Is a Lip Lift Painful?

Most patients describe the discomfort after a lip lift as mild to moderate and easily manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. The area may feel tight, tender, or slightly swollen for a few days, but any initial soreness typically resolves within the first week. Icing the area and sleeping with your head elevated can also help reduce swelling and ease discomfort. Most patients are pleasantly surprised at how minimal the pain is, especially compared to other facial procedures.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

You’ll typically have several touchpoints with our team to ensure a smooth experience from start to finish. After your initial consultation, we schedule a pre-operative visit to review surgical details and address any remaining questions. Following your lip lift, we’ll see you the next day for your first post-op appointment, and then continue to monitor your healing through several follow-up visits over the course of a year. These appointments enable us to monitor your recovery, refine your healing plan, and celebrate your final results together.

How Long Until I See Results?

Initial improvements are noticeable as soon as the swelling subsides, often within 7 to 14 days. However, the final results of a lip lift continue to refine over several weeks, depending on the method used. Most patients begin to see a beautiful enhancement in their lip shape and upper lip exposure by the one-month mark, with scars continuing to fade over time. Unlike temporary fillers, the results of a surgical lip lift are permanent, providing lasting improvements in lip proportion and a youthful contour.

Can I Combine a Lip Lift With Other Procedures?

Yes, many patients choose to combine a lip lift with complementary procedures to achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. It’s commonly performed alongside rhinoplasty , facelift , eyelid surgery, or dermal fillers for full facial harmony. During your consultation, Dr. Bitar will help you determine the best combination of treatments based on your goals, anatomy, and preferences. Combining procedures not only streamlines recovery time but also enhances overall balance and aesthetics, resulting in a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Lip Lift?

Potential risks include swelling, bruising, infection, asymmetry, numbness, and scarring. Most side effects are temporary and resolve as your body heals. The small scar from the lift is typically well-hidden, either under the nose or along the natural lip border. Rarely, patients may experience prolonged healing or dissatisfaction with the aesthetic outcome, which is why detailed consultations and realistic expectations are essential.

Lip Lift

Northern Virginia & Washington DC

Table Of Contents
Introduction
What is a Lip Lift?
Preparing For Surgery
Recovery
Maximizing Positive Outcomes
Why Choose Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute?
Cost
FAQs

Introduction to Lip Lift

Lips are one of the most noticeable features of the face and reveal beauty, sensuality, and intimacy. We often hear, “I want full, but natural-looking lips.” Whatever your lip enhancement desires may be, we can help you achieve the results you desire by offering a variety of non-surgical and surgical options.

For non-surgical enhancement in Fairfax, Washington, D.C., and the surrounding areas, we offer a variety of fillers, including Juvéderm Ultra, Juvéderm Ultra Plus, Juvéderm Voluma, Juvéderm Volbella, Restylane, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Refyne, and Restylane Defyne injections.

For patients wanting long-term results, we offer fat grafting to the lips. If the lips are very thin and need a lift, we offer an upper and/or lower lip lift procedure. With this technique, sedation or general anesthesia is given, and the upper/lower lip lift is performed to reveal more “lips.”

Procedure Summary

Pain Level After Surgery

Mild-Moderate

Anesthesia

Topical anesthetic or general anesthesia

Duration of Surgery

15-60 Minutes

Scars

No scar for injectables. Varies for surgical option

Final Results

Varies depending on type of procedure

Return to Regular Work

Varies depending on type of procedure

Resume Exercise

24-48 Hours

Price Range

$5,000 & up

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What is a Lip Lift?

A lip lift in the Washington, D.C., area subtly elevates the position of the upper or lower lip to enhance lip shape, definition, and youthful fullness. Unlike temporary dermal fillers, which add volume but cannot change the structural position of the lips, a lip lift shortens the distance between the base of the nose and the top of the upper lip—a feature that tends to lengthen with age. It creates more “red show,” revealing more of the pink lip and giving the appearance of a naturally fuller smile. This elegant enhancement is ideal for patients seeking a more defined Cupid’s bow and improved balance between the lips and surrounding facial features.

Before & After Gallery

Lip Lift B&A

View Results

What Are the Benefits of a Lip Lift?

