Subnasal Lip Lift Before & After Gallery

Browse our lip lift before and after gallery to see how Dr. Balikian enhances lip definition and balance with natural-looking results that restore youthful proportions to the face.

Upper Lip Rejuvenation

Explore real subnasal lip lift before and after transformations showcasing Dr. Richard Balikian’s refined approach to upper lip rejuvenation. Using advanced techniques, including the deep plane subnasal lip lift, Dr. Balikian enhances lip shape, shortens the space between the nose and upper lip, and restores youthful definition with results that appear natural, balanced, and in harmony with the rest of your face.

A subnasal lip lift is often performed alongside other facial rejuvenation procedures such as deep plane facelift surgery, deep vertical neck lift, eyelid surgery, facial fat transfer, or skin resurfacing to achieve a more comprehensive refresh.

Each result reflects Dr. Balikian’s commitment to subtle, artistic enhancement while preserving your unique features and improving facial proportion and confidence. These subnasal lip lift before and after photos illustrate how expertly performed surgery can beautifully elevate your appearance without looking overdone.

A Selection of Subnasal Lip Lift Before and After Results

(Select a photo for full procedure details.)

Frontal before-and-after close-up showing fuller upper lip, balanced proportions, and a more defined cupid’s bow following a surgical lip lift
Close-up, angled before-and-after photos of a woman’s lower face and lips showing enhanced lip volume, shorter distance between nose and upper lip, and improved lip contour after a surgical lip lift
Angled before-and-after close-up of the lips from the other side, revealing increased upper lip show, refined shape, and enhanced overall symmetry after a surgical lip lift
This front-facing comparison shows how the lip lift subtly enhanced the upper lip’s shape and volume, creating a more defined Cupid’s bow and a youthful, proportionate look.
A close-up of the lips reveals increased vertical height and improved upper lip definition after the lift, giving the lips a fuller, more sculpted appearance while preserving a natural texture.
Seen from the side, the lip lift creates a gentle upward rotation of the upper lip, improving balance between the nose, lips, and chin with results that look effortless and refined.
In this view, the refined upper lip contour adds soft volume and enhances overall facial harmony, delivering a confident, refreshed expression that still looks authentically her.
Close-up angled view of a woman’s lips before and after subnasal lip lift surgery with Dr. Richard Balikian, showing increased upper lip height, enhanced lip shape, and natural-looking volume
Close-up angled view of a woman’s lips before and after subnasal lip lift surgery with Dr. Richard Balikian, showing a shorter philtrum, lifted upper lip, and enhanced lip contour
Front-facing view of a woman’s lips before and after subnasal lip lift surgery with Dr. Richard Balikian, revealing a lifted upper lip, improved balance between lips, and a youthful, defined smile
In this front-facing transformation, the upper lip appears more youthful and balanced following a lip lift procedure.
This angled view shows improved volume and shape of the upper lip after a lip lift. The procedure lifted the upper lip into a more ideal position, creating a harmonious transition between the nose, lips, and chin.
This patient underwent a lip lift to reduce the distance between the nose and upper lip, creating a more defined Cupid’s bow and enhanced lip curvature. The result is a naturally fuller-looking upper lip that complements her facial proportions and softens her expression.
Before and after upper lip lift showing shortened philtrum and enhanced lip shape
This frontal view shows a refined transformation following an upper lip lift. The distance between the nose and upper lip has been shortened, enhancing lip definition and creating a fuller, more youthful appearance, all while maintaining balance with the lower face.
From the side, you can see the gentle elevation of the upper lip and the improved curvature along the lip line. The result is a soft, natural enhancement that brightens the lower face and gives the lips a smoother, more defined silhouette.
Frontal before and after of older woman following surgical lip lift. Upper lip appears lifted with more visible teeth when lips are at rest, creating a youthful appearance.
Before and after lip lift surgery, angled view of older woman. Notice enhanced cupid’s bow, refined lip contour, and reduced skin laxity above the upper lip.
Before and after lip lift on older woman, angled view. Results show shortened upper lip, improved lip definition, and smoother skin around the mouth.
Before and after frontal view of a female patient who underwent a surgical lip lift with Dr. Richard Balikian, showing a shortened philtrum, enhanced upper lip definition, and improved facial balance.
Before and after frontal view of a female patient who received a surgical lip lift with Dr. Richard Balikian, showing a shortened distance between the nose and upper lip, enhanced lip volume, and improved definition for a balanced, youthful appearance.
Frontal view of the same patient before and after a surgical lip lift. The after photo shows fuller upper lip volume, improved symmetry, and refined proportions between the lips and surrounding features.
Opposite angled view of the same patient before and after a surgical lip lift. The after photo highlights enhanced lip contour, reduced distance between the nose and upper lip, and subtle rejuvenation of the lower face.
Angled view of a woman’s face before and after a surgical lip lift. The after photo shows a shortened upper lip, smoother skin around the mouth, and improved lip definition for a more youthful appearance.
Before and after front view showing a shorter upper lip, smoother skin around the mouth, and enhanced lip definition after a surgical lip lift.
Before and after oblique view showing reduced vertical lip length, smoother upper lip wrinkles, and improved lip support following a surgical lip lift.
Before and after oblique view highlighting a lifted upper lip, softened perioral lines, and improved lip contour after a subnasal lip lift.
Before and after front view showing a shorter upper lip, more visible vermilion, and a more balanced upper-to-lower lip proportion after a lip lift.
Before and after oblique view showing subtle lift of the upper lip, improved philtrum-to-lip ratio, and enhanced pink lip show after a subnasal lip lift.
Before and after oblique view demonstrating increased upper lip height, refined lip contour, and improved overall lip definition after a subnasal lip lift.
Before and after front view showing a shortened upper lip and fuller, more defined lip shape following a surgical lip lift, giving the lips a more youthful contour.
Before and after front view showing a shortened upper lip, smoother lines around the mouth, and enhanced lip definition following a surgical lip lift.
Before and after oblique view highlighting a lifted upper lip, reduced vertical length, and improved shape after a surgical lip lift.
Before and after front view showing a shorter upper lip, softened lip wrinkles, and improved balance between the upper and lower lips after a lip lift.
Before and after oblique view demonstrating a more defined upper lip, smoother perioral texture, and better lip support after a surgical lip lift.
Before and after angled view showing restored upper lip height, reduced vertical lip length, and smoother skin around the mouth following a lip lift.
Before and after front view revealing a shorter philtrum, enhanced vermilion show, and a more youthful upper lip after a subnasal lip lift.
Before and after front view showing a visibly shorter upper lip, improved lip curvature, and rejuvenated perioral appearance after a surgical lip lift.
Before and after front view showing a naturally shortened upper lip and more balanced proportions after a surgical lip lift.
Before and after oblique view showing a lifted upper lip, enhanced definition, and reduced vertical lip length after a permanent lip lift.

