Lip Lift in Turkey
Opr. Dr. Hasan Duygulu
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the distance between the nose and the upper lip to reveal more of the red part of the lip and create a more youthful, balanced shape. At his Istanbul clinic, Dr. Hasan Duygulu plans every lip lift individually, based on your lip proportions, nose shape and goals. If you are considering a lip lift in Turkey, our team will guide you from your first online consultation to your final follow-up.
Lip Lift Before and After Gallery
What Is a Lip Lift?
A lip lift, also known as an upper lip lift, subnasal (bullhorn) lip lift, philtrum reduction or lip-nose distance shortening, is a surgical procedure that shortens the space between the base of the nose and the upper lip. This space is called the philtrum. When it is long, the red part of the upper lip (the vermilion) is less visible, the lip looks short or flat and the upper teeth show very little at rest. Many people try to make their lips look fuller by applying lipstick above the natural lip line or by adding more and more filler, but this does not change the length of the upper lip and can lead to an unnatural look.
In a lip lift, a small strip of skin is removed from just below the nose, and the upper lip is lifted slightly. This turns the red part of the lip outward and makes it more visible, which is often called increasing the “vermilion show”. It can also help define the Cupid’s bow, the curve at the center of the upper lip, and it can reduce the need to overline the lip with makeup or to rely on repeated filler. Because the incision is hidden at the base of the nose, in a similar way to some rhinoplasty incisions, and is closed with fine stitches, the area usually heals in a short time.
A lip lift can improve concerns such as:
- A long distance between the nose and the upper lip (a long philtrum), which can also make the lower face look older
- A thin or flat-looking upper lip, or one that has lost definition with age
- A lip that looks “tucked in”, with little of the red part showing
- A flattened or poorly defined Cupid’s bow
- Upper teeth that barely show at rest
- A wish for a longer-lasting alternative to repeated filler
A lip lift changes the length of the upper lip. It does not add volume to the lips, it does not change the shape of the lower lip and it does not correct problems of the bite or jaw. The goal is a natural, balanced upper lip, not a lip that looks too short or pulled up.
Why Choose Turkey for a Lip Lift?
Turkey is one of the most frequently preferred destinations for international patients seeking facial aesthetic surgery. Patients who research a lip lift in Turkey or a lip lift in Istanbul usually mention the following reasons:
- Experienced surgeons: Many surgeons in Turkey treat patients from abroad regularly and take part in international medical communities.
- Modern facilities: Procedures are performed in clinical settings that follow established protocols.
- Cost advantage: Lip lift prices in Turkey are generally lower than in many Western countries, largely because of different operating costs and exchange rates.
- Coordinated patient journey: Airport transfers, accommodation support, interpreters and follow-up can be organized for you.
- Shorter waiting times: Consultations and surgery can usually be scheduled promptly.
- Istanbul as a destination: A lip lift requires a stay of about 3–5 days, and many patients combine it with time in one of the world’s most culturally rich cities.
Choosing a destination should never be based on price alone. The surgeon’s qualifications, the facility’s standards and the quality of follow-up care matter far more.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Duygulu for a Lip Lift in Istanbul
- Surgeon-led care from the first consultation to the final follow-up
- Individual planning for each face, with careful measurement of how much the lip should be shortened
- Experience with the nose and the face as a whole, which helps in planning the relationship between the nose, lips and chin
- A natural-result philosophy that avoids an over-shortened upper lip and an unnatural smile
- Honest advice on whether a lip lift, filler or another option suits you best
- A 24/7 accessible patient coordination team for international patients
- Verified patient reviews on Google, RealSelf, Flymedi and Instagram
- A central clinic in Harbiye / Nişantaşı, Istanbul
When Might a Lip Lift Be Necessary?
A lip lift is considered when the distance between the nose and the upper lip is long and the red part of the lip is hardly visible. It does not have to be done for every concern around the lips. Some problems can be solved with lip filler or with other methods, such as a facelift when the whole face has aged, so it is important to know why you want the procedure and to decide with your surgeon which method suits you best. If you are not satisfied with your lip shape, a consultation before any treatment helps you avoid an operation you do not need.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Lip Lift?
