What are the risks and complications of a lip lift?
⚠️ When to contact your surgeon urgently
After a lip lift, contact your surgeon right away if you notice signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge from the incision site, or if you develop a fever. Seek emergency care if you experience sudden difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe or worsening pain, or any signs of tissue color change (such as skin turning white, blue, or black) near the surgical area, as these could signal serious complications requiring immediate attention.
Short answer
Lip lift surgery is generally considered safe, with most patients experiencing minimal complications. The most commonly reported issues include mild scarring at the incision site and temporary numbness (paraesthesia), both of which typically resolve within a few months. Serious or long-term complications appear to be uncommon based on available studies.
What the research shows
A systematic review of six studies covering 361 patients who underwent lip lift surgery (sometimes combined with rhinoplasty) found that mild scarring and temporary paraesthesia (numbness or tingling) were the most common complications, and both resolved within a few months in most cases [3]. No long-term impairments in lip function were reported.
A separate cohort study of 84 patients who had a specific upper lip lift technique found that the procedure yielded significant aesthetic results with few complications overall. Patient satisfaction was high, with about 96% of followed-up patients reporting satisfaction [2].
What this means for you
Based on current evidence, a lip lift appears to carry a relatively low risk of serious or lasting complications. The risks you are most likely to hear discussed include:
- Scarring: Because the incision is made at the base of the nose, a scar is expected. In most cases it fades significantly, but individual healing varies [3].
- Temporary numbness or tingling around the lip area, which typically resolves on its own within weeks to months [3].
- Dissatisfaction with results: A small percentage of patients in one study (about 4%) reported being dissatisfied with their outcome [2].
Every surgical procedure carries general risks such as infection, bleeding, and reactions to anesthesia, though these were not highlighted as major concerns in the lip lift studies reviewed.
What to ask your surgeon
Before moving forward, consider asking your surgeon these questions:
- How will the incision be placed to minimize visible scarring, and what scar management will be recommended after surgery?
- How much experience do you have with lip lift procedures specifically, and can I see before-and-after photos of your patients?
- What is your personal complication rate, and what would the plan be if I experienced numbness or poor healing?
- Am I a good candidate based on my lip anatomy and skin type?
It is worth noting that most published studies on lip lift complications are relatively small cohort studies, so long-term data is still limited [3].
Caveats
The research available on lip lift complications is based on observational cohort studies, not large randomized controlled trials. This means complication rates could be underestimated, since these studies may not capture all patients or long-term outcomes [3][2]. Results can also vary significantly depending on the surgeon's skill and the specific technique used. This information is for general education only, not a substitute for a personalized consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.