

Know The Difference.

Lip Lift vs. Lip Fillers

Many patients come to us asking for lip injections when what they actually need is a lift. Understanding the difference is critical to achieving a balanced facial appearance.

Lip fillers (hyaluronic acid) are excellent for adding hydration and pillowy volume. However, they add weight. If you have a long upper lip, injecting more filler can make the area look heavy and protruding, often resulting in a "stiff" upper lip that doesn't move naturally when you speak. Unlike lip fillers, which must be dissolved and refilled every 6–12 months, a lift changes the canvas itself.

A lip lift offers a way to increase the visible pink lip without projecting the mouth forward. It is often the missing link for patients who feel their facial features look "weighted down" or who have experienced "filler migration" (where filler moves above the lip border).

Customized Techniques For Your Anatomy.

Types of Lip Lifts

While the "bullhorn" technique is the most common, aesthetic lip lifts are not one-size-fits-all. During your lip lift consultation, we will evaluate your specific facial anatomy to determine which technique will yield the most natural lip shape.

Bullhorn Lip Lift (Subnasal Lip Lift)

This is the gold standard for most patients. A "bullhorn" shaped incision is made directly at the base of the nose, following the natural curves of the nostrils. This technique lifts the entire central and lateral upper lip evenly, and the resulting scar hides well in the shadow of the nose.

Italian Lip Lift

A variation of the bullhorn, the Italian lip lift uses two smaller, separate incisions under each nostril rather than one continuous incision across the columella. This is best for patients who need very subtle lifting and want to minimize scar length, though it provides less dramatic elevation than the full bullhorn.

Corner Lip Lift

As we age, the corners of the mouth can droop, creating a permanent frown. A corner lip lift involves removing small triangles of skin at the outer edges (commissures) of the mouth. The goal is to turn the corners of the mouth upward to correct a "sad" resting expression. This is often performed alongside a central lift.

Direct Lip Lift

This older technique involves removing skin directly above the red lip border (the vermilion). We rarely perform the direct lip lift for purely cosmetic reasons because the scar is more visible. It is sometimes used in reconstructive surgery or for older patients with deep existing wrinkles that can hide the incision.

Precision Engineering. Hidden Scars.

The Procedure: What to Expect

At the Godek Center for Personal Enhancement, Dr. Godek performs the lip lift in New Jersey with a focus on safety, comfort, and anatomical respect. We perform this as an outpatient procedure in our accredited surgical suites in Toms River or Wall.

Anesthesia and Comfort

Most lip lift surgery is performed under local anesthesia. This means you are awake but numb, similar to a dental procedure. This ensures minimal pain and a quicker recovery. For patients who are anxious or are combining this with other cosmetic procedures (like a facelift or rhinoplasty), we can use IV sedation or general anesthesia.

The Incision

Dr. Godek marks the excision area with caliper-level precision. The amount of skin removed typically ranges from 4mm to 8mm, depending on your laxity and goals. The incision is placed in the natural crease where the nose and upper lip meet (the subnasal crease). This ensures the resulting scar is camouflaged by the nose's natural shadow.

Skin Removal and Suspension

The strip of skin is removed carefully. Crucially, we do not just stitch the skin back together; we often anchor the tissues to the deeper structures (periosteum) to ensure the tension is on the deep tissue, not the skin. This prevents the scar from stretching over time.

Closure

The incision is closed with ultra-fine sutures. We use meticulous plastic surgery techniques to ensure the edges align perfectly for a visible scar that is as faint as possible.

Heal Faster. Recover Better.

Recovery

One of the benefits of a lip lift is the relatively smooth recovery. Because it is a skin-only or skin-and-muscle procedure (not involving bone), most patients find the downtime very manageable.

You will be able to go home immediately after the surgery. We recommend keeping your head elevated for the first 48 hours to minimize swelling.

Patients generally report minimal discomfort. Because we use long-acting local anesthetics during the surgery, you will likely not need heavy pain medication. Over-the-counter Tylenol is often sufficient.

Swelling is at its peak during days 1–3. Your upper lip may look stiff or "too high" initially due to edema, but this is normal. Sutures are typically removed between days 5–7. At this point, you can cover the incision line with makeup. By week 2, most patients return to normal activities and social engagements.

We are aggressive about scar care. We don't just operate and say goodbye. Our team will guide you on using silicone gels and, if necessary, laser treatments to ensure the incision blends seamlessly into your facial features.

One Recovery. Complete Results.

Combining Procedures for Total Rejuvenation

A lip lift is rarely an isolated event; it is part of the ecosystem of the face. Many patients choose to combine it with other cosmetic procedures to maximize their downtime.