A lip lift may be suitable if you:
- Have a long distance between the nose and the upper lip
- Feel that your upper lip looks flat, thin or short, with little of the red part showing
- Would like your upper teeth to show a little more at rest or when smiling
- Prefer a longer-lasting option instead of repeated filler
- Are an adult in good general health, with no uncontrolled medical conditions
- Do not smoke, or are willing to stop before surgery as advised
- Have realistic expectations: a more balanced upper lip, not a different mouth
- Are making the decision for yourself rather than under outside pressure
Candidacy can only be confirmed through a consultation in which your lip proportions, nose, teeth, smile, skin and goals are assessed together, often with photographs taken at rest and while smiling.
Who May Not Be a Good Candidate?
A lip lift may need to be postponed or may not be recommended if you:
- Already have a short distance between the nose and the lip, or already have full upper lips, because shortening it further can look unnatural
- Have a congenital difference in the lip structure, such as a cleft lip, or an unusual mouth structure, which needs very careful evaluation
- Have very thin lips, because a lip lift does not add volume and another option may suit you better
- Have had previous surgery in the lip area, which may make planning more difficult
- Tend to form thick or raised scars (hypertrophic scars or keloids)
- Have an active infection or skin condition around the mouth and nose, or an active cold sore
- Have a bleeding disorder, an autoimmune disease or other uncontrolled medical conditions that may affect healing
- Smoke and are unwilling to stop
- Have unrealistic expectations, or a concern that is really about lip volume, which may be better addressed with filler
Your surgeon will give honest advice on whether a lip lift is right for you, even when the answer is a different treatment.
Lip Lift Techniques in Turkey
The approach is chosen after examination, not before. It depends on the length of your upper lip, the shape of your nose and your goals. These are the options most commonly discussed by patients researching a lip lift in Turkey.
Subnasal (Bullhorn) Lip Lift
A strip of skin is removed along the base of the nose, and the incision is hidden in the natural fold under the nose, in a shape that resembles a bullhorn. It shortens the whole upper lip evenly, increases the visible red part of the lip and helps define the Cupid’s bow. It is the most commonly discussed technique.
Central (Gull-Wing) Lip Lift
The incision is placed in the central area under the nose, usually shaped like a gull’s wing, to lift the center of the lip and shape the Cupid’s bow. It is considered when a smaller change in the middle of the lip is needed.
Italian Lip Lift
Similar in aim to the bullhorn technique, but it uses two smaller, separate incisions, one under each nostril, instead of one continuous incision. It may be considered in selected patients when a continuous incision is not ideal.
Corner Lip Lift
Small amounts of skin are removed at the corners of the mouth to lift downturned corners that can give a sad or tired expression. It treats a different concern from the standard lip lift and can be done alone or together with a subnasal lip lift.
Lip Lift with Filler
Some patients have both procedures, sometimes in different sessions, because a lip lift changes the lip length and filler changes the volume. A small amount of filler after a lip lift can refine the shape of the red part of the lip.
Lip Lift with Rhinoplasty
Because the base of the nose and the upper lip are closely related, a lip lift is sometimes planned together with rhinoplasty so that the nose, nostrils and lip are balanced.
Dr. Duygulu will explain which approach he recommends for your face and how much he plans to shorten the lip, as well as the alternatives.
How Is a Lip Lift Performed?
A lip lift is usually performed under local anesthesia, often with light sedation for comfort, as an outpatient procedure that commonly takes about 45–90 minutes.
Your surgeon first marks the planned incision on your skin while you are sitting upright and checks the measurements, which helps keep the result symmetrical. After the anesthesia takes effect, a small, carefully measured strip of skin is removed just under the nose, along the line that was planned. The amount removed is calculated to shorten the lip without an “overdone” look. The remaining skin of the upper lip is then lifted and redraped, which turns the red part of the lip outward and gives the lip a more youthful contour.
The incision is closed in layers with fine stitches. Closing in layers supports the new position of the tissues, reduces tension on the skin and helps the scar heal as discreetly as possible. A small dressing or tape may be applied. Since the incision is hidden at the base of the nose, the area usually heals in a short time, and your surgeon takes care that you can speak, smile and move your mouth comfortably, with no problem in the structure of the mouth or in speech after the operation. You will receive detailed instructions on wound care, medication and activity before you leave.
Lip Lift and Related Facial Procedures
A lip lift is often planned together with treatments for the lips, chin and nose to create a balanced, harmonious lower face. Dr. Hasan Duygulu evaluates your facial proportions and recommends only the treatments that suit your goals.
Chin Aesthetics
Refines the shape and projection of the chin to improve facial balance and profile. Dr. Hasan Duygulu plans the result in harmony with your nose and jawline.