A lip lift provides a refined and lasting enhancement to the overall appearance of the lips and lower face. Benefits of this procedure include:

A permanent increase in lip visibility without the need for repeated filler treatments
A more youthful and proportionate upper lip can be achieved by reducing the distance between the nose and the mouth
Enhanced definition of the Cupid’s bow and improved facial symmetry
A subtle yet powerful rejuvenation of the midface, often making the entire face appear more awake and expressive
The option to combine with rhinoplasty, facial contouring, or injectables for comprehensive aesthetic results

For patients in Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia seeking natural, long-lasting lip enhancement, a surgical lip lift provides beautiful results that don’t fade over time.

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Lip Lift?

Ideal candidates for a lip lift in Fairfax and the greater Washington, D.C., area are healthy adults who are unhappy with the length of the space between their upper lip and nose or who feel their lips appear thin, aged, or flat. You may be a good candidate if:

You want a permanent solution to enhance lip visibility without ongoing filler maintenance
You have noticed a downward turn or elongation of the upper lip due to aging
Your upper lip lacks shape or hides your teeth when you smile
You are a non-smoker or are willing to stop smoking before and after surgery to support healing
You are in generally good health and have realistic expectations for surgical outcomes

During your consultation, Dr. Bitar will evaluate your facial proportions and discuss your aesthetic goals to determine whether a lip lift is the right procedure for you.

Preparing For Surgery

A well-prepared patient leads to a successful treatment and outcome. Whether you’re flying internationally or locally, our staff strives to provide you with a great experience. During your initial call to our office, one of our patient care coordinators will discuss the various options available to address the areas of concern you have. A consultation is scheduled with the doctor who best fits your personal situation. The doctor will review your medical history, spend the appropriate time to review all surgical and non-surgical options, and discuss whether surgery can be performed in-office under local sedation or at the hospital under general anesthesia. By sharing our before-and-after photos, you gain a better understanding of the quality of surgery our doctors offer and the outcomes you can expect to achieve.

For injectables and non-surgical options, we recommend avoiding any medications or supplements that may thin your blood or cause swelling. If a doctor has prescribed these medications or supplements, please consult your doctor before discontinuing use. Due to the possibility of bruising or swelling, we recommend scheduling the injectables at least one to two weeks prior to any event or personal plans. Injectables cannot be performed on a woman who is breastfeeding or pregnant.

For surgical options, we will review pre- and post-operative care so you can be prepared for what your role is in the surgical process. You will be asked to stop smoking two weeks prior to and after surgery. Safety is our top priority, so we will ask you to visit your primary care physician to undergo a physical exam, lab work, and, in some cases, an EKG 30 days prior to surgery. Next, we will schedule a pre-operative appointment two weeks prior to surgery to address any questions you may have and review the surgery details, ensuring everyone is on the same page. You will then receive a courtesy call the evening before surgery to review instructions and any questions you may have.

The procedure typically takes about 15 minutes. If a patient is a good candidate for lip injections, we will apply a topical anesthetic or simply use ice to numb the area before the injection. The results of the fillers are immediate with minimal discomfort. These fillers are natural and used to transform thin lips into luscious ones. The results can last up to nine months. Our patients have happily returned for repeat treatments. Our patients have not reported any side effects or complications, and they have happily returned for repeat treatments. Some minor lumpiness can last a few days and can be massaged into a nicely uniform lip.

This is a surgical procedure that can be performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. Fat is removed from the abdomen, processed in a special way to minimize damage to the fat cells, and injected into the lips. This will cause a 3-4 week period of swelling and bruising, but the final results can be permanent, yielding very naturally looking lips.

A lip lift is performed when the lip (either upper or lower) is very thin or the distance between the nose and the upper lip is long. As we age, this distance can increase as the skin and soft tissue descend with gravity, resulting in a thinner, more aged appearance of the lips. An upper lip lift is a simple procedure that removes skin to shorten the distance between the nose and upper lip, thereby increasing the “red show” of the lips and giving them a plumper, more youthful appearance. An upper lip lift can also be performed simultaneously with a rhinoplasty. The lip lift procedure achieves two permanent goals: removing the wrinkles surrounding the lips and making the lips more visible. Compared to lip enhancement with fillers, which are temporary, these results are permanent. The trade-off is scars, which heal quite nicely and can be covered by makeup. Dr. Bitar performs two types of lip lifts and can discuss the best option for you during your consultation. The “bullhorn” lip lift technique hides the scar in the crease at the base of the nose. The second technique places the scar along the vermillion border of the lips and blends seamlessly with the natural curvature of the lips.

