Lip proportion · definition
A precise surgical adjustment to upper-lip show and the relationship between the nose and mouth.
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Dagan MD · Interactive procedure monograph
Each chapter pairs the clinical story with a changing visual essay—original anatomical studies where precision helps and public-domain Renaissance masterworks where art says it better.
A precise surgical adjustment to upper-lip show and the relationship between the nose and mouth. A lip lift shortens the visible distance between the nose and upper lip in carefully selected patients. It can increase pink-lip show without adding filler volume. Candidacy and planning require consultation.
A lip lift changes the relationship among the nasal base, philtrum, vermilion show, tooth show and smile—not simply lip volume. A lip lift shortens the visible distance between the nose and upper lip in carefully selected patients. Candidacy and planning require consultation.
Subnasal design tailored to nostril shape. Conservative skin excision. Deep support and meticulous layered closure. Adjunctive corner or central treatment only when indicated A lip lift shortens the visible distance between the nose and upper lip in carefully selected patients. Candidacy and planning require consultation.
Upper-lip swelling and smile stiffness are expected early. The incision remains pink before it matures. Bleeding, infection, fluid collection and delayed healing. Temporary or lasting numbness, asymmetry, contour irregularity or an unfavorable scar. Alternatives described on this page include Observation and Lip filler for volume rather than shortening. Candidacy and planning require consultation.
Educational information only. These summaries cannot determine candidacy, diagnose a condition or replace an individual medical evaluation.
Portrait · purpose · possibility
The opening portrait keeps the discussion grounded in the feature, proportion or concern this service is designed to evaluate.
Overview
A lip lift shortens the visible distance between the nose and upper lip in carefully selected patients. It can increase pink-lip show without adding filler volume. Incision placement and scar behavior are central to planning.
Dagan MD · Procedure monograph
A precise surgical adjustment to upper-lip show and the relationship between the nose and mouth.
Tal Dagan, MD, FACS · 420 Madison Avenue, Suites 503–505 · New York, NY 10017 · (212) 585-3242 · myfacesurgeon.com
Overview
A lip lift shortens the visible distance between the nose and upper lip in carefully selected patients. It can increase pink-lip show without adding filler volume. Incision placement and scar behavior are central to planning.
Prepare
A well-planned procedure begins before treatment day.
Procedure
A lip lift changes upper-lip position and proportion rather than simply adding volume. It may be considered for the following concerns after an individual examination.
Techniques
Technique is selected only after examination, goals and safety considerations are aligned.
Recovery
The early view is never the final result. Follow-up allows swelling, sensation, scars and contour to be assessed over time.
Risks + alternatives
Every procedure has limitations and alternatives. Consultation should make both clear.
Questions I
Training, experience and an educational consultation matter when choosing who will operate on your face.
A facial plastic surgeon’s specialty pathway concentrates on the anatomy, function and aesthetics of the face, head and neck. The right surgeon should be able to balance appearance with breathing, eyelid function, facial movement and harmony. Surgeons from other training pathways may also be qualified when they have appropriate board certification and substantial facial-surgery experience.
Yes. Dr. Dagan’s fellowship training added highly specialized experience beyond residency, focused on advanced facial cosmetic, craniofacial and reconstructive surgery.
Look for relevant board certification, extensive experience with the specific procedure, consistent natural-looking results, comprehensive before-and-after photography, appropriate hospital privileges and a surgeon who spends time educating rather than selling. Dr. Dagan’s listed affiliations are Lenox Hill Hospital; Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital; Staten Island University Hospital; Long Island Jewish; Hudson Regional Hospital; Fifth Avenue Surgery Center; and CitiMed surgicenters. Affiliations should always be confirmed directly because they can change.
Absolutely. An informed patient makes better decisions. A second opinion can clarify the available options and help identify the treatment that best fits your anatomy, goals and tolerance for risk.
Questions II
The goal is refinement that remains recognizably and naturally yours.
That should always be the goal. The best cosmetic surgery enhances natural appearance while preserving individual facial identity. A detailed discussion with Dr. Dagan about expectations and concerns helps determine whether this procedure is appropriate.
Careful planning, conservative technique and respect for each patient’s anatomy are central to elegant, natural-looking results. These are cardinal components of Dr. Dagan’s philosophy.
Questions III
Candidacy depends on anatomy, health, expectations and a clear understanding of alternatives.
A lip lift may be considered when an elongated philtrum, limited vermilion show or limited upper-tooth show makes the upper lip appear long or flat. It changes lip position and proportion rather than directly replacing lost volume. Health, scar history, smile dynamics and expectations must also be evaluated.
When performed by an experienced surgeon on an appropriately selected patient, facial cosmetic surgery is generally safe, but no operation is risk-free. The material risks, alternatives and recovery requirements should be discussed during consultation.
Questions IV
A clear recovery plan makes it easier to schedule surgery and judge results at the right time.
Recovery varies. Many lip-lift patients plan roughly one to two weeks for swelling, bruising, suture removal and visible redness, while work demands and individual healing can change that timeline. Your consultation should provide a personalized plan.
Most visible swelling improves substantially during the first several weeks, but subtle changes in movement, firmness and scar color can continue for months.
Fillers increase or shape lip volume, while a lip lift changes upper-lip position and facial proportion. Some patients benefit from one, the other or a carefully staged combination depending on anatomy and prior filler.
The incision is placed along the natural base of the nose so it can be less conspicuous as it matures. It remains a permanent scar, and visibility varies with anatomy, tension, skin characteristics, aftercare and individual healing.
Educational information only. Not medical advice. Consultation is required for individualized recommendations. Candidacy, technique, risks, recovery and alternatives require an individual examination. Illustrations do not predict or guarantee a result.
Educational information only. Candidacy, technique, risks, recovery and alternatives require an individual examination. Illustrations do not predict or guarantee a result.
Madison Avenue · New York City
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