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Cosmetic Surgery · La Jolla, California

Lip Lift in La Jolla

A short surgery that removes a strip of skin just under the nose to shorten the space between nose and lip, rolling the upper lip outward so more pink lip shows and the mouth looks fuller and younger at rest. Permanent, and the fix for a long upper lip that filler makes worse. Compare La Jolla clinics below and request a free consultation.

Typical cost in La Jolla

$3,000–$6,000

per procedure · USD

A general range for La Jolla, rounded for guidance. Confirm exact pricing with each clinic.

Surgeon directory

Lip Lift surgeons in La Jolla

Plastic surgeons in La Jolla who list lip lift among their procedures. Tap any surgeon to view details and request a consultation.

Malone Facial Plastic Surgery in La Jolla

Malone Facial Plastic Surgery

La Jolla

4.9 (90) · Google

Malone Facial Plastic Surgery is a plastic surgery practice in La Jolla, California, rated 4.9 stars across 90 Google reviews, performing 11 tracked procedures.

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John D. Smoot, MD, FACS in La Jolla

John D. Smoot, MD, FACS

La Jolla

4.7 (49) · Google

John D. Smoot, MD, FACS is a plastic surgery practice in La Jolla, California, rated 4.7 stars across 49 Google reviews, performing 27 tracked procedures.

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Johan Brahme, M.D. in La Jolla

Johan Brahme, M.D.

La Jolla

4.7 (44) · Google

Johan Brahme, M.D. is a plastic surgery practice in La Jolla, California, rated 4.7 stars across 44 Google reviews, performing 27 tracked procedures.

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See all 17 plastic surgeons in La Jolla →

About Lip Lift

A short surgery that removes a strip of skin just under the nose to shorten the space between nose and lip, rolling the upper lip outward so more pink lip shows and the mouth looks fuller and younger at rest. Permanent, and the fix for a long upper lip that filler makes worse.

Sessions

One procedure; permanent

Downtime

Sutures under the nose for about a week, swelling for 1 to 2 weeks, scar maturing over a year

Good candidate

People with a long upper lip, a thin upper lip that filler over-projects, or an upper lip that hides the teeth when the mouth is relaxed; most often people over 35, when the lip lengthens with age

  • Permanently shortens a long upper lip and shows more of the lip's pink
  • Reveals the upper teeth at rest, a marker of a youthful mouth
  • Fixes the problem filler cannot: length rather than volume
  • Scar hides in the crease at the base of the nose
Read the full Lip Lift guide →
At a glance

Lip Lift in La Jolla: the numbers

4 plastic surgery practices in the La Jolla area list lip lift. From Google Places listings; hours and locations change, so confirm with the practice.

  • Together the 4 with Google reviews hold 217 reviews at an average rating of 4.8.
From their own websites

What La Jolla lip lift practices state about themselves

What 4 La Jolla practices that list lip lift say on their own websites (checked September 2026); one that does not mention something may still offer it, so ask at your consultation.

  • 1 of 4 state certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • Other boards named: American Board of Surgery (1)
  • 1 of 4 state a free consultation
  • 1 of 4 show before-and-after photos on their site

Techniques named for lip lift: Italian lip lift, Gullwing lip lift.

In their words

Malone Facial Plastic SurgerySome of the risks involved with a lip lift can include bad reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, bruising, lip distortions, numbness, paresthesia, scarring, stiffness in the lips and swelling.
Miller Cosmetic Surgery Center - Scott R. Miller, MD, FACSA lip lift is conveniently performed as an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia. A carefully placed incision is made just beneath the base of the nose, allowing for precise removal of a small strip of skin.
John D. Smoot, MD, FACSA lip lift is a subtle surgical elevation of the upper lip using one of several surgical techniques. Generally, your surgeon will remove skin between the bottom of your nose and the top of your lip, shortening the distance between them.
Johan Brahme, M.D.A lip lift is a subtle surgical elevation of the upper lip using one of several surgical techniques. Generally, your surgeon will remove skin between the bottom of your nose and the top of your lip, shortening the distance between them.
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Malone Facial Plastic SurgeryGood candidates for a lip lift procedure in San Diego are men and women of any age dissatisfied with their lips and mouth appearance.
Miller Cosmetic Surgery Center - Scott R. Miller, MD, FACSA lip lift is successful for individuals who notice elongation or aging of their upper lip and feel that dermal fillers cannot provide the desired result. Candidates are typically in good overall health, non-smokers
John D. Smoot, MD, FACSItalian lip lift : This is similar to the bullhorn lip lift, except the incisions appear as 2 smaller crescent shapes below the nostrils.
Johan Brahme, M.D.Italian lip lift : This is similar to the bullhorn lip lift, except the incisions appear as 2 smaller crescent shapes below the nostrils.
FAQ

Lip Lift in La Jolla: common questions

How much does Lip Lift cost in La Jolla?

Lip Lift generally runs $3,000–$6,000 per procedure, and each La Jolla clinic sets its own price. The biggest variables are the provider's experience level and the specific device or product used. Newer technology and senior injectors price at the upper end. Pricing is quoted in US dollars (USD). Request a consultation from any of our listed La Jolla clinics for a personalized quote.

When will I see results from Lip Lift?

Initial results in 2–4 weeks, with full results developing over 3 months as collagen builds. La Jolla providers typically schedule follow-ups to track progress.

How long do Lip Lift results last?

Results vary by patient, but most La Jolla providers report 6–18 months of sustained benefit from a full Lip Lift series.

Lip lift or lip filler?

Filler adds volume. A lip lift shortens the distance between nose and lip and rolls the lip outward, which shows more of the lip without adding to it. If your upper lip is long, so that the pink part is thin and your teeth do not show when your mouth is relaxed, filler makes the lip look heavier and longer, and a lift is the honest fix. If your lip is a good length but simply thin, filler is the right tool, and cheaper.

Where is the scar?

In the crease where the base of the nose meets the lip, following its natural curve, sometimes called a bullhorn shape. In experienced hands it heals into a faint line that the shadow under the nose hides. It is red and visible for the first months and matures over a year. Ask to see healed results at one year, straight on, before booking.

What is the recovery?

Sutures under the nose for about a week, swelling of the upper lip for one to two weeks, and a stiff upper lip for a few weeks that gradually softens. Most people are comfortable in public at one to two weeks. The result is visible immediately and refines as swelling settles.

What does it cost?

Typically $3,000 to $6,000 including surgeon and facility, performed under local anesthesia in the office. A permanent result for roughly the cost of several years of lip filler.

Request a free Lip Lift consult