- The procedure typically takes about 15 minutes. If a patient is a good candidate for lip injections, we will apply a topical anesthetic or simply use ice to numb the area before the injection. The results of the fillers are immediate with minimal discomfort. These fillers are natural and used to transform thin lips into luscious ones. The results can last up to nine months. Our patients have happily returned for repeat treatments. Our patients have not reported any side effects or complications, and they have happily returned for repeat treatments. Some minor lumpiness can last a few days and can be massaged into a nicely uniform lip.
- This is a surgical procedure that can be performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. Fat is removed from the abdomen, processed in a special way to minimize damage to the fat cells, and injected into the lips. This will cause a 3-4 week period of swelling and bruising, but the final results can be permanent, yielding very naturally looking lips.
- A lip lift is performed when the lip (either upper or lower) is very thin or the distance between the nose and the upper lip is long. As we age, this distance can increase as the skin and soft tissue descend with gravity, resulting in a thinner, more aged appearance of the lips. An upper lip lift is a simple procedure that removes skin to shorten the distance between the nose and upper lip, thereby increasing the “red show” of the lips and giving them a plumper, more youthful appearance. An upper lip lift can also be performed simultaneously with a rhinoplasty. The lip lift procedure achieves two permanent goals: removing the wrinkles surrounding the lips and making the lips more visible. Compared to lip enhancement with fillers, which are temporary, these results are permanent. The trade-off is scars, which heal quite nicely and can be covered by makeup. Dr. Bitar performs two types of lip lifts and can discuss the best option for you during your consultation. The “bullhorn” lip lift technique hides the scar in the crease at the base of the nose. The second technique places the scar along the vermillion border of the lips and blends seamlessly with the natural curvature of the lips.

A clean, bright medical recovery room with two empty gurneys separated by curtains and packages from the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute placed on the beds.

Lip Lift Recovery

Our office will provide a comprehensive post-operative plan to ensure the best possible outcome. The plan will outline what to expect postoperatively, including estimated recovery time, pain management, garments or dressings, and anticipated activity level. For your safety, we require that an adult stay with you at least the first 24 hours after surgery and drive you to your next day follow-up visit. With most facial procedures, you will be instructed to limit activity for the first week or two, which could include restrictions on driving, prolonged travel, and flying. Additionally, we recommend that you refrain from exercise until cleared by your physician, typically around four weeks post-surgery. You are asked to refrain from smoking for a minimum of two weeks. To optimize healing, we recommend that you eat a high-protein diet. You should anticipate a variable degree of bruising and swelling, as with any surgical procedure; light make-up may be used to cover bruises starting a week after surgery. We also offer scar creams at an additional cost to optimize results.

To promote healing and minimize complications, you will be seen in a series of post-op appointments, including the day after surgery. These appointments will continue throughout the first year after the procedure to make sure you are healing as planned. For your added convenience, you also have direct access to Dr. Bitar’s cell phone number, should you need to reach him outside of office hours. The final post-operative visit, one year after surgery, is one of our favorites, as the results are fully apparent, and we love seeing our patients happy. You are always welcome to return and visit us, even years after your surgery.

Maximizing Positive Outcomes

At the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute, we take pride in providing our patients with the best possible surgical experience, emphasizing patient safety while striving to optimize surgical results. This process includes comprehensive pre-operative preparation and patient education, the development of a personalized operative plan, and a thoughtful post-operative care regimen that emphasizes patient comfort and promotes recovery.

The Institute has adopted several strategies to further ensure patient safety. We are selective and only offer surgery to patients whose overall health and lifestyle choices allow for healing and facilitate recovery. To minimize risk, we require a comprehensive preoperative assessment that includes a thorough history and physical examination, as well as targeted laboratory tests.

All surgeries are performed in-house at our AAAASF-accredited surgical suite, representing the gold standard in patient safety and care. This certification ensures we meet the highest standards, with board-certified anesthesiologists and nurses on-site, adhering to strict protocols to minimize risks and optimize outcomes. Dr. Bitar is committed to continuing education, honing their skills, and introducing new techniques, always with the aim of improving safety and surgical results.

We emphasize patient safety in our peri-operative care plan, advocating early mobilization, optimizing nutrition, and providing detailed care instructions. After surgery, patients are seen in our office frequently and early, starting the day after their procedure, and a staff member is available around the clock for any questions or concerns. Our entire team is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of our patients, and every measure is designed to minimize potential complications, promote a comfortable and rapid recovery, and optimize surgical outcomes.

A photo of a smiling Dr. Bitar, a man with dark curly hair, wearing a dark blue suit and a patterned tie, standing outdoors in front of blue glass windows and greenery.

