Quick Links
Achieve a more youthful, balanced, and attractive smile with a lip lift at Cosmetic Surgery Associates in Bethesda, MD. A lip lift is a refined surgical procedure that creates fuller, well-defined lips by improving the proportions and shape of the upper lip. At our state-of-the-art practice, our board-certified plastic surgeons use advanced techniques to deliver beautiful, natural-looking results in a safe and welcoming environment.
What is a Lip Lift?
A lip lift is a minor facial plastic surgery procedure designed to shorten the space between the nose and the upper lip, also known as the philtrum. By removing a small strip of skin just beneath the nose and lifting the upper lip, the procedure exposes more of the upper lip’s red vermillion, enhances lip definition, and subtly increases lip volume. A lip lift can restore a more youthful contour, increase the prominence of the Cupid’s bow, and help the lips appear fuller.
Recovery:
1 week
Cost:
Starts at $3.9K
Results:
3 months
Good Candidates for a Lip Lift
Ideal candidates for a lip lift are men and women who desire a permanent improvement in the shape, height, and balance of their upper lip. Many patients seek this procedure to address a long or elongated philtrum, thin or inverted upper lip, or to enhance their smile without fillers. Good candidates are typically healthy non-smokers who have realistic expectations and are looking for long-lasting results. Your surgeon at Cosmetic Surgery Associates will determine your suitability for surgery during a personalized consultation.
Dr. Richards, Dr. Jabs, and Dr. Magge tailor each lip lift surgery to each patient’s facial anatomy and treatment goals.
Lip Lift Technique
The most common approach to a lip lift is the subnasal lip lift or bullhorn lip lift. This technique involves making a small incision along the base of the nose, where it can be well hidden. A precisely measured amount of skin is removed, and the upper lip is gently lifted and secured to its new position. This is an ideal lip lift technique for patients who feel their lips sit too far below their nose.
Another approach is the corner lip lift, which involves the removal of skin at the corners of the mouth. This may be a beneficial approach for patients with a downturned smile or drooping lips. The direct lip lift (gullwing lip lift) is another option that uses an incision made along the upper lip border to remove a small amount of excess skin and enhance the look or symmetry of the lip border.
Consultation
Your surgical procedure at Cosmetic Surgery Associates begins with a thorough consultation. During this appointment, your surgeon will review your medical history, examine your facial proportions, and discuss your treatment goals. Together, you will develop a customized surgical plan to achieve the best possible outcome while maintaining natural harmony with your unique features. The consultation also provides an opportunity to view before and after photos, ask questions, and gain a detailed understanding of the procedure.
Preparation
Preparation is essential for a smooth and successful lip lift experience. You may be advised to stop specific medications or supplements that increase bleeding risk, as well as to avoid smoking in the weeks before surgery. Patients should maintain a healthy lifestyle in preparation for the healing process. Our team at Cosmetic Surgery Associates will provide detailed instructions to follow before and after surgery so that you can feel confident at each step.
Lip Lift Procedure
A lip lift is typically performed in-office under local anesthesia for your comfort and safety. After cleansing and numbing the area, your surgeon makes a discreet incision beneath the nose, removes a measured strip of skin, and repositions the upper lip. The incision is then closed with fine sutures to minimize scarring and create a natural-looking result. The entire procedure typically takes less than one hour, and most patients return home shortly after completion.
Lip Lift Recovery
After lip lift surgery, mild swelling, bruising, and sensitivity around the nose and upper lip are common for the first few days. Most patients can resume light activities within a day or two, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for up to six weeks, or until cleared by your surgeon. Stitches are usually removed within a week, and visible redness fades steadily over the following weeks. You will receive specific aftercare instructions to support healing and achieve the best long-term results.
Results from a Lip Lift
The transformative effects of a lip lift become apparent as initial swelling resolves. Your upper lip will appear fuller, shorter, and more defined with enhanced tooth show and a naturally attractive smile. The scar is discreetly hidden at the base of the nose and continues to fade over time. Unlike lip fillers, surgical lip augmentation procedures create permanent results that require no ongoing treatments. Many patients experience renewed confidence and satisfaction with their refreshed, harmonious facial features.
Schedule a Lip Lift Consultation
Take the first step toward a rejuvenated and beautifully contoured smile with a lip lift at Cosmetic Surgery Associates in Bethesda, MD. Our board-certified team provides expert surgical care in a welcoming environment to create exceptional patient experiences. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover how a lip lift can help you meet your cosmetic goals. Our office is located just 5 miles from Potomac & Rockville and 2 miles from North Bethesda.
