Before & After
Actual Patient
Facial Feminization Surgery
Upper Lip
Upper Lip
Lift
Surgery
One of the simplest and most underestimated procedures in FFS — shortening the philtrum to reveal more upper teeth and balance the lip/chin proportion in a naturally feminine way.
Local anaesthesia
No hospitalization
60–90 minutes
Permanent result
What is it
A small surgery with a large impact on facial femininity
The upper lip — meaning the entire flexible area between the nose and the mouth, not just the vermilion border — is a key marker of gender and youth. When women leave their mouths slightly open, a little portion of the upper teeth are typically visible. In men, the upper lip is proportionally longer and tends to cover the teeth more completely. This difference is subtle but immediately legible.
Upper lip lift — also called philtrum shortening or bull horn lip lift — removes a small strip of skin and muscle just below the nose, in the shape of a bull horn. This permanently shortens the philtrum and produces three simultaneous changes: the lip slightly rolls upward, more vermillion becomes visible, and the upper teeth can potentially be exposed by 1 to 3mm.
It is one of the simplest outpatient procedures in FFS, performed under local anaesthesia with no hospitalization required. The scar falls directly under the nose, in the natural shadow where it becomes nearly invisible within months.
In the few cases where a rhinoplasty is too complex to be done through the nostrils and an incision across the columella is needed, this incision is the same as the one used for upper lip lift.So, it's one incision shared by two FFS procedures.
Procedure at a glance
Surgery duration60–90 minutes
AnaesthesiaLocal
HospitalizationNot required
BandageAdhesive tape for 1 week
Stitches removed7–10 days post-op
Swelling2–3 days · no bruising
ResultPermanent
How it works
Two feminizing effects
Two feminizing effects
from a single incision
The bull horn technique removes a strip of skin just below the nose. That single movement simultaneously produces two potential distinct changes — each contributing to a more feminine lower face.
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Optional: lip filler at the same session
If, even with the lift, the lip appears too thin, lipofilling (fat micro grafting) or an injectable filler can be applied at the same time or afterwards to add volume to the vermillion. This is optional and decided based on each patient's anatomy and personal goals.
Real Results
Upper lip lift — before & after
All photos published with patient consent. Individual results vary based on anatomy, procedures performed and recovery.
Before & After
Upper Lip Lift
Before & After
Upper Lip Lift
Recovery
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Fast, minimal recovery — back to normal within days
Upper lip lift has one of the most straightforward recoveries in the entire FFS spectrum. Because it is performed under local anaesthesia with no hospitalization, patients return to their home or hotel the same day. The area will feel tight for the first days — talking and eating may feel slightly constrained — but this resolves quickly.
Swelling typically subsides within 2–3 days. Bruising is uncommon. Stitches are removed between 7 and 10 days post-op. The scar falls directly below the nose where it sits in natural shadow — most patients report it becomes nearly invisible within months.
Day 2
Gauze replaced
Small band-aid replaces the gauze. Swelling at its peak.
Day 3
Swelling fades
Swelling starts to go down. Lip begins to feel more natural.
8–10d
Stitches removed
Final stitch removal. Scar barely visible under the nose.
A few weeks
Scar fades
Scar blends with surrounding skin — concealed by the nose shadow.
Risks & considerations
1
Hypertrophic scar or keloid
Excessive scar tissue due to genetic skin traits. More common in darker skin types — discussed during consultation.
2
Asymmetry
Carefully planned and marked before surgery. Minor asymmetries are correctable after healing.
3
Dehiscence
Some stitches may loosen due to the constant movement of the lip area during eating and talking. Usually self-limiting.
4
Infection
Very unlikely when the prescribed antibiotic protocol is followed post-surgery.
Facial Feminization Surgery
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