Lip filler is a great, easy way to add fullness and volume to your lips. While the end result of a lip lift is the same, the process is much more involved. A lip lift enhances the upper lip and allows your teeth to show through more. It requires local anesthesia — in some cases, sedation may be needed — and about a week to fully recover. Unlike filler, a lip lift is permanent. Most people who desire a lip lift often begin to notice their lip proportions differ as they age, a common part of the maturing process. But anyone who wants a plumper lip that cannot be done with just filler might be a possible candidate for a lip lift.

There are a few different types of lifts, depending on your current lip volume and positioning. A subnasal bullhorn lip lift, one of the most common procedures, involves pulling the lip up towards the nose with an incision at the base of the nose. Other types include a direct lip lift, which creates a defined border around the lips, or a corner lip lift, which is great for people with a downturned natural smile. While it may be a relatively common procedure, it is not a simple one, and the cost reflects that.