Why Patients Trust Dr. Balikian for Their Lip Lift

A lip lift is one of the most powerful yet understated ways to rejuvenate the lower face. Instead of adding artificial fullness with filler, a surgical lip lift shortens the upper lip, increases the natural pink lip show and restores youthful proportion.

When performed with precision, the result is a lifted, defined and naturally fuller appearing upper lip that enhances the entire face.

Dr. Balikian approaches the lip lift with the same preservation based philosophy he uses in facelift surgery. His technique focuses on elevating the skin, fat and SMAS layer together while preserving the muscle underneath. This protects lip function, maintains a natural smile and creates a refined improvement without distortion.

Benefits include:

  • A shorter and more youthful upper lip
  • A naturally fuller pink lip without filler
  • Improved balance between the nose and mouth
  • A brighter, more defined smile
  • Long lasting results that age gracefully
  • A natural enhancement that preserves your unique expression

Patients choose Dr. Balikian because his lip lift results never look operated. The goal is a softer, more youthful proportion that blends seamlessly with the rest of the face.

What to Expect from Your Lip Lift Results

Most patients notice an immediate improvement in lip shape and upper lip definition. As swelling fades, the lip settles into a soft, natural appearance that enhances both the smile and the surrounding facial features. Scars mature beautifully and remain hidden at the base of the nose.

A lip lift can also complement other procedures such as blepharoplasty, deep plane facelift, laser resurfacing, or facial fat transfer to create more harmonious facial rejuvenation.

Whether performed alone or as part of a larger plan, the result is designed to help you look clearer, brighter and naturally refreshed.

Begin Your Transformation

If you are exploring a lip lift, before and after photos help show what is possible. Dr. Balikian delivers natural, balanced results that refresh your appearance without changing your character.

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Subnasal Lip Lift Before and After FAQs

A lip lift corrects age related elongation of the philtrum and downward rotation of the upper lip. Fillers add volume, but they cannot shorten the lip or restore youthful position.