Chin Aesthetics
Refines the shape and projection of the chin to improve facial balance and profile. Dr. Hasan Duygulu plans the result in harmony with your nose and jawline.
Lip Filling
Uses injectable fillers to add volume, definition and shape to the lips. It is a quick option with little downtime and temporary, adjustable results.
Your Lip Lift Journey with Dr. Duygulu
- Consultation Request
Send your request via WhatsApp, email or the website form, along with clear photos of your face from the front, both profiles and three-quarter views, taken at rest and while smiling. Our coordinator replies within 24 hours.
- Online Consultation with Dr. Duygulu
You discuss your goals, medical history, medications, previous procedures (including any lip filler or lip surgery) and any history of cold sores. The surgeon gives a preliminary assessment and tells you whether a lip lift, filler or another option may suit you. A final decision is made only after an in-person examination.
- Pre-Operative Planning
You receive written instructions on medications, supplements, smoking and alcohol. Our team helps with travel and accommodation planning.
- Arrival & In-Person Assessment
You are met at the airport. Before the procedure, you have an examination of your lip proportions, nose, teeth and smile, any required tests and a final consultation with your surgeon.
- Procedure Day
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient operation, and you go home the same day.
- Early Recovery & First Check
Dr. Duygulu reviews your healing in the first days, and the stitches are managed as planned before you travel home.
- Long-Term Follow-Up
We stay in contact after you return home, with photo-based check-ins as agreed with your surgeon.
Things To Do Before and After a Lip Lift
Before the procedure
- Share your full medical history, allergies, current medications and any history of cold sores or scarring problems
- Stop smoking and nicotine products before the procedure for the period your surgeon advises
- Avoid alcohol in the weeks leading up to the procedure as advised
- Ask your surgeon which medications and supplements to stop, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, fish oil and herbal products. Never stop prescribed medication without medical advice.
- Tell your surgeon about any lip filler you have had, and about any dental work planned
- Arrange a companion for the first day
After the procedure
- Keep your head elevated, including during sleep, for the first days
- Apply cold compresses gently as advised to limit swelling
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions on wound care, any ointment and medications
- Avoid exaggerated smiling, laughing, yawning and pulling on the upper lip for as long as advised, so the incision can heal
- Eat soft foods and cut food into small pieces at first
- Avoid strenuous exercise and any pressure on the area for as long as advised
- Protect the scar from the sun once your surgeon allows
- Do not smoke during recovery
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Contact your surgeon immediately if you notice bleeding, severe or one-sided swelling, increasing pain, fever, pus or any other concern
Lip Lift Recovery Timeline
Healing varies from person to person. This is a general guide:
- Days 1–3: Swelling and tightness of the upper lip are expected. This swelling is the body’s normal reaction to surgery and to the stitches. The upper lip may look shorter or more turned up than the final result at first. Discomfort is managed with prescribed medication.
- Days 4–10: Swelling gradually decreases. The stitches are removed or dissolve as planned, and many patients return to desk work after 3–7 days.
- Weeks 1–3: Most swelling and bruising settle, and most patients return to normal social life within 1–2 weeks. The scar is still pink.
- Months 1–6: Remaining swelling resolves, the lip relaxes into its final position and the result becomes clear.
- Months 3–12: The scar continues to mature and fade. Sun protection helps.
Flying Home After a Lip Lift
A lip lift is an outpatient procedure, so most patients stay in Istanbul for about 3–5 days. This allows early check-ups and stitch management before the journey home. Your surgeon will confirm when it is safe to fly. Share your travel plans early so your return date can be arranged around your recovery.
Risks and Possible Complications
Every procedure carries risks, and a lip lift is no exception. Possible risks include:
- Swelling and bruising, which are expected but may last longer in some patients
- Bleeding or hematoma (a collection of blood), which is why you should contact your surgeon at once if bleeding occurs
- Infection or reactivation of a cold sore
- A visible, widened, red or thickened scar under the nose
- Asymmetry of the lip or of the shape of the nostrils
- A lip that looks too short, too turned up or too flat, or a change in the way you smile
- Teeth that show too much
- Temporary or, rarely, permanent numbness or tightness of the upper lip
- Difficulty or discomfort in moving the lip, usually temporary
- Results that do not match your expectations, which may need a revision procedure
- Risks related to anesthesia
Dr. Duygulu will review these risks with you in detail during your consultation. Choosing a qualified surgeon, disclosing your full medical history and following aftercare instructions all help lower the risk.