Face Lift & Lip Lift

As the lower face is lifted, the central lip can sometimes look long by comparison. Doing both ensures comprehensive facial balance.

Rhinoplasty

Since the incisions are near each other, we can often coordinate nose and upper lip refinement. Depending on the extent of nasal work, Dr. Godek may recommend staging these procedures to ensure proper blood flow.

Corner Lip Lift

For patients with a downturned mouth, combining a central bullhorn lip lift with a corner lip lift rejuvenates the entire mouth area, correcting both the length and the "frown."

An Investment In Permanence.

The Cost of a Lip Lift

At the Godek Center, we view a lip lift as an investment in permanent refinement rather than a recurring expense. While we are not the lowest-priced practice in New Jersey, our fees reflect the rigorous safety standards, accredited facilities, and concierge care that define Dr. Godek’s "4 Seasons" experience. Because no two faces are identical, the lip lift cost varies based on the complexity of your anatomy and whether the procedure is performed under local anesthesia or sedation. Unlike lip fillers, which require costly maintenance every few months, a lip lift offers a lasting structural change, often making it more cost-effective in the long run. We provide a fully transparent quote during your consultation and offer flexible financing options through partners like CareCredit to help make your goals achievable.

Why Choose the Godek Center for Personal Enhancement?

When searching for a Jersey plastic surgeon, there are many options, but patients choose Dr. Godek because they want a provider who understands the engineering behind the aesthetics. We are innovators, not just operators; as the inventor of HydraSolve™ and XACT™ technologies, Dr. Godek views plastic surgery through a lens of technical problem-solving, helping to define trends rather than just follow them. This commitment extends to our strict safety protocols in our fully accredited surgical facilities and our ethical approach to patient care. If a lip lift isn't right for you—or if you would benefit more from lip augmentation with filler—we will tell you plainly, prioritizing your long-term satisfaction over booking a surgery. If you are tired of overfilled lips and want a more youthful appearance, schedule your lip lift consultation in New Jersey today.

Request Your Consultation

Lip Lift Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a lip lift cost in New Jersey?

The lip lift cost varies depending on the complexity of the case, whether it is a revision, and the type of anesthesia used (local vs. sedation). During your consultation, we will provide a detailed, transparent quote that includes the surgeon’s fee, facility costs, and follow-up care.

Is the scar visible?

Any surgical procedure leaves a mark, but the subnasal lip lift is designed to hide the scar in the natural shadow under the nose. With proper closure and scar care, it typically becomes a fine, pale line that is difficult to see.

Can a lip lift fix a "gummy smile"?

No, a lip lift will actually show more teeth. If you already have a gummy smile, you may not be a candidate, or we may recommend Botox first to lower the lip slightly before considering surgery.

How is this different from a Lip Flip?

A Lip Flip uses Botox to temporarily relax the muscle, allowing the lip to curl up slightly. It lasts 3 months. A lip lift is a permanent procedure that surgically removes excess skin for a guaranteed lift that doesn't wear off.

Will I lose sensation in my lips?

Temporary numbness is common as the nerves recover from the small incision. However, permanent sensation loss is extremely rare. Most patients regain full feeling within a few weeks to months.

Why choose a board-certified plastic surgeon?

While the procedure seems simple, the upper lip area is anatomically complex. Removing too much skin is irreversible. A board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Godek understands the limits of facial aesthetics and prioritizes safety and natural results over aggressive changes.

Lip Lift

Restoring the architecture of the lower face with surgical precision.

What Is a Lip Lift?

Benefits of a Lip Lift

Ideal Candidates: Are You Right for a Lip Lift?

The Long Philtrum

The Hidden Smile

Thin or Inverted Lips

Filler Fatigue

Lip Lift vs. Lip Fillers

Types of Lip Lifts

Bullhorn Lip Lift (Subnasal Lip Lift)

Italian Lip Lift

Corner Lip Lift

Direct Lip Lift

The Procedure: What to Expect

Anesthesia and Comfort

The Incision

Skin Removal and Suspension

Closure

Recovery

Combining Procedures for Total Rejuvenation

Face Lift & Lip Lift

Rhinoplasty

Corner Lip Lift

The Cost of a Lip Lift

Lip Lift Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a lip lift cost in New Jersey?

Is the scar visible?

Can a lip lift fix a "gummy smile"?

How is this different from a Lip Flip?

Will I lose sensation in my lips?

Why choose a board-certified plastic surgeon?

Get Beautiful Natural Results