Restore a youthful lip-to-tooth ratio with a lip lift, a precise surgical technique that shortens the space between nose and lip for a naturally fuller smile.
A Subtle Lift for a More Youthful Smile
As we age, the space between the nose and upper lip gradually lengthens, making the lips appear thinner and less defined. Dr. Daniel Shapiro performs lip lift surgery at Shapiro Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Skin Klinic to restore youthful proportion and enhance natural lip shape with subtle, lasting precision. This procedure is particularly popular among patients who feel their lips have thinned with age or who were simply born with a longer-than-average distance between their nose and upper lip.
Lip Lift Overview
Getting to Know the Lip Lift
A lip lift shortens the vertical space between the base of the nose and the upper lip border, revealing more of the lip's natural pink tissue and improving tooth show at rest. Unlike lip fillers, results are permanent and require no ongoing maintenance.
Why Get a Lip Lift?
Many patients pursuing a lip lift feel their lips have thinned with age or that their smile shows less tooth than it once did. This procedure restores youthful proportion through a single, permanent surgical solution. Advantages include:
Permanent, natural-looking enhancement
Improved lip-to-tooth ratio
Enhanced upper lip shape and definition
No need for repeat filler treatments
Why Choose Shapiro Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Skin Klinic?
A lip lift removes only a small strip of skin beneath the nose, yet that change sets the balance of the entire lower face. Dr. Shapiro’s 34 years of facial surgery give him an exacting eye for how the lip relates to the nose, teeth, and smile, so your result looks balanced, never surgical.
Named one of America’s Best Plastic Surgeons by Newsweek in 2026
Ivy League-trained at Cornell on Manhattan’s Upper East Side
Named Teacher of the Year in 2018 by the Mayo Clinic Rochester Plastic Surgery Residency
Named Best Cosmetic Surgeon at The Phoenician Awards
A lip lift works by surgically removing a small strip of skin directly beneath the nose, which physically shortens the space above the upper lip. As this space closes, the upper lip appears to roll slightly upward and outward, revealing more pink lip tissue.
This subtle shift also improves how much tooth shows when smiling or speaking. Because the amount of tissue removed is measured in just millimeters, precise pre-surgical planning is essential to avoid an over-lifted or unnatural appearance.
Your Lip Lift Procedure Explained
Step 1: Facial Proportion Assessment
Dr. Shapiro evaluates your nose-to-lip distance, tooth show, and overall facial balance to determine the ideal amount of lift needed for a natural, harmonious result.
Step 2: Anesthesia and Incision Planning
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation, and incisions are carefully planned along the base of the nose to remain well concealed within natural contours.
Step 3: Precise Tissue Removal
A small strip of skin is removed above the upper lip, effectively shortening the space between nose and lip while preserving natural lip movement and expression.
Step 4: Fine Suture Closure
Incisions are closed with meticulous suturing technique along the natural crease at the base of the nose, minimizing the visibility of resulting scars as they heal.
Who Benefits Most From a Lip Lift?
Good candidates have a naturally long space between their nose and upper lip, thinning lips due to aging, or minimal tooth show when smiling or at rest. This procedure suits patients seeking permanent enhancement rather than temporary filler-based solutions.
What Recovery Looks Like
Swelling is most pronounced during the first few days and gradually subsides over one to two weeks. Most patients return to work within a week, though final results become fully visible as residual swelling resolves.
Testimonials
Dr. Shapiro is meticulous and commands excellence in the fine art of plastic surgery!
I saw 5 of our nation’s most affluent extraordinary plastic surgeons from Washington DC to Beverly Hills and chowing Dr. Shapiro was the best choice! As a public Liason and medi...
I saw 5 of our nation’s most affluent extraordinary plastic surgeons from Washington DC to Beverly Hills and chowing Dr. Shapiro was the best choice! As a public Liason and media commentator trusting my face and appearance to a surgeon is critical. Dr. Shapiro is meticulous and commands excellence in the fine art of plastic surgery! Thank you Dr. Shapiro!
Martha Boneta5 out of 5 stars
Dr.Shaprio's office is beautiful and welcoming.
Dr.Shaprio's office is beautiful and welcoming. Anne is such a talented Nurse, and she has been able to so graciously answer any and all of my questions and concerns. I love tha...
Dr.Shaprio's office is beautiful and welcoming. Anne is such a talented Nurse, and she has been able to so graciously answer any and all of my questions and concerns. I love that she explains everything to me and makes my services short and sweet. I plan to go there for a Skin Consultation soon so that I can find what products would work well for my skin. Thank you to the incredible team at Shapiro Aesthetics!
