A deep plane lip lift is an increasingly popular cosmetic surgical procedure that enhances the beauty and youthful appearance of your lips — addressing what fillers cannot. If you've tried lip filler injections and aren't seeing the results you desire, you may be an excellent candidate for a surgical lip lift that addresses the underlying structure, not just the volume.
As we age, the distance between the nose and the upper lip gradually lengthens — a subtle but meaningful change that can make the lips appear thinner, the face more aged, and the smile less expressive. This change is structural: it is caused by elongation of the soft tissue and skin between the nose and lip, not by volume loss alone.
Dermal fillers address volume — they cannot shorten the nose-to-lip distance. A surgical lip lift addresses the structure directly: a precise incision placed just beneath the nose removes a small strip of skin, shortening the philtrum, elevating the upper lip, and revealing more of the "red lip" vermillion — the result that filler consistently tries and fails to replicate.
Dr. Tan is double board-certified and highly regarded as a lip lift surgeon in Honolulu. She offers two surgical approaches depending on your anatomy and goals, and brings the anatomical precision of a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon to what is often described as one of the most impactful procedures a patient can have relative to its recovery.
Both techniques produce natural-looking, long-lasting results. The right approach depends on your lip anatomy and your primary concern.
The most common approach — an incision is strategically placed just beneath the nose in the natural crease where the nose meets the lip. A carefully measured strip of skin is removed, shortening the philtrum and lifting the upper lip to reveal more vermillion. The scar heals within the natural shadow of the nose base and becomes nearly invisible with time.
Focuses on elevating the corners of the mouth — addressing downward-turning lips that create a sad or tired appearance. Small incisions placed at each corner of the mouth allow the corners to be lifted and secured in a more neutral or slightly elevated position. Often combined with the upper lip lift for comprehensive lip rejuvenation.
A lip lift surgically shortens the philtrum and elevates the upper lip structure — addressing proportion and shape permanently. Results last many years. A lip filler adds volume temporarily — it can plump the lips but cannot shorten the nose-to-lip distance. For patients with an elongated philtrum or downward-turning lip corners, filler alone will not produce the result they are seeking. Dr. Tan will tell you honestly at consultation which approach — or combination — addresses your specific concern.
Dr. Tan assesses your lips and facial proportions — measuring philtrum length, lip show, and facial symmetry — to determine the best approach and the amount of tissue to remove.
Performed under local anesthesia. The entire procedure takes approximately one hour as an outpatient.
A precise incision is made just beneath the nose. A small strip of skin is removed. Underlying tissues are repositioned to achieve the desired lip contour and elevation.
Sutures are typically removed after one week. The scar heals in the natural shadow of the nose — becoming progressively less visible over several months.
Patients consider lip lifts for two primary reasons. First, some patients are born with a naturally long philtrum, thin upper lip, or downward-turning corners — conditions that affect confidence and that filler has not adequately addressed. A lip lift corrects the structure directly.
The second and most common reason is aging. Over the years, the philtrum elongates, reducing the visibility of the upper lip vermillion and changing the proportional relationship between the nose and the mouth. A lip lift restores this proportion surgically and permanently — something no amount of filler can achieve.
Ideal candidates are in good health, non-smokers, and have goals that align with the procedure's outcomes. Realistic expectations are essential — a lip lift improves structure and proportion, not volume alone.
Request a ConsultationPreserved from our original FAQ schema — common questions about lip lift surgery with Dr. Tan.
Dr. Tan will assess your lip anatomy and proportion — and tell you honestly whether a lip lift, filler, or a combination is the right solution for your specific concern.