Ataşehir Mah. Feza Sk. No:3 İstanbul / Türkiye
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Introduction
A lip lift is surgery that shortens the space between the nose and upper lip. It can make the upper lip look fuller. It may also show more of the top teeth at rest. Because a lip lift involves an incision, it always leaves a scar. In most cases, the scar is placed in the natural crease beneath the nose to keep it discreet. Many patients want to know how long it will take for that scar to heal and fade. This guide sets out a typical lip lift scar healing timeline over the first year. It also explains what affects healing and how to support the best possible result.
What Is a Lip Lift?
A lip lift removes a small strip of skin beneath the base of the nose. The remaining skin is then stitched together, which lifts the upper lip into a new position. There are several types of lip lift, each with a different incision pattern. The most common is the bullhorn or subnasal lip lift. Here, the incision follows the curved base of the nose from side to side. Other types include the corner lip lift and the gullwing lip lift. The gullwing places the incision along the lip border. The procedure usually takes around one hour and is often performed under local anaesthesia. Most patients go home on the same day as their procedure.
Where Is the Lip Lift Scar?
The position of the lip lift scar depends on the type of lip lift performed. With a bullhorn lip lift, the scar runs along the crease where the nose meets the lip. This placement allows the scar to blend into the shadow beneath the nose once it has healed. With a gullwing lip lift, the scar sits along the lip edge and may be more visible. A corner lip lift leaves small scars at the outer corners of the mouth. These are often less noticeable once healing is complete.
Lip Lift Scar Healing Timeline: The First Week
The first week is usually the most noticeable stage of healing. Upper lip often feels tight and swollen, and some bruising is common. The incision may look red and slightly raised during this time. Stitches are usually removed after around five to seven days, unless dissolvable stitches are used. Gentle cleaning of the incision and the use of any recommended ointment helps to keep the area clean. Most patients can return to light activities within a few days.
Lip Lift Scar Healing Timeline: Weeks Two to Six
Once the stitches are removed, the scar usually appears as a thin pink or red line. Swelling continues to settle, and the lip begins to look more natural. Some patients notice that the scar becomes slightly firmer or more raised during this stage. This is a normal part of healing as new collagen forms beneath the skin. Many patients can wear make-up over the scar from around two weeks. The surgeon should first confirm that it has closed. The surgical site as a whole usually takes around six to eight weