Upper Lip Lift

The upper lip occupies a pivotal role in facial balance and expression. With age—or due to inherited proportions—the distance between the nose and upper lip can elongate, softening definition and concealing the upper teeth in repose or during speech. This subtle lengthening often conveys an aged or fatigued appearance, even in otherwise youthful faces. An upper lip lift shortens this vertical distance, re-establishing harmony among the nose, lips, and chin while restoring a natural curvature and renewed vitality to the smile.

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“In facial aesthetic surgery, details are everything.”

- Ariel N Rad, MD, PhD, FACS

Real Patient Results Gallery

Deep Plane Facelift before and after photos by Sherber and Rad in Washington DC

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Facelift before and after photos by Sherber and Rad in Washington, DC

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The Purpose of an Upper Lip Lift

An upper lip lift refines proportion rather than alters identity. Unlike injectable fillers, which add transient volume, a surgical lift repositions the lip itself, producing enduring improvement in shape and balance. The result is not fullness for its own sake, but architectural refinement: greater visibility of the upper teeth when smiling, enhanced definition of the Cupid’s bow, and a more balanced relationship between the upper and lower face. For many patients, the lip lift becomes an elegant alternative to years of temporary filler treatments.

Ideal candidate for Upper Lip Lift?

Ideal candidates are individuals who notice an elongated upper lip, whether from natural aging or genetics, and who wish to restore a youthful yet authentic contour without excessive augmentation. Those who have found fillers unsatisfactory or who desire a more defined lip edge often benefit from this approach. Dr. Rad conducts a detailed analysis of each patient’s facial proportions to determine whether a lip lift alone—or in combination with adjunctive techniques such as microfat grafting or conservative filler refinement—will achieve the most harmonious result.

Upper Lip Lift Procedure and Recovery in Washington, DC

The surgery is performed under local anesthesia and typically requires about one hour. A small incision is placed at the base of the nose, concealed within its natural crease. Through this approach, a precise segment of skin is removed, and the lip is gently elevated and reshaped. The result is an elegant shortening of the philtrum and restoration of a softly defined vermilion border.

Swelling and mild bruising are common in the early days following surgery, generally resolving within one to two weeks. Most patients resume professional and social activities within a week. As the incision matures, it fades into the shadow beneath the nose and becomes nearly imperceptible.

The Sherber + Rad Approach

At Sherber + Rad in Washington, DC, every surgical plan is tailored to the patient’s unique facial architecture. Dr. Rad’s dual background in engineering and aesthetic surgery informs his precision and restraint—qualities essential to a natural outcome. By integrating surgical artistry with technical mastery, he achieves results that restore youthful proportion while preserving the individuality of expression.

His extensive experience—spanning thousands of facial aesthetic procedures—translates into an unparalleled command of anatomy, safety, and aesthetic nuance. Patients are cared for within fully accredited medical facilities and supported by a team of board-certified anesthesiologists and specialized nurses who uphold the highest safety standards.

Experience and Longevity

A well-executed lip lift does not draw attention to itself; rather, it allows the face to appear rested, open, and subtly enlivened. The refinement is lasting, evolving gracefully over time as the tissues settle naturally. With Dr. Rad’s depth of experience, patients can feel assured that their transformation will reflect both technical precision and a profound respect for facial harmony—achieving results that are not only safe and natural, but enduringly beautiful.

Testimonials

“Dr. Rad is not only a skilled and talented surgeon but a kind and compassionate doctor, who treats the whole person. For me, he exemplifies medical excellence.”

“He is the most gifted physician that I’ve ever met. Dr. Ariel Rad is in the top-echelon of physicians. He has a brilliant brain and a big heart. His skills as a surgeon are unparalleled.”

“He was very thorough, knowledgeable and most of all empathic to my situation.”

“He is not only a great surgeon, but an artist.”

“He is very skilled, his manner is absolutely delightful, and he is a truly kind, considerate person”

“He is an expert in his field. He is brilliant and very caring. I will never forget how compassionate he was on the day of my surgery”

“Dr. Rad is one of the world's best! His artistic eye and incredible skill shows in my incredible face lift results. His ability as a surgeon is surpassed only by his kindness and approachability as a person.”

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Related Procedures

Upper Lip Lift

- Ariel N Rad, MD, PhD, FACS

Real Patient Results Gallery

The Purpose of an Upper Lip Lift

Ideal candidate for Upper Lip Lift?

Upper Lip Lift Procedure and Recovery in Washington, DC

The Sherber + Rad Approach

Experience and Longevity

Testimonials

Next Steps

PLAN YOUR VISIT

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