Jacque King5 out of 5 stars
I will forever trust Dr.Shapiro and his team with anything I decided to do in the future!
I’m 22 & I recently had a rhino/ septoplasty done by Dr.Shapiro and also some facial graphing and a fat transfer to my lips. & I’m over the moon with my results! Dr.Shap...
I’m 22 & I recently had a rhino/ septoplasty done by Dr.Shapiro and also some facial graphing and a fat transfer to my lips. & I’m over the moon with my results! Dr.Shapiro and his team were so kind and professional through the entire experience. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic they made my dream nose come to life. & took every precaution to make sure we’re all safe by checking temperatures and wearing face masks. Being in the hands of someone with so much knowledge and experience made it so easy for me to go into surgery. I will forever trust Dr.Shapiro and his team with anything I decided to do in the future! Thank you so much!
McKenna Commans5 out of 5 stars
Can’t say enough kind words.
Always do your own research and interview different surgeons but be assured that Dr Shapiro will give you what you ask for. I’m delighted with my results and I had a full face l...
Always do your own research and interview different surgeons but be assured that Dr Shapiro will give you what you ask for. I’m delighted with my results and I had a full face lift, eyes and neck done, and fat transfer to eyes and nasolabial folds. I wish I had done it years ago. Office staff is wonderful and attentive too. Can’t say enough kind words.
Denise Young5 out of 5 stars
Words cannot express how GRATEFUL I am to Dr. Shapiro!!!
Words cannot express how GRATEFUL I am to Dr. Shapiro!!! I had a rhinoplasty done by Dr. Shapiro 2 months ago and it has truly changed my life. My nose looks very natural and I ...
Words cannot express how GRATEFUL I am to Dr. Shapiro!!! I had a rhinoplasty done by Dr. Shapiro 2 months ago and it has truly changed my life. My nose looks very natural and I could not be more happy with my results. After years of research and various consultations with plastic surgeons (in and out of state) I knew I had found the one when I met Dr. Shapiro!
During my first consultation with Dr. Shapiro he pointed out all the things that bothered me about my nose before I even brought it to his attention. That’s when I knew he and I were on the same page about what I wanted. He is EXTREMELY detail-oriented and a perfectionist (which is exactly what you want when undergoing any procedure especially if it’s on your face). He truly listens to you and makes you feel so comfortable. The thing I love the most about Dr. Shapiro’s technique is that he works with what you have and enhances it to its maximum potential, he is truly an artist. Dr. Shapiro’s makes it seem as though you never had any work done. His work is astounding, he gives you the nose you were supposed to be born with but even better! The before and after pictures of his patients will leave you speechless. When it comes to plastic surgeons there is truly no doctor that can compete with Dr. Shapiro’s beyond amazing work!
If you’re looking for a rhinoplasty surgeon I would recommend him 100%. I’m so in love with my results and I’m extremely lucky to have found him. Dr. Shapiro I seriously cant thank you enough!!!!
mariela casas5 out of 5 stars
Dr. Shapiro and his staff are your top choice for plastic surgery in Arizona.
Dr. Shapiro and his staff are your top choice for plastic surgery in Arizona. He listens attentively to your specific desires and explains what can honestly happen to meet your ...
Dr. Shapiro and his staff are your top choice for plastic surgery in Arizona. He listens attentively to your specific desires and explains what can honestly happen to meet your personal goals. Everything about the experience at his office is what you would expect from a top surgeon and professional medical staff. Conveniently, the Skin Klinic inside his office offers the best aesthetic services to really complete the package of an even more beautiful you. You always feel welcomed in his office and can ask as many questions as you need regarding procedures, products, financing, and after surgery care. I have had several procedures performed by Dr. Shapiro and I must say if you want the body that you dream of that cannot be accomplished by diet and exercise then you need to make time for a consultation. I struggled for most of my life with a poor body image and after many years of trying to change things on my own I finally decided to make an appointment and was forever on a different path. I have amazing proportionate breasts now and my thighs are the thighs of my dreams. Life is truly different when you are content with your body image. That is not to say I was trying to look like someone else or had a false hope; it is about being happy in your own skin. Dr. Shapiro made that possible for me and I cannot thank him enough for his expertise, caring nature, and professionalism. His quality and follow on care are the best you can invest in for your ideal body image. Do something wonderful for yourself and allow him the opportunity to exceed all expectations as he did for me :)
Rachel Hewitt5 out of 5 stars
Dr Shapiro does incredible work and my procedure was no exception!
Dr Shapiro and his clinical/clerical staff were professional and courteous. Dr Shapiro does incredible work and my procedure was no exception! I couldn't be happier with my resu...
