Lip Augmentation

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Baltimore, Columbia, Ellicott City and Maryland

A lip lift is a surgical facial procedure designed to enhance the shape, balance, and visibility of the lips (particularly the upper lip) by improving position rather than adding volume. For many people, a nice smile is one of the most noticeable features on the face. However, flat or undefined lips can result in an aged appearance.

At Metamorphosis Plastic Surgery, we offer lip lifts that elevate the upper lip by shortening the distance between the nose and mouth. (1) This small adjustment can yield dramatic results, providing a more youthful-looking appearance and a more optimal pout.

Dr. Daniel Markmann is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has dedicated his career to helping his patients achieve each of their aesthetic goals. Dr. Markmann offers years of experience in the medical field and specializes in a wide range of breast, body, face, and skin procedures. Whether you are seeking a subtle enhancement or wish to dramatically transform your appearance, Dr. Markmann has a procedure that can help.

To get started, please schedule a consultation online or call our office at (410) 465-3600.

About Lip Lifts

Lip lifts typically excise a small portion of skin between the upper lip and nose to expose more of the lip. This results in a fuller, more proportionate look without requiring the use of synthetic materials or repeated maintenance treatments.

Benefits

There are several benefits to augmenting the shape and appearance of your lips, including:

  • Improved Symmetry: Enhancing the shape and position of the upper lip can improve symmetry and balance, resulting in a more harmonious overall appearance.
  • Rejuvenated Appearance: Elevating your lips can address deflation or sagging caused by aging, restoring a more youthful-looking and desirable facial appearance.
  • Defined Cupid’s Bow: This procedure refines the shape of the upper lip, creating a more defined and noticeable lip contour.
  • Refined Smile: A lip lift can improve the visibility of the upper teeth when you smile, which often become hidden as we age and our upper lip lengthens.
  • Minimal Scarring: Dr. Markmann carefully places each incision to minimize its visibility, resulting in discreet, invisible scarring.
  • Lasting Results: Unlike injectable treatments, lip lifts provide long-lasting results without the need for regular maintenance treatments.
  • Elevated Confidence: Many patients experience improvements in their self-esteem and body positivity after seeing their enhanced appearance, lip contour, and smile.

Candidates

Candidates for a lip lift typically include anyone interested in enhancing the shape or fullness of their lips. Patients experiencing thinning or volume loss, as well as an excessive distance between their nose and upper lip, may also benefit from this procedure. Those experiencing asymmetry also make suitable candidates.

Candidates interested in a lip lift should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding their results. Dr. Markmann will determine each patient’s eligibility for a lip lift during their initial consultation.

Personal Consultation

Before scheduling your procedure, you will need to attend a personal consultation. At your consultation, Dr. Markmann will meet with you individually to discuss your lip lift. He will ask about your medical history, current prescriptions, concerns, and desired appearance. He will also evaluate the condition and quality of your lips, as well as your general facial anatomy.

Using these details, Dr. Markmann will determine your candidacy and craft your treatment plan. He will recommend the best surgical technique for your goals and tailor aspects of the procedure to address each of your concerns. He may even suggest additional treatments to combine with your lip lift, depending on your aesthetic goals. This consultation also serves as a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have, as we want you to feel empowered, informed, and excited about your upcoming procedure.

To schedule this consultation and receive your personalized treatment plan, please submit our online contact form or call (410) 465-3600.

Preparation

After scheduling your lip lift, Dr. Markmann or another member of his team will provide you with a set of preparation instructions. These instructions may vary depending on the details of your treatment plan, but you should follow them closely to facilitate a successful procedure and quick recovery.

You will need to discontinue taking blood-thinning medications or supplements in the weeks leading up to your appointment. You will need to avoid alcohol for several days before and after the procedure; however, you will need to completely cease nicotine use several weeks in advance (if applicable).

In most cases, the procedure is done under local anesthesia, which means just numbing the area. This way, you can drive yourself to and home from your procedure. If you would like to take some relaxation medicine before the procedure, you will need to arrange for a ride home from your procedure. Dr Markmann recommends no exercise for 1 week to minimize the risks of bleeding and bruising. We also recommend filling any prescriptions in advance and creating a comfortable place to rest to reduce post-treatment stress.