How Long Do Lip Lift Results Last?
A lip lift changes the length of the upper lip through surgery, so the result is long-lasting, unlike filler, which is temporary. However, the lip and the skin around it continue to age, and some relaxation of the result can occur over time. A lip lift is not guaranteed to last for life, and some patients later choose a touch-up. Good skincare, sun protection and a stable weight support the result.
How to Choose a Lip Lift Surgeon in Turkey
Selecting the right surgeon matters more than the destination. Before booking a lip lift in Turkey, check:
- Qualifications: The surgeon’s specialty, training and experience in facial surgery. Verify credentials through official medical associations rather than relying on clinic websites alone.
- Facility: That the procedure takes place in a clean, licensed facility with emergency capability.
- Personal involvement: Whether the surgeon personally performs the procedure and follows your recovery.
- Honest advice: Whether the surgeon is willing to tell you that a lip lift is not right for you, or that filler may be enough, rather than offering the same procedure to everyone.
- Planning: Whether your plan is based on measurements and on photographs taken at rest and while smiling.
- Real results: Before and after photos of the surgeon’s own patients, with consent, and independent reviews.
- Transparent planning: A written plan that explains the technique, risks, follow-up and what the quote includes.
- Aftercare: How you can reach the team after you return home.
Be cautious of any offer that promises guaranteed results or quotes a fixed price without reviewing your photos and medical history.
What Determines the Cost of a Lip Lift in Turkey?
Lip lift prices depend on where the operation is performed and on your individual plan, which is why a reliable quote is only possible after reviewing your photos and medical history. The main factors are:
- The technique used (subnasal, central, Italian or corner lip lift)
- Whether it is performed alone or together with other procedures, such as rhinoplasty or filler
- The surgeon’s experience
- The facility and operating room standards
- The anesthesia type
- Post-operative care, including follow-up visits, medications and dressings
- Additional services such as transfers, accommodation and interpreter support
Lip lift prices in Turkey are generally lower than in many Western countries, but the lowest price is not a sign of the best value. For a personalized quote, contact our team with your photos and questions.
Op. Dr. Hasan Duygulu
Istanbul, Türkiye
Op. Dr. Hasan Duygulu
Born in Turkey, Dr. Hasan Duygulu graduated from Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine in 2009 and specialized in Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Diseases and Head & Neck Surgery. Throughout his career, he has focused on facial aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, with particular expertise in rhinoplasty, septoplasty, otoplasty and facelift. He holds double board certification in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (EBCFPRS and IBCFPRS). His practice is built on detailed facial evaluation and personalized surgical planning, so that every result looks natural and respects the unique character of each patient’s face.
Dr. Hasan Duygulu’s training did not end with his specialty. He has attended advanced rhinoplasty courses and live surgery workshops across Europe, and in 2016 he took part in deep-plane facelift cadaver dissection courses, which keeps his methods aligned with current scientific literature.
With more than 15 years of experience and over 6,000 operations across rhinoplasty, septoplasty, otoplasty and facelift surgery, he has treated patients from more than 30 countries.
Every patient has a detailed one-on-one consultation, and Dr. Hasan Duygulu personally performs every stage of the surgery, from planning to the final follow-up visit.
Dr. Hasan Duygulu’s approach to lip lift
Suited to patients whose upper lip is long, whose lip shape has flattened or whose upper teeth show little at rest, lip lift shortens the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip, so that more of the lip is visible and its shape becomes fuller and more youthful. Dr. Hasan Duygulu, one of the leading lip lift specialists in Turkey, measures this distance in relation to your nose, lips and facial proportions before planning how much to shorten it, because too little change is barely noticeable and too much looks unnatural. A lip lift is a surgical procedure that leaves a scar, and he explains where it will be placed, how it heals and what the recovery involves during the consultation. It is a longer-lasting alternative to fillers, and the aim is a natural-looking upper lip that suits your face.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is lip plumping and lip lift the same?
Lip augmentation is the work of injecting temporary or permanent products into the lip and increasing the volume of the lip. However, liplift is the work of lifting the lip by removing the subcutaneous tissue between the lip and nose. The two procedures are different from each other. Liplift surgery can also be performed on individuals with thin lips to thicken the upper lip. Because it turns the lip outward, the red part of the lip becomes more visible. The purpose of filling is actually the same thing as well as gaining volume; to make the red part more visible by turning the lip outward. Therefore, although these procedures are different, they basically have a similar effect. Lip augmentation is recommended for patients who do not have indications for lip lift surgery, sometimes both procedures can be applied to the patient in different sessions.
