Awake Lip Lift Cost and Procedure Guide

Want to enhance your lips without endless touch-ups or time under anesthesia? The awake lip lift could be your answer. Performed using local anesthetic, this surgical procedure subtly shortens the space between your nose and upper lip, creating a naturally fuller, more defined smile with long-lasting results.¹ And that can be something to smile about.

Read on to learn more about whether an awake lip lift could be right for you.

What Is an Awake Lip Lift?

An awake lip lift is a surgical cosmetic procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the upper lip by removing a small strip of skin under the nose known as the philtrum, shortening the distance between the nose and the lip. The remaining skin is sutured to subtly elevate the lip, which increases the amount of visible upper lip, enhancing the Cupid’s bow and creating a more defined, voluminous upper lip.¹

Benefits

Compared to a traditional lip lift, an awake lip lift:³

• Avoids the potential side effects and consequences of general anesthesia
• Decreases the total procedure time
• Eliminates recovery time from general anesthesia
• Enables patients to be alert and able to communicate with the surgeon during the procedure
• May be less expensive than a lip lift that involves general anesthesia

Even though you’ll be alert and aware during an awake lip lift, your surgeon will still use a local anesthetic to ensure the area is numb and you don’t feel any pain during the procedure.³

Techniques

There are a variety of techniques that can be used during a lip lift procedure to achieve different aesthetic goals.

• Bullhorn lip lift. One of the most popular lip lift options, the bullhorn or subnasal lip lift involves an incision underneath the base of the nose in the shape of a bullhorn. Removing this small strip of skin exposes more of the pink part of the upper lip.⁴
• Central lip lift. For this technique, a small incision is made at the base of the nose to remove a narrow strip of skin from the center area. This approach enhances fullness in the middle of the lips but does not significantly affect the outer corners of the mouth.⁵
• Corner lip lift. The corner lip lift, or smile lift, focuses on elevating the outer corners of the mouth to create a more youthful, upturned appearance. Small incisions are made at the corners of the mouth to remove small segments of skin. The incisions are sutured to lift the sagging corners, creating a more joyful expression.⁴
• Direct lip lift. Also known as a gull wing lip lift, this technique removes a small strip of skin just above the vermilion border of the lip. This technique directly lifts the lip to create a fuller appearance. Since the incision is directly along the lip line, it may leave a visible scar and so may be often reserved for those seeking a more dramatic result.⁴

Some lip lift techniques can also be combined for a complete lip rejuvenation.⁴ A consultation with a cosmetic surgeon can help evaluate the dimensions of your face and your desired aesthetic results to suggest the best option.

How Much Does an Awake Lip Lift Cost?

The average cost for an awake lip lift procedure can range between $2,000 and $5,000. The total cost of an awake lip lift procedure may vary based on the geographic location and expertise of the surgeon.⁶

In general, the cost for an awake lip lift may be less expensive than a traditional lip lift with general anesthesia.⁶

Does Insurance Cover an Awake Lip Lift?

Lip enhancement procedures, like an awake lip lift, are generally considered cosmetic procedures and not covered by health insurance plans.⁷

How Can You Pay for an Awake Lip Lift?

There are several ways to pay for an awake lip lift, depending on what your provider offers and your budget. Some pay up front with cash, check or a credit/debit card. Others may choose a payment plan offered through the practice.

If you’d prefer to pay over time, the CareCredit credit card is another option many patients use for out-of-pocket health and wellness services. If approved, you can make monthly payments (with promotional financing options where available). Promotional finance options vary, so review the details and ask the office whether they accept CareCredit before deciding.

Who Is a Good Candidate for an Awake Lip Lift?

An awake lip lift may be a good option for those seeking a boost to lips that have thinned, sagged or lost their shape due to aging or genetics. It is also a good option for those interested in a long-lasting solution versus injectable lip fillers. The procedure can also be used to balance naturally uneven lips or address changes after a rhinoplasty that may make the upper lip appear too long.²

How Does an Awake Lip Lift Work?

Considering an awake lip lift? Here are some things to know about the prep, procedure and recovery.

Preparation

Before an awake lip lift, schedule a consultation with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon to review the options available for your desired results. Your surgeon may give you instructions to avoid smoking, alcohol and certain medications in the weeks before the awake lip lift.⁸

Procedure

During an awake lip lift procedure, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the treatment area. Then, your surgeon will mark out the shape of the skin to be removed, such as under the nostrils for a bullhorn lip lift. The designated skin will then be removed, and the remaining tissue will be lifted and sutured. The procedure typically takes less than an hour to complete.²

Recovery

Since only local anesthetic is used, the recovery immediately following an awake lip lift can be relatively quick. Some swelling and pain can be normal and can typically be managed with pain medication.⁷ Sutures can be removed a week after the procedure, but discomfort and tightness may continue for three or four weeks. However, you may usually return to your normal daily activities within 10 days.²

Awake Lip Lift Results: What to Expect

Although initial swelling may delay visible results for about three weeks, the majority of results from an awake lip lift should be visible within three to four months, with full definition developing over the course of the next year.² Results from an awake lip lift can last five to 10 years.⁷

Scheduling Your Awake Lip Lift

Ready to take the next step to enhance the appearance of your lips? Whether you are tired of your lip filler appointments or looking to literally turn that frown upside down, an awake lip lift can offer a more defined smile and long-lasting results without a lengthy recovery time.

Schedule a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon to explore if an awake lip lift is the right option for you.

Financing an Awake Lip Lift With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for an awake lip lift and related expenses not covered by health insurance.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Kate Bayless is a health and wellness freelance writer with 20 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women’s Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.