
Lip Lift Surgery
Lip Lift Surgery in Vancouver, BC
A lip lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that shortens the space between the nose and upper lip (the philtrum) to create a fuller, more defined upper lip, improved tooth show, and youthful facial balance. Unlike temporary fillers, a lip lift provides permanent results that refine lip shape and enhance the overall harmony of the face.
A lip lift shortens the space between the base of the nose and the upper lip, a distance that lengthens naturally with age, restoring a more youthful proportion to the lower face. Unlike fillers, which add volume, a lip lift changes the lip's position and shape, gently rolling the upper lip outward to reveal more of its natural fullness and, often, a subtle show of the upper teeth at rest.
Dr. Denton performs a deep plane lip lift, a more advanced technique than the traditional skin-only approach. Rather than relying on the skin to hold the new lip position, the lift is anchored in the deeper tissue layers beneath it. Because the deeper structures carry the tension, the incision heals under minimal strain — supporting a finer scar and a result designed to hold its position over time. In consultation, Dr. Denton measures your philtrum length, lip shape, and overall facial proportions to determine whether a lip lift will enhance your features, and the consultation will make clear whether it's the right choice for you.
The procedure is performed through a fine incision concealed precisely in the natural shadow at the base of the nose. Working in the deep plane, Dr. Denton releases and elevates the tissue layer beneath the skin, securing the lift at this deeper level before removing a carefully measured strip of skin and tailoring the new lip position — preserving, or subtly enhancing, your natural lip line.
A deep plane lip lift is typically performed under local or general anaesthesia and completed efficiently, with patients returning home the same day.
Swelling and tightness in the upper lip are normal in the first days and settle progressively. Most patients are comfortable in public within a week or so, and because the incision heals without tension on the skin, the line at the nasal base fades steadily over the following months with proper care.
Dr. Denton provides specific guidance on incision care and facial movement in the early phase. The final shape refines as swelling fully resolves, revealing a balanced, naturally fuller upper lip with a result built to last.
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Lip Lift 3D™
Find clear, professional answers to common questions about our procedures and services.
Why is Dr. Denton's lip lift (LipLift-3D™) different from a standard lip lift?
Most lip lifts are skin-only procedures, the wound is pulled closed under tension and that tension is what holds the result. This is why widened or thickened scars are so common and why results can lose refinement over time.
Dr. Denton performs a deep plane lip lift, which releases and repositions the underlying muscular tissue layer before closing so the structural lift comes from deep tissue, not surface skin tension. The result is a finer scar, more natural movement, and a longer-lasting outcome because the skin isn't being stretched to do a job it was never designed to do.
Am I a good candidate for a Lip Lift?
You may be a good candidate for a lip lift if you have:
- A long space between your nose and upper lip
- Minimal upper lip tooth show when smiling
- Downturned corners of the mouth
- A desire for permanent enhancement without filler
Ideal candidates are in good health, non-smokers, and seeking a natural, long-lasting result.
Will there be a visible scar from Lip Lift surgery?
The main incision sits in the natural crease directly under the nose, where it is concealed in shadow by the nose's own anatomy. For corner lip lifts, the small incisions are placed at the natural crease where the lips meet the surrounding skin equally well hidden. Dr. Denton's deep plane technique means the skin closes with minimal tension, which consistently produces a finer scar than the standard approach. With proper aftercare and daily SPF 50 — most patients find both scars very difficult to detect once fully healed at 3–6 months.
How long do results last?
The structural result is permanent. The removed tissue does not return and the lip does not descend back to its original position. Unlike filler, this is a one-time correction. Aging continues after surgery and skin elasticity changes gradually over years but this does not undo the lift.
Can I still do dermal fillers in the lips after Lip Lift surgery?
A lip lift is ideal for patients who want a permanent enhancement without the repeated maintenance required with dermal fillers. While fillers add volume, they do not shorten the upper lip or improve tooth show. While it reduces the need for lip fillers, some individuals may choose to complement the results with additional treatments. Dr. Denton can discuss personalized options during your consultation.
Is lip lift surgery suitable for men?
Yes! The procedure can be an excellent option for men who want to shorten an elongated upper lip, improve tooth show when smiling, or create better balance between the lips and facial features. For male patients, surgical planning is customized to maintain proportions. Dr. Paul Denton focuses on achieving subtle, natural-looking results that enhance your appearance without compromising your individuality.
What is a corner lip lift?
A separate procedure that lifts the corners of the mouth, which can turn downward with age or naturally, giving the face a permanently stern or sad expression. It removes a small triangle of skin at each corner. It solves a different problem from a standard lip lift and can be performed at the same time when both issues are present.
Lip Lift Surgery

Dr. Denton under promises and over delivers! I just turned 60 and made the decision to have Dr. Denton complete a deep plane neck and facelift and lip lift.
I absolutely love the outcome, so very natural. My face looks like me, just the version when I was 36-40. The neck and jawline, amazing. You are in very good hands with Dr. Denton.
Verified Review | RealSelf

My last two surgeries have been done by Dr. Denton. When I say, they go above and beyond to make sure their patients are safe, comfortable, and taken care of I truly mean it.
I come from out of town to have my surgeries done at Refine Cosmetic Surgery and they truly made me feel at home. They are professional, kind, and caring.
Verified Review | Google

Dr. Denton performed blepharoplasty... I was honestly amazed at the results. Not only did it 'literally' open my eyes to just how restricted my vision had been, I feel like it has taken years off me.
Dr. Denton and his entire team were wonderful. Very patient in answering any questions I had... If I ever need to have anything else done - you can bet I will be going back to Dr. Denton and his great team.
Verified Review | Google

Dr. Paul Denton's commitment to quality work and natural-looking results is evident in everything he does. When we discussed a deep plane face and neck lift, the team also introduced the idea of a lip lift—something I hadn’t considered, but it turned out to make a world of difference. I truly felt cared for every step of the way.
Verified Review | Realself
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- Clinic Address
1366 W Pender St
Vancouver, BC - Office Hours
Mon–Fri
9AM–5PM - Phone Number
+1 604 681 6399








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