How long does lip lift surgery take?
A lip lift usually takes about 45–90 minutes, depending on the technique and whether it is combined with another procedure. It is performed as an outpatient operation, and you go home the same day.
How permanent is lip filler?
Lip filler is not permanent. Hyaluronic acid fillers, which are the most commonly used, usually last several months to around a year, depending on the product, the amount used and your body. The effect fades gradually, and the treatment is repeated if you want to keep the result. Your surgeon will explain what to expect.
Can I return to work immediately after the procedure?
After a lip lift, most patients return to desk work after about 3–7 days, although swelling and the scar under the nose may remain visible for longer. After lip filler, many patients return to work the same day or the next day, since downtime is short, but swelling or bruising can occur. Your surgeon will advise you based on your procedure.
Is lip augmentation safe?
Lip augmentation and lip lift are generally safe when performed by a qualified surgeon in a clean, licensed facility, but every procedure carries risks. For filler, these include bruising, swelling, lumps and, rarely, serious complications if filler enters a blood vessel. For a lip lift, they include bleeding, infection, scarring and asymmetry. Your surgeon will review the risks with you before treatment.
Is lip lift surgery permanent?
A lip lift changes the length of the upper lip surgically, so the result is long-lasting. However, the lip and the surrounding skin continue to age, and some relaxation of the result can occur over time. It is not guaranteed to last for life.
When does the lip lift heal?
Most swelling settles within the first days to 1–2 weeks, and most patients feel comfortable in social life after about 1–2 weeks. The lip relaxes into its final position over about 3–6 months, and the scar under the nose continues to mature and fade for longer. Healing varies from person to person.
Does lip augmentation hurt a lot?
Both procedures are performed with anesthesia. A lip lift is done under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure, only some pressure, and afterward most patients describe tightness and mild discomfort that is managed with prescribed medication. Lip filler is usually done with a numbing cream or local anesthetic, and the injections can feel uncomfortable for a short time.
Do lips look artificial after lip augmentation?
They should not. A natural result depends on using a suitable amount of filler and placing it in proportion to your face. Overfilling, or trying to correct a long distance between the nose and the lip with filler alone, can lead to an unnatural look, and in such cases a lip lift may suit you better. Your surgeon will advise you after examining you.
Is a lip lift in Turkey safe?
A lip lift is a surgical procedure, and its safety depends on the surgeon’s qualifications, the facility’s standards, your health and your aftercare, not on the country. Check your surgeon’s credentials, confirm the procedure takes place in a clean, licensed facility, and plan enough time for follow-up before flying home.
How much does a lip lift cost in Turkey?
The price depends on the technique, any combined procedures, the facility and the services included. A personalized quote is given after your photos and medical history are reviewed. Contact us for details.
How long should I stay in Turkey after a lip lift?
Plan for about 3–5 days. This covers the procedure and the first check-ups. Your surgeon will confirm when it is safe to fly.
What is the philtrum, and why does its length matter?
The philtrum is the area between the base of your nose and your upper lip. When it is long, the red part of the upper lip is less visible and the lower face can look older. A lip lift shortens this distance. Your surgeon will measure it during your consultation to decide whether shortening it would suit your face.
Will a lip lift leave a visible scar?
The incision is placed at the base of the nose, where it is hidden in the natural fold, and it is closed with fine stitches, so the scar is usually not very noticeable once healed. It cannot be eliminated entirely, and it can stay red for a few months. Healing varies by person, and your surgeon will explain how to care for it.
Will a lip lift change my smile or my speech?
A lip lift can show a little more of the upper teeth and the red part of the lip when you smile. Your surgeon plans the amount carefully so that your smile looks natural, and so that you can speak and move your mouth comfortably after the operation. Some tightness is expected in the first days.
Can a lip lift lift the corners of the mouth?
A standard lip lift under the nose shortens the upper lip and does not lift the corners of the mouth. If the corners turn down, a separate corner lip lift can be considered, alone or together with a lip lift under the nose. Your surgeon will tell you whether it suits you after examining you.
Can I combine a lip lift with other procedures?
Often yes, if your health allows. A lip lift is commonly planned together with lip filling, in the same or in different sessions, or with rhinoplasty and chin procedures. The safety of combining procedures is decided during your consultation.