In Dr. Balikian’s approach, the lift is performed through the skin and superficial soft tissue layers up to the SMAS plane. The orbicularis oris muscle is not cut. Lifting these layers as a unit preserves function and reduces risk of speech changes or unnatural movement. This aligns with modern subnasal lip lift technique descriptions.

Cutting or excising muscle can increase risk of altered lip motion, stiffness, sensory change or unnatural animation over time. Preservation based techniques focus on lifting without muscle disruption.

Candidates commonly have a long or lengthened philtrum, reduced pink lip show, lip thinning or a drooping upper lip that makes the smile look flat. These changes increase with age and are well documented in facial aging studies.

There is no set age. Many patients seek it in midlife when philtrum lengthening and lip inversion become noticeable. Aging measurements show that upper lip length tends to increase over time.

Yes. By lifting the upper lip into a more youthful position, tooth show often improves naturally.

Temporary tightness is normal early on, but because the muscle is preserved, normal speech and smile mechanics return as swelling resolves.

Yes. By increasing pink lip show and restoring the cupid’s bow contour, many patients find lip shape and definition easier to enhance without heavy filler.

Most swelling and bruising improve within 1 to 2 weeks. The lip continues to soften and settle over the following months as the tissues mature.

Yes, men can be excellent candidates. The key is conservative shortening and scar placement that preserves masculine proportions and avoids over rotation. Technique selection based on anatomy is strongly emphasized in surgical reviews.

General anesthesia allows a completely still field, better precision and a more comfortable experience for the patient. In published series, lip lifts can be done under local, but the priority in high finesse facial surgery is control and safety, which general anesthesia supports.

Look for a surgeon who specializes in facial anatomy, has a track record of natural results and uses preservation based technique. Upper lip enhancement is subtle. The best outcomes come from surgeons who understand proportion, scarring and long term aging.

Why Trust Dr. Balikian with Your Face?

Dr. Richard Balikian is a highly respected facial plastic surgeon serving the San Diego area.

With over 20 years of experience and double board certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Balikian offers a unique combination of technical expertise and artistic vision.

He is part of an elite group of surgeons with extensive training focused exclusively on the face and neck.

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Elevated Care. Exceptional Results.

Dr. Richard Balikian is recognized for elevating facial plastic surgery through precision, artistry and outcomes that reflect your true self.

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Tanya B.
1 year ago
Can’t say enough good things about Dr. Balikian. From start to finish he’s been very thorough and kind and patient with my million questions! Amazing results and experience. Love love love my results
Karin T.
1 year ago
As usual the staff is like family here. They are so good at delivering care and education!
Fran M.
8 months ago
I went to the office for an update. I love the staff and Dr. Balikian. Always so nice and answered all my questions.
Elva N.
1 year ago
For years I was looking for a face plastic surgeon and had gone to see several surgeon s but didn’t have the confidence or trust that I found with Dr Balikian the first appointment I had with him and the way he explained his procedures I loved the passion and his artistic vision that I schedule the first opening he had, now after 9 months I am beyond happy and satisfied with the art of work he did on me Thank you Dr Balikian for your art and professionalism.
debbie K.
8 months ago
Always a pleasure to be seen. Everyone is so kind, and the results are fantastic
Connie T.
6 months ago
Dr. Balikian made me feel heard at my consultation. He listened with respect and interest, and patiently answered all of my questions without making me feel rushed or condescended to. He approaches you as a partner in your care, inviting your input with professionalism, expertise, compassion and warmth.
Cristina L.
1 year ago
I have been coming here for over 15 years and love the staff. I also like that they won’t oversell you and they give you their honest answer with recommendaations
Kelli N.
10 months ago
Being going for 5+ years, wouldn’t recommend any other place in the Inland Empire!
Rose J.
1 year ago
I had my consultation with Dr Balikian today. I had 3 pages of questions, but he was so thorough that I really only asked him about 3 other things. He made me feel confident in his knowledge and I’m so looking forward to getting this procedure done!
Skin Care L.
2 days ago
I can't wait til I get my procedure done. I am so excited.

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Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Richard Balikian is a highly respected facial plastic surgeon serving the San Diego area.

With over 20 years of experience and double board certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Balikian offers a unique combination of technical expertise and artistic vision.

He is part of an elite group of surgeons with extensive training focused exclusively on the face and neck

Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery