Understanding the difference between a lip lift and lip fillers is an important first step in determining which treatment would be best for you. The lips tend to thin and lose volume naturally, often emphasizing fine lines and wrinkles. A lip lift and lip fillers are two different options that can help patients achieve more youthful-looking lips in different ways.
Dr. Sean Younai is a board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon who has helped many patients transform their appearance and achieve lasting results. In this guide, we will help you explore your options for lip rejuvenation. Dr. Younai focuses on surgical options for lip enhancement due to their capability to create stunning, natural results compared to fillers.
If you are ready to explore your lip rejuvenation options further, schedule a consultation at Dr. Younai’s practice today. If you have any questions or would prefer to schedule over the phone, please call our Beverly Hills or West Hollywood locations at (310) 275-1971.
About Lip Lifts
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that can create a more harmonious, aesthetically pleasing lip-to-nose ratio. Over time, the position of the lips can begin to lower and droop, widening the philtrum, or the space between the nose and upper lip. Unlike fillers, which add volume, a lip lift shortens the philtrum, resulting in a more youthful, balanced appearance. This procedure can also increase the visibility of the upper teeth when smiling and improve lip contour. This procedure is often chosen by patients seeking permanent results with a natural look, without added volume. Because a lip lift physically reshapes the upper lip area, it offers a solution that fillers alone cannot provide. It is an ideal option for those looking for long-term lip enhancement with refined, elegant results.
About Lip Fillers
Lip fillers are a type of dermal filler, which are injectable solutions that are highly popular for non-surgical rejuvenation and volume enhancement. Approximately 30% of all cosmetic nonsurgical treatments are dermal fillers, (1) with more than 1.4 million lip augmentation treatments being performed in 2023 alone, (2) showcasing their widespread use and effectiveness.
Most lip fillers are made with hyaluronic acid (HA), which is naturally produced by the body. Hyaluronic acid is a deeply hydrating substance and strongly attracts and binds with water molecules. It keeps your skin moisturized, and its hydrophilic properties help with volume enhancement. Fillers are commonly used for lip enhancement/augmentation because they are fast-acting and well-tolerated. (3)
Is Lip Filler or a Lip Lift Better for Me?
Whether lip filler injections or a surgical lip lift is better suited to your goals depends on several factors, including the scale of the procedure, the starting appearance of your lips, your enhancement goals, and more. Lip filler injections provide immediate volume and are non-surgical, making them an ideal option for those seeking temporary enhancement. A lip lift is surgical and offers longer-lasting results by shortening the space between the nose and upper lip.. If you want a volumizing, temporary lip enhancement, fillers may be your best option. For long-lasting, structural improvements, a lip lift may be the optimal procedure. Ultimately, the best way to determine which is best for your goals is to consult with a specialist at Dr. Younai’s office. If you would like to explore your options, schedule your consultation online or call either of our offices at (310) 275-1971.
Candidates
Candidates for lip filler include those who would like to restore natural-looking volume to their lips, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and improve the shape of their lips. Patients who would like to address drooping lips and a wide philtrum, as well as achieve a more youthful smile, are great candidates for a lip lift.
All patients should have realistic expectations about their results and be in good general health. Dr. Younai or another specialist will further determine candidacy and help you explore which option is better suited for your goals during your consultation.
Consultation
The best way to determine whether a lip lift or lip fillers are better for your goals is to attend a consultation with Dr. Younai or another specialist at his office. During this appointment, you and your specialist will discuss your aesthetic goals in depth. Following this, they will examine your lips, looking at their shape, structure, fat distribution, and more. With this information collected, they will advise which procedure is best for you, then form a personalized treatment plan tailored to your goals.
This meeting is time dedicated to you and your lip goals, so we encourage you to openly ask any questions you may have about lip lifts or any other rejuvenation procedures.
Schedule your consultation today to explore your lip rejuvenation options. If you have any questions or would prefer to schedule over the phone, please call our Beverly Hills or West Hollywood offices at (310) 275-1971.
Lip Lift Procedure
For a lip lift, Dr. Younai will begin the procedure by administering local anesthesia. Dr. Younai will then make a very small incision, either in the nose or on the upper lip, depending on the technique used. (4) Through this incision, he will carefully remove excess skin and raise the upper lip to a higher location beneath the nose. (4) These meticulous adjustments will create the appearance of more youthful lips and allow more teeth to show when you smile.
Recovery
If you receive a lip lift, you will be able to resume most routine activities in a few days to a week, although full healing of the area will take longer. We will help you schedule follow-up appointments with the office so Dr. Younai can monitor your progress.
Results
Results from both lip filler and a lip lift are essentially immediately visible. However, the real results will become apparent once temporary swelling and bruising fully dissipate.
Results from fillers are temporary—the length of time your lip filler enhancement lasts depends on which filler you receive.
Other Lip Enhancement Options: Lip Implants
A lip implant is a device that can increase the volume of the lips for a smoother, more plump appearance. Placing a thin, hollow implant into the soft tissue of the lips provides longer-lasting volume than dermal fillers. Lip implants are also removable if your aesthetic preferences change. This procedure is usually best for patients who want longer-lasting volume than what fillers can provide and/or who cannot receive a lip lift.
Cost of Lip Enhancement in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills
The cost of lip enhancement will depend on the condition of your lips and the results you would like to achieve. Factors such as the complexity of the procedure and whether it’s combined with other treatments can influence pricing. After establishing a treatment plan during your consultation, you will receive an all-inclusive price quote.
Contact our office online or call our Beverly Hills or West Hollywood locations at (310) 275-1971 to schedule your consultation and begin exploring your lip enhancement options. Our team is happy to answer any questions you have about costs, recovery, or procedure details.
FAQ
How long does a lip lift last?
The results achieved with a lip lift are generally considered permanent. However, the natural aging process can gradually affect your appearance over time. Many patients find that the lift offers long-lasting enhancement to the shape and proportion of their lips, especially in relation to the nose and overall facial balance.
Does Dr. Younai offer lip fillers?
No, Dr. Younai does not offer lip fillers. Instead, he specializes in surgical lip enhancement procedures, such as the lip lift, for patients seeking more defined, lasting results. If you are looking for a long-term solution to thin or elongated upper lips, a lip lift may be the ideal option.
Are lip fillers customizable?
While lip fillers are typically customizable in many practices, Dr. Younai focuses solely on surgical options. During your consultation, he will assess your goals and anatomy to determine whether a lip lift is appropriate for your facial structure.
Is lip enhancement painful?
Lip lift procedures are performed with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during and after the surgery. Any post-procedure soreness is typically well-managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication.
References
- Mashhrawi A, AlNojaidi TF, Alkhaldi RA, Alshami NS, Alhadlaq AS. Awareness and Knowledge of the Adverse Effects of Dermal Fillers Among the Saudi Population: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus. Published online June 12, 2023. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.40322
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
- Keramidas E, Rodopoulou S, Gavala MI. A Safe and Effective Lip Augmentation Method: The Step-by-Step Φ (Phi) Technique. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2021;9(2):e3332. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000003332
- Lip Lift – American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery. American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery. Published January 9, 2024. Accessed September 23, 2025. https://ambrdfcs.org/cosmetic-procedures/face/lip-lift/