Lip Lift Surgery in
Vancouver & Portland

Frequently Asked Questions

You're worth it.

Lip Lift Surgery

At Evergreen Plastic Surgery, we specialize in natural, youthful transformations—starting with one of the most powerful features on your face: your lips. A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the distance between your nose and upper lip (called the "philtrum"), increasing visible pink lip and enhancing your smile—without fillers.

If you're frustrated by a long upper lip, thin smile, or aging around the mouth, this subtle but powerful procedure may be right for you.

What is a lip lift surgery?

A direct lip lift, also known as a subnasal lip lift or “bullhorn” lift, removes a small strip of skin just beneath the nose. This lifts the upper lip and allows more of the pink lip (vermillion) to show, creating a fuller, more youthful appearance. Unlike filler, a lip lift provides permanent results.

What are the benefits of a lip lift?

Lifts and shortens an elongated upper lip
Increases the amount of visible pink lip
Improves lip-to-tooth show when smiling
Refines facial balance and harmony
Rejuvenates the lower face naturally

Am I a candidate for a lip lift surgery?

Lip lift surgery is ideal for women who:

Want more lip show but a natural, filler-free look
Feel their upper lip looks too long or thin
Want permanent results instead of injections
Are in good health and nonsmokers

As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, it is Dr. Kate Impastato's number one priority to keep you safe. In order to keep you safe you will be asked to complete a health history questionnaire. During your one on one consultation you will also be asked about your health history to ensure for example that your blood pressure is normal or well controlled with medications. Dr. Impastato will want to know what other facial procedures you have had (including radiofrequency treatments, CO2 laser resurfacing, what injectables you have had). She will ask you about any medications you are on, if you have diabetes, if you have any cardiac history, if you use any form of nicotine, if you use any form of CBD/THC, and if you have any personal or family history of problems with anesthetics.

It is important to share any history of surgery on your eyes, LASIK surgery, any symptoms of dry or runny eyes. Based on each patient's goals, concerns, and health Dr. Impastato will make an individualized treatment recommendation to best accomplish your goals while keeping you safe.

During your consultation, Dr. Impastato will ask you to point out what is bothering you and help you to understand what blepharoplasty can reasonably obtain and what it will not.

Are there medications I cannot take prior to lip lift surgery?

Prior to undergoing lip lift surgery patients cannot take any medications that thin their blood for two weeks prior to surgery. In general any over the counter pain medications (ex. Ibuprofen, Aleve, Aspirin, Naproxen) cannot be taken for the two weeks prior to surgery. If you need an over the counter pain medication during that time, Tylenol is okay to take prior to surgery. Other supplements including Vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginseng, ephedra, St. John's wort, Kava, flax seed oil, and fish oil.

What is recovery like following a lip lift surgery?

Procedure: Lip lifts are done under local anesthesia in our office and typically take less than an hour.
Scar: The incision is placed in the natural crease beneath the nose and fades with time.
Downtime:

Most patients return to work in 1 week after sutures are removed.
Some return the next day, especially if comfortable wearing a mask at work.
Mild swelling and tenderness are normal during the first few days.
Pain: Typically well-tolerated—most patients take Tylenol or Aleve for pain relief.

Lip Lift Cost & Financing

The cost of a lip lift at Evergreen Plastic Surgery starts at $4,500 and may vary based on complexity or combination with other procedures.

We offer financing through CareCredit and PatientFi to help make your aesthetic goals more accessible.

Why does Dr. Impastato need me to stop using nicotine for two months prior to surgery?

As a board certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Kate Impastato's main goal is to keep you safe while helping you to achieve your goals. Nicotine in any form (cigarettes, patch, gum, or vape) can increase the risks of having problems after surgery that can effect your outcome and even be life threatening.

Decreased Blood Flow leads to Increased Risk For Complication: Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict or narrow, leading to a reduction in blood flow. Proper blood flow is crucial for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues, especially during the healing process after surgery. Restricted blood flow can compromise the body's ability to heal and recover. Insufficient blood supply to the surgical site can delay the healing process, leading to prolonged recovery times and potential complications including infections
Higher Risk of Tissue Necrosis: Nicotine's impact on blood vessels can potentially lead to tissue necrosis, where a lack of blood supply causes tissue cells to die. This is a serious complication that can result in the need for additional surgeries or interventions to address the damaged tissue.
Increased Risk of Blood Clots: Nicotine use is associated with an increased risk of blood clot formation. Blood clots can pose a serious threat, especially in the postoperative period, as they may lead to complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.