Dr Shapiro and his clinical/clerical staff were professional and courteous. Dr Shapiro does incredible work and my procedure was no exception! I couldn't be happier with my results or my experience with Shapiro Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. From the moment I walked in for my consult, to my last post surgical visit, everyone treated me like family!
Kara Koechell5 out of 5 stars
I never felt this beautiful with myself until now!
Dr. Shapiro and staff are excellent and most compassionate people! Going in for an updated look and to feel good about myself is what I achieved because of Dr. Shapiro. I never ...
Dr. Shapiro and staff are excellent and most compassionate people! Going in for an updated look and to feel good about myself is what I achieved because of Dr. Shapiro. I never felt this beautiful with myself until now! Thank you so much Dr. Shapiro for taking the timeout for me and listening to what I wanted to accomplish. You made this happen!! Also, you have a wonderful staff working for you and your patients.
Theresa Gillen5 out of 5 stars
Dr Shapiro is your GO TO DR!!!
Dr Shapiro is your GO TO DR!!! He gave me the chin of my dreams. After almost a year since the procedure I can say that my scar is pretty much 100% gone, some days I can’t even ...
Dr Shapiro is your GO TO DR!!! He gave me the chin of my dreams. After almost a year since the procedure I can say that my scar is pretty much 100% gone, some days I can’t even see it. He is professional and charming, we love that!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I will be back ;)
Mariel Sallustio5 out of 5 stars
The recovery went smooth and his staff checked up on me multiple times.
My experience with Dr.Shapiro and his staff was great. I had a rhinoplasty done 6 months ago and I’m almost completely healed. The recovery went smooth and his staff checked up ...
My experience with Dr.Shapiro and his staff was great. I had a rhinoplasty done 6 months ago and I’m almost completely healed. The recovery went smooth and his staff checked up on me multiple times. I had such a great experience and would highly recommend getting a procedure done here. Your in good hands 😊
Jasmine Renteria5 out of 5 stars
Dr. Shapiro is the knocked it out the park!!!
Dr. Shapiro knocked it out of the park!!! I could not be more thrilled with the results of my breast augmentation with lift. Not only are the results amazing, but the process fr...
Dr. Shapiro knocked it out of the park!!! I could not be more thrilled with the results of my breast augmentation with lift. Not only are the results amazing, but the process from start to finish far exceeded my expectations. Dr. Shapiro and his surgical nurse Sage Hallman work as an amazing team and will make you feel like you're their only patient. Experience matters and that is exactly what you will get at Shapiro Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Thank you Doc , you have truly changed my life in the best way!
melissa massey5 out of 5 stars
Had such an amazing experience with Dr. Shapiro.
Had such an amazing experience with Dr. Shapiro. He was kind, a great listener and gave me the exact result I was wanting. Would recommend him and the entire team to anyone and ...
Had such an amazing experience with Dr. Shapiro. He was kind, a great listener and gave me the exact result I was wanting. Would recommend him and the entire team to anyone and everyone! Thank you Dr Shapiro!
Lauren Curry5 out of 5 stars
Everyone was very welcoming and kind.
Jamie is the best injector I have ever had. She gave me a jawline and chin that I have always wanted. These before and after pictures are within 2 hours of eachothers highly rec...
Jamie is the best injector I have ever had. She gave me a jawline and chin that I have always wanted. These before and after pictures are within 2 hours of eachothers highly recommend! Everyone was very welcoming and kind.
Once healing is complete, patients enjoy a naturally fuller-looking lip with improved proportion and tooth show. Because the results are permanent, patients avoid the ongoing maintenance and cost associated with repeat filler treatments over time.
Lip Lift in Scottsdale
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a lip lift different from lip fillers?
A lip lift surgically shortens the space above your lip for truly permanent results, while dermal fillers add temporary volume beneath the surface and require ongoing repeat treatments to maintain their effect.
Will a lip lift leave a visible scar?
Incisions are carefully placed along the natural crease at the base of the nose, allowing resulting scars to heal quite discreetly and become difficult for others to notice over time.
Can a lip lift be combined with lip fillers?
Yes, many patients choose to pair a lip lift with dermal fillers to achieve both improved lip proportion and additional volume, resulting in a fully customized, balanced facial outcome.
How long do lip lift results last?
Results are permanent, since the procedure physically and surgically shortens the distance between your nose and upper lip rather than simply adding temporary volume beneath the skin's surface.
Am I too young or too old for a lip lift?
Candidacy depends far more on your individual facial proportion and degree of lip aging than your chronological age alone. Dr. Shapiro will assess whether your anatomy is well-suited during the consultation.
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (480) 451-1700.