Why Choose Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute?

Our commitment to excellence and exceptional patient care is in every step of your doctor-patient experience. Dr. George Bitar is a distinguished board-certified plastic surgeon who stays on the cutting edge of advancements in cosmetic surgery and technology to offer the best possible results. With a blend of artistry and meticulous surgical technique, he achieves beautiful and natural results for our patients. We provide a high level of patient safety, and our experienced and caring staff will be with you every step of the way. Our institute offers a wide range of surgical and non-surgical options, including skin care, injectables, and lasers, as well as in-office and hospital procedures, providing a versatile approach tailored to individual patient needs. Your aesthetic goals are our top priority, and each procedure is carefully customized to ensure you achieve the best possible outcome.

For more information, call our office at 703-206-0506.

How Much Does a Lip Lift Cost in Washington, D.C.?

The cost of a Lip Lift in Fairfax, VA, and the greater Washington D.C. area starts at $5,000 and can vary based on the surgical technique used, whether the procedure is combined with other treatments, and the complexity of the case. Your personalized quote will be provided during your consultation, following a comprehensive evaluation of your anatomy and goals. This fee includes Dr. Bitar’s surgical expertise, pre- and post-operative care, and the use of our fully accredited surgical suite. We are also pleased to offer financing options for qualifying patients, making their aesthetic goals more attainable.

Lip Lift FAQ’S

Most patients describe the discomfort after a lip lift as mild to moderate and easily manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. The area may feel tight, tender, or slightly swollen for a few days, but any initial soreness typically resolves within the first week. Icing the area and sleeping with your head elevated can also help reduce swelling and ease discomfort. Most patients are pleasantly surprised at how minimal the pain is, especially compared to other facial procedures.
You’ll typically have several touchpoints with our team to ensure a smooth experience from start to finish. After your initial consultation, we schedule a pre-operative visit to review surgical details and address any remaining questions. Following your lip lift, we’ll see you the next day for your first post-op appointment, and then continue to monitor your healing through several follow-up visits over the course of a year. These appointments enable us to monitor your recovery, refine your healing plan, and celebrate your final results together.
Initial improvements are noticeable as soon as the swelling subsides, often within 7 to 14 days. However, the final results of a lip lift continue to refine over several weeks, depending on the method used. Most patients begin to see a beautiful enhancement in their lip shape and upper lip exposure by the one-month mark, with scars continuing to fade over time. Unlike temporary fillers, the results of a surgical lip lift are permanent, providing lasting improvements in lip proportion and a youthful contour.
Yes, many patients choose to combine a lip lift with complementary procedures to achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. It’s commonly performed alongside rhinoplasty, facelift, eyelid surgery, or dermal fillers for full facial harmony. During your consultation, Dr. Bitar will help you determine the best combination of treatments based on your goals, anatomy, and preferences. Combining procedures not only streamlines recovery time but also enhances overall balance and aesthetics, resulting in a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
Potential risks include swelling, bruising, infection, asymmetry, numbness, and scarring. Most side effects are temporary and resolve as your body heals. The small scar from the lift is typically well-hidden, either under the nose or along the natural lip border. Rarely, patients may experience prolonged healing or dissatisfaction with the aesthetic outcome, which is why detailed consultations and realistic expectations are essential.

Contact Us Today

If you would like further information about this procedure, please do not hesitate to contact our office to schedule an appointment by calling (703) 206-0506 or completing an online request form.

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3023 Hamaker Court, Suite 109 & 114
Fairfax, VA 22031

Phone (703) 206-0506

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Lip Lift

Table Of Contents

Introduction to Lip Lift

Procedure Summary

What is a Lip Lift?

Before & After Gallery

What Are the Benefits of a Lip Lift?

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Lip Lift?

Preparing For Surgery

Lip Augmentation With Fillers (Restylane Or Juvederm Products)

Lip Augmentation With Fat Grafting

Lip Lift

Lip Lift Recovery

Maximizing Positive Outcomes

Why Choose Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute?

How Much Does a Lip Lift Cost in Washington, D.C.?

Lip Lift FAQ’S

Is a Lip Lift Painful?

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

How Long Until I See Results?

Can I Combine a Lip Lift With Other Procedures?

What Are the Risks Associated With a Lip Lift?

Contact Us Today

–Dr. George Bitar

Treat yourself monthly with discounted transformative treatments, VIP neurotoxin pricing, and special skincare offers.

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Dr. George Bitar