Keshav Magge, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Honored as a Top Doctor by Bethesda Magazine and Washingtonian in both 2024 and 2025, Dr. Magge is recognized for his exceptional surgical skill, artistic precision, and patient-centered approach. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, he completed a fellowship in Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he gained advanced expertise in facial rejuvenation and aesthetic surgery innovations.
Meet Dr. Magge
A. Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Jabs is an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon recognized nationally for his expertise in creating natural-looking results and his warm, compassionate approach to patient care. Trained in NY at Columbia University, he served in the US Army and has special expertise in facial rejuvenation. He has over 35 years of experience and has consistently been voted a top plastic surgeon by Washingtonian and Bethesda magazine.
Meet Dr. Jabs
Franklin D. Richards, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richards has been recognized as a Top Doctor by several prestigious organizations, including Castle Connolly, Consumers’ Research Council of America, and Washingtonian magazine. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, Dr. Richards is the past Chief of Plastic Surgery at Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital. His expertise is in achieving natural results in facelift and eyelid surgery, with additional interests in cosmetic surgery of the breast and abdomen.
Meet Dr. Richards
Complementary Procedures
Lip Filler
Lip filler may be a good alternative for patients seeking an enhancement in lip volume and shape alone. Fillers are also temporary, which allows patients to “try on” results before pursuing surgical options.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, or cosmetic nose surgery, can have aesthetic and functional benefits for patients. Various concerns, including a dorsal hump, crooked nose, large nose, or breathing difficulties, can all be addressed with customized rhinoplasty procedures.
Deep Plane Facelift
The deep plane facelift is an advanced technique that focuses on lifting and repositioning the underlying facial tissues, not just the overlying skin. Patients can achieve a more lifted, sculpted, and youthful mid and lower face while maintaining their natural features.
The staff was amazing and made me feel comfortable every step of the way.
Get it DONE! The staff was amazing and made me feel comfortable every step of the way. My results are amazing, and I conquered the biggest hurdle in this journey - picking the correct Doctor and team. No regrets. Thank you, CSA.
– verified patient
I have been going to CSA for over a year, and it’s always such a nice visit.
I have been going to CSA for over a year, and it's always such a nice visit. Super professional, and I always feel taken care of.
– verified patient
I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND COSMETIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES.
I had such an amazing overall experience at Cosmetic Surgery Associates. The staff is very pleasant. I had my first invasive cosmetic procedure done back in September, and the final results are amazing. I LOVE IT. I'm so much happier with my body now. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Prior to my surgery, I had been thinking about this for a while, and I'm so happy I made the decision to go through with it. I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND COSMETIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
– verified patient
Their equipment, skill level, and expertise are superb.
This practice is truly outstanding! Their equipment, skill level, and expertise are superb. The staff is extremely friendly, kind, and professional; they make you feel comfortable as soon as you walk in the door.
– verified patient
Every single person in their office makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable the moment you step into the office.
Every single person in their office makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable the moment you step into the office. The day of my surgery, the staff took amazing care of me and went above and beyond to calm my nerves, talk me through it, and made it such a great experience. I highly recommend this office. I can't thank them enough for all that they did for me!
– verified patient
My experience there was beyond 5 stars.
My experience there was beyond 5 stars. From taking the appointment to post surgery. Even now after 10 months, the follow ups are outstanding. The whole staff took great care of me and the results are what I expected. Thank you for everything. Don't think twice and use this clinic if you want best in class service and the best result.
– verified patient
All of the staff were highly knowledgeable, and I received consistent direction and guidance from all of the staff.
Literally every staff member I interacted with from the front desk down to the surgical team gave stellar customer service and truly made me feel comfortable. My sister even felt the warm energy from the staff after meeting them the morning of surgery. All of the staff were highly knowledgeable, and I received consistent direction and guidance from all of the staff. I would highly recommend Cosmetic Surgery Associates to anyone seeking a cosmetic procedure!
– verified patient
I can’t stress enough how great this whole experience has been.
I can't stress enough how great this whole experience has been. Not only did he make me feel comfortable in my body, but 10x more confident. His work is truly beautiful. 100% recommend!!
– verified patient
I feel very comfortable and look better in my clothes.
The staff are professional, caring, and pay attention to detail. Almost 10 months post op. The results exceeded my expectations. I feel very comfortable and look better in my clothes. I'm so grateful. I highly recommend this practice.
– verified patient
The staff was wonderful, respectful, accommodating, and very knowledgeable!
The staff was wonderful, respectful, accommodating, and very knowledgeable! The facility was very clean and one of the staff members helped me work the coffee machine for a fresh cup of coffee!
– verified patient
Patient Photos
View our gallery to see photographs of real patient results at Cosmetic Surgery Associates.
Learn MoreDoctor Videos
Patient education is one of our primary goals. Check out our educational video series to learn more about specific procedures and view real results.
Learn More