Lip Lift in San Diego

Name: Lip Lift
Brand: Changes Plastic Surgery
Rating: 4.7 (899 reviews)

A lip lift shortens the space between the nose and upper lip, revealing more of your natural pink lip and enhancing the shape of your smile, with results that are beautifully subtle and entirely you.

woman sitting in a chair, with her head resting on her hand

Enhance Your Natural Beauty With a Youthful, Lifted Smile

A Lip lift in San Diego at Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa is the ultimate luxury procedure. Our expert surgical team enhances lip shape, restores youthful balance, and delivers beautifully rejuvenated, natural-looking results tailored just for you.

Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa of San Diego

Expert Lip Lifts at Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa

At Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa in San Diego, we believe that artistry and precision go hand in hand, especially when it comes to facial aesthetics. A lip lift is one of those procedures where the smallest change can make a stunning difference. This subtle surgery enhances the natural shape of your lips, creating a more youthful, balanced, and expressive smile.

Led by board-eligible plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Rossi, our team is known for delivering refined results with a deeply personalized approach. We are proud to be one of Southern California’s premier destinations for facial rejuvenation, offering advanced techniques and concierge-style care from start to finish.

If you’ve been considering a lasting alternative to fillers or are curious about how a lip lift could enhance your overall appearance, we invite you to schedule your consultation with Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa today.

studio shoot where you can only see the bottom half of the brunette woman's face to emphasize her gorgeous lips

What Is a Lip Lift?

A youthful woman is having her portrait taken. the image is moody with a glow on her face and body.

A lip lift is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that shortens the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip (called the philtrum). As we age, this space can naturally elongate, which may cause the lips to appear thinner or less defined.

By removing a small strip of skin just beneath the nose—often using the "bullhorn" technique—we gently lift the upper lip to reveal more of the pink tissue, enhance lip shape, and subtly elevate the corners of the mouth. The result is a youthful, natural-looking enhancement without added volume or artificial fullness.

Unlike fillers, which need to be repeated regularly, a lip lift is permanent and tailored to highlight your existing anatomy.

Watch Dr. Rossi Discuss the Lip Lift Procedure and Share Real Patient Results

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Follow Dr. Kappel’s Lip Lift Transformation on Instagram

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Before & After Lip Lift

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Benefits of a Lip Lift

A lip lift offers more than just aesthetic refinement—it brings new harmony and confidence to your entire facial appearance. Key benefits include:

Natural definition: Enhances your upper lip’s shape without fillers or volume
Youthful balance: Shortens an elongated upper lip for more proportional features
Softened expression: Gently elevates the lip corners for a pleasant, rested look
Visible improvement: Reveals more of your natural pink lip for a refreshed smile
Permanent results: One-time procedure with long-lasting effects
Discreet healing: Minimal downtime and virtually hidden scar beneath the nose

What To Expect During a Lip Lift

Lip lifts are typically performed in-office under local anesthesia. When done on its own, the procedure takes about 45 to 60 minutes, and most patients return home the same day. We commonly use the "bullhorn" technique, where an incision is made at the base of the nose. A thin strip of skin is removed, and the lip is gently lifted and secured. The scar is well-hidden in the natural crease under the nose and fades beautifully over time.

If you’re having a lip lift in combination with another procedure, such as a facelift, we’ll customize your treatment plan and guide you through each step.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Lip Lift?

A man and woman's faces side by side but the photo cuts off their eyes to emphasize their lips.

You may be an excellent candidate for a lip lift if:

You want a more defined upper lip without relying on fillers
You’ve noticed your upper lip has elongated over time
You are in good general health and don’t smoke
You desire a permanent solution to improve lip shape and facial harmony
You have realistic expectations about subtle, natural-looking changes

During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals, and determine whether a lip lift is right for you. Our focus is always on results that feel true to you.

Want to See the Lip Lift Journey in Real Life?

One of our amazing patients, Dr. Stefani Kappel, shared her experience from start to finish. She’s a physician herself, so you get a transparent, detailed look at the procedure, healing process, and results.

