How to Decide Whether Lip Lift Or Lip Filler is Right for You

Posted on March, 31, 2025 by Dr. Paquet in Fillers, Lip Surgery,

If you’re looking for a way to enhance your lips, you’re not alone. Lip enhancement is widely popular right now, largely because of the way it can balance the face and create a more sultry look. However, there are a few options available if you want to boost the appearance of your lips; while lip fillers are the most popular option, you can opt for something more long-lasting, such as lip lift surgery. The question then becomes whether a lip lift or lip filler is the better choice for you. Here’s what to know about this facial plastic surgery procedure and how Dr. Christian Paquet can help you determine the best option for your goals.

What is a Lip Lift?

A lip lift is a minor surgical procedure that shortens the amount of space between the upper lip and the nose. This is performed by removing a tiny amount of skin within the base of the nostrils, closing the new gap, and curling the upper lip upward. Lip lift procedures don’t impact the size or shape of the upper lip, but rather reveal more of the pink area around the upper lip. The result is a fuller upper lip with a more pronounced cupid’s bow, as well as a shorter philtrum (the area between the upper lip and nose).

What is Lip Filler?

Lip filler injections use products called dermal fillers which contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in your skin that gives it moisture and plumpness. When hyaluronic acid is injected into the lips, it attracts moisture and produces volume. Lip injections typically last several months before fading, and are a completely non-surgical cosmetic procedure that produces instant results. They can be easily personalized to your aesthetic goals by our experienced injectors.

Which Option Is Right for Me?

There are many different factors that determine if a lip lift is the right option for you or whether an alternative like lip fillers is a better fit. Dr. Paquet can help you determine your candidacy for each depending on various factors, including the following.

Age

As we age, collagen becomes less plentiful and the upper lip tends to fall downward. This can elongate the philtrum, causing you to look older than you feel. A longer philtrum means that you’re a good candidate for a lip lift; it can restore the sagging upper lip to a more upright and youthful appearance. However, lip fillers can’t correct this issue and can even work against you, depending on your age. Fillers can create volume, but they require elastic and supple skin to support them. In short, younger patients can benefit more from lip fillers, whereas older patients might need a lip lift for best results.

Lifestyle

Your lifestyle and preferences play a big role in determining the right lip enhancement option. Although it’s minimal, recovery time is required after a surgical lip lift, meaning if your schedule can’t accommodate, you may not be a good candidate, and lip fillers may be a better fit. However, if you’re willing and able to take time away, you can greatly benefit from a lip lift and even enjoy long-lasting results.

Facial Aesthetics

Some people naturally have an elongated upper lip, in which case a lip lift is a great option. You may have even tried lip fillers in the past and felt disappointed with the result. That’s because lip fillers can only partly obscure this cosmetic issue, not correct it entirely. They are, however, ideal for naturally thin lips. If you dislike your natural lips but are generally satisfied with your overall facial proportions, lip fillers are often a better option. This determination is often best made by an experienced facial plastic surgeon.

Lip Lift in Phoenix, AZ

During a consultation, you can learn more about the best way to get plumper lips and view surgical lip lift results from other patients. To meet with Board-Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr. Paquet and learn more about the upper lip lift, lip filler, and your options for lip augmentation, contact our Phoenix, AZ office by calling or filling out our online form.