Ever notice how some people just look "fresher" without having a single wrinkle ironed out? It's usually the space between the nose and the top lip. That little stretch of skin—the philtrum—is a major age giveaway. As we get older, gravity wins, and that space stretches out, making the upper lip look thin and tucked under. That’s why people are obsessed with lip shortening before after photos right now. It isn't just about volume; it’s about proportions.
Most people think "lip filler" the second they want a poutier look. Honestly? Filler can make a long philtrum look worse. It creates that "duck lip" projection because the weight of the hyaluronic acid pulls the lip downward rather than upward.
The Anatomy of the Long Lip
Let’s get technical for a second. An ideal subnasal philtrum length is usually somewhere between 11 to 15 millimeters for women. Men usually sit a bit longer. When that measurement creeps up toward 20mm or more, your teeth stop showing when you speak. You look tired. Maybe even grumpy.
The surgical fix is a subnasal lip lift. It’s basically a "bullhorn" shaped incision right under the nostrils. The surgeon removes a tiny strip of skin, hitches the lip up, and suddenly you have 3–4mm of "incisal show." That’s the fancy term for seeing your teeth.
Why Lip Shortening Before After Results Look So Different
If you spend three hours scrolling Instagram tags for this surgery, you’ll see a massive range of results. Some look like a miracle. Others look... tight.
Success depends on the "interlabial gap." If your mouth naturally hangs open a bit, a lip lift might make it so you can’t fully close your lips without effort. Dr. Miguel Mascaró, a prominent facial plastic surgeon in Delray Beach, often talks about how the "before" isn't just about the length of the skin, but the strength of the underlying muscle. If the surgeon cuts too much, the "after" looks unnatural because the muscle is pulling against the skin tension.
Then there’s the scarring. This is the big scary monster of the procedure. Since the cut is right at the base of the nose, it’s visible. In the "before" phase, patients are usually worried about their long lip. In the "after" phase—specifically at week two—they’re usually panicking about a red, bumpy line.
It’s Not Always Surgery: The "Botox Flip" Alternative
Not everyone needs a scalpel. You've probably heard of the "Lip Flip." It’s basically the "diet" version of lip shortening. A doctor injects a few units of Botox (or Dysport/Xeomin) into the orbicularis oris muscle. This relaxes the muscle that normally curls your lip inward.
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The "after" is subtle. It doesn't actually remove skin, so it won't shorten a 22mm philtrum down to 14mm. But it does roll the pink part of the lip upward. It lasts about six to eight weeks. Short-lived? Yes. Cheap? Also yes.
Comparing the Real-World Experience
If you go the surgical route, the first month is a rollercoaster.
- Day 1-3: You look like you got punched in the face. The swelling is intense. Your upper lip will feel like a piece of wood.
- Week 2: The stitches are out. This is where the lip shortening before after contrast is most jarring. The lip is super high, maybe too high. You might worry you look like a Whoville character.
- Month 3: The swelling is 90% gone. The scar starts to fade from purple to pink. This is the "true" result.
Dr. Ben Talei of the Beverly Hills Center is well-known for the "Modified Upper Lip Lift." He argues that the traditional technique pulls the skin too much, while his version focuses on deep tissue lifting. This prevents that "pulled" look and helps the scar hide better in the natural shadows of the nose.
The Risks Nobody Mentions in the Comments
The internet loves a success story, but let's talk about the "botched" side. If a surgeon takes too much skin, you get "nasal flare." The tension pulls the nostrils downward and outward. It changes the shape of your nose.
There is also the risk of nerve damage, though it’s rare. More common is "asymmetry." If you naturally smile more on one side, a lip lift can emphasize that. A good surgeon will measure your face while you're sitting up, lying down, and smiling to make sure they aren't creating a lopsided look.
Is It Worth It?
Most patient satisfaction surveys for lip shortening procedures rank exceptionally high—often in the 90th percentile on platforms like RealSelf. Why? Because unlike filler, it's permanent. You aren't chasing a "refill" every six months.
It changes the midface balance. When that space is shortened, your chin looks more defined, and your eyes often seem more centered in your face. It’s a game of millimeters that changes the whole vibe of your headshot.
Making a Decision
If you’re staring at your reflection and wondering if your philtrum is the problem, try the "pencil test." Take a pencil and hold it horizontally under your nose. If there’s a massive gap of skin before you hit the pink of your lip, you're a candidate.
But if you have a "gummy smile" already? Stay away. Shortening the lip will only expose more gum tissue, which usually isn't the aesthetic goal.
Practical Steps for Moving Forward
- Measure Yourself: Use a metric ruler. If your philtrum is under 13mm, surgery might be overkill.
- Consult Three Surgeons: Don't just go to a general plastic surgeon. Look for someone who specializes in "Deep Plane" facial work or has a heavy focus on the midface.
- Check the Scar Gallery: Ask to see photos of the scars at 6 months, not just the "pretty" 1-year shots. You need to know what the healing journey looks like.
- Test the Look: Try a Lip Flip first. It costs $100–$200 and gives you a "preview" of what a lifted lip looks like on your face without the permanent commitment.
- Prep Your Skin: If you do go for surgery, stop smoking and start using a high-quality Vitamin C serum weeks in advance to ensure your skin is in peak healing condition.
The most important thing to remember is that a lip shortening before after transformation is about harmony. It’s not about getting the biggest lip possible; it’s about making the bottom third of your face look like it belongs with the rest of you.