Watch Dr. Kappel’s Lip Lift Videos on YouTube

The ANSWER for Aging Lips - Lip Flips, Lip Fillers and Why I'm Getting Lip Lift Surgery

EVERYTHING I DID BEFORE MY LIP LIFT + Watch My Procedure & Day One Recovery

MY LIP LIFT SURGERY RECOVERY: Lip Lift Healing Timeline & Results

What to Expect During a Lip Lift

Our lip lifts in San Diego are typically performed in-office under local anesthesia. When done on its own, the procedure takes about 45 to 60 minutes, and most patients return home the same day.
We commonly use the "bullhorn" technique, where an incision is made at the base of the nose. A thin strip of skin is removed, and the lip is gently lifted and secured. The scar is well-hidden in the natural crease under the nose and fades beautifully over time.

If you’re having a lip lift in combination with another procedure, such as a facelift, we’ll customize your treatment plan and guide you through each step.

Lip Lift Recovery and Results

You can expect some initial swelling and mild bruising in the first few days, but most patients resume regular activities within a week.

Stitches are removed around day 7
Swelling typically subsides within 1–2 weeks
Final results continue to improve over time
Scarring is minimal and discreetly hidden

As healing progresses, you’ll notice a more defined, refreshed lip appearance that complements your natural features. Most patients are thrilled by how subtle—and impactful—the results are.

Lip Lift Pricing at Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa

Lip lifts in San Diego fall in the $6,500 to $10,000 range, depending on your unique facial anatomy and goals. We’ll talk through everything during your consultation—including pricing, your custom treatment plan, and any financing options that might be available.

No surprises—just a clear plan and honest conversation.

Why Choose Changes for a Lip Lift?

At Changes, we blend the art and science of facial surgery with an unwavering dedication to patient satisfaction. Here's what sets us apart:

Performed by a renowned plastic surgeon with advanced facial aesthetic training
Proven track record of natural, elegant results
State-licensed, Medicare-certified surgical facility
Focus on safety, precision, and personalization
Warm, welcoming care every step of the way

We are proud to help patients from San Diego and beyond achieve their ideal results with honesty, transparency, and surgical excellence.

FAQs

Can a lip lift be combined with other facial surgeries?

Yes, a lip lift is often performed alongside procedures like rhinoplasty, facelift, or eyelid surgery to achieve comprehensive facial harmony. Combining surgeries can also streamline your recovery period.

Are there different types of lip lift techniques besides the bullhorn?

Yes. While the bullhorn is the most common, other techniques include the gullwing, Italian, and corner lip lift. Each has a different incision pattern and aesthetic focus, and your surgeon will recommend the best fit for your anatomy and goals.

Will my smile or speech be affected after surgery?

Some patients experience mild tightness in the upper lip immediately following surgery, but this typically resolves as swelling subsides. Long-term, your smile and speech should remain natural and unaffected.

Is a lip lift reversible if I don’t like the results?

A lip lift is a permanent procedure, and full reversals are not typically possible. However, minor adjustments can sometimes be made through revision surgery. Choosing an experienced surgeon significantly reduces this risk.

What are the risks or complications of a lip lift?

As with any surgery, risks include infection, asymmetry, unfavorable scarring, numbness, or prolonged swelling. At Changes, our board-eligible surgeon take every precaution to minimize these risks and support safe healing.

Does skin type or ethnicity affect lip lift outcomes?

Yes. Skin thickness, pigmentation, and healing tendencies can influence scarring and aesthetic results. During your consultation, your surgeon will assess these factors and tailor the approach to suit your unique features.

How should I prepare in the days leading up to my procedure?

You’ll be advised to avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements, refrain from smoking, and follow a gentle skincare routine. Specific pre-op instructions will be provided to help ensure the smoothest possible experience.

Can men get a lip lift?

Absolutely. Lip lifts are appropriate for both women and men who want more definition, balance, or rejuvenation in the upper lip. The technique can be customized to preserve masculine facial features while achieving natural improvements.

Will I need to take time off work or social activities?

Most patients take about a week off for swelling to subside and sutures to be removed. If your work or social events involve public speaking or close interaction, you may prefer to wait a bit longer before returning.

How long should I wait after a lip lift before wearing makeup again?

Makeup should not be applied near the incision site until it is fully healed—typically after about 10–14 days. Your provider will give you specific guidelines during your follow-up visits.

Ready to Redefine Your Smile?

If you're thinking about enhancing your lips with a lasting, natural-looking result, a consultation is the perfect place to start. We’ll walk you through every step, answer your questions, and help you feel confident in your next chapter.

Call us at 858-326-1264 or schedule your consultation online. At Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa, your transformation begins with a conversation.