Procedure

Dr. Markmann performs lip lifts on an outpatient basis with general anesthesia. The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes, but the exact time varies depending on the techniques Dr. Markmann employs.

The Gull-Wing Lip Lift

The gull-wing lip lift creates a more prominent vermilion. The vermilion is the red tissue that characterizes the lips. Dr. Markmann will place an incision in the skin, just above the lip border. He will excise a small area of skin from, or above, the white line bordering the vermilion. This reshapes the cupid’s bow, as well as the positioning of the upper lip overall. He will carefully lift the upper lip upward until he reaches your desired aesthetic. From there, Dr. Markmann will close each incision, securing the new position and appearance of your lips.

The Sub-Nasal Lip Lift

The sub-nasal lip lift, also referred to as a bull-horn lip lift, is one of the more common lip lift techniques. Dr. Markmann will place a bullhorn-shaped incision where the base of the nose meets your upper lip. He will then remove skin to shorten the distance between the nose and the upper lip, before lifting the upper lip for a more defined and fuller look. Dr. Markmann will then meticulously secure the new positioning of the lips before closing each incision.

Recovery

Dr. Markmann will give you detailed recovery instructions. Specific guidelines can differ depending on the details of your treatment plan, but the Metamorphosis Plastic Surgery team will be available to support and guide you if any questions or concerns arise.

When recovering from a lip lift, it is common to experience swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the treated area. These effects are temporary and will gradually dissipate on their own over the following few weeks, but Dr. Markmann may also prescribe medications to reduce discomfort. You may return to your work after a couple of days, but you will need to continue avoiding physical exercise or strenuous activities until Dr. Markmann provides clearance.

Results

Immediately after your procedure, you will be able to see significant changes in your appearance. However, the full results of your lip lift will become more noticeable as your body continues to heal and any residual swelling subsides.

You will be able to enjoy more symmetrical, voluminous, and defined lips. The space between the nose and lips will be shorter, creating a more balanced and proportionate appearance. Those with concerns regarding their smile may also experience improvements in their expressions, showcasing their teeth when they smile. Lip lift results are generally permanent, especially alongside effective skincare routines and sun protection.

Cost of Lip Lifts in Baltimore, Maryland

The cost of your lip lift can vary depending on the surgical techniques Dr. Markmann uses, your aesthetic goals, whether you combine your procedure with another, and several other factors. After establishing a treatment plan during your consultation, Dr. Markmann’s Patient Coordinator will provide a comprehensive price quote. Additionally, Metamorphosis Plastic Surgery offers several financing options to make your goals more accessible.

To schedule a consultation and receive the cost of your lip lift, please contact us online or call (410) 465-3600.

FAQ

Will there be any external scarring after my lip lift?

Our lip lift procedures leave minimal scarring, as Dr. Markmann takes great effort in placing incisions in inconspicuous and concealable locations. Any scarring will fade greatly over time, with many patients barely noticing their original incision placement.

Will my lip lift results look like duck lips?

Our lip lift procedure creates subtle, natural results that refine your appearance. Dr. Markmann’s expertise ensures that you will not need to worry about overly inflated or overdone lips.

How long will the results of my lip lift last?

The results of a lip lift are generally permanent, allowing you to enjoy your appearance for years to come; however, the natural effects of aging can still affect your results long-term.

Can I combine my lip lift with another procedure for deeper facial rejuvenation?

Yes, you may choose to combine your lip lift with another aesthetic procedure. We recommend scheduling a consultation to learn more about the other procedures you may qualify for.

References

  1. Zhao H, Wang X, Qiao Z, Yang K. Different Techniques and Quantitative Measurements in Upper lip lift: A Systematic Review. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Published online March 1, 2023:1-13. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-023-03302-5
  2. Zeng R, Glaue E, Moellhoff N, et al. Revealing the Perfect Smile: How Philtrum Length Shapes Lip Beauty. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Published online March 5, 2025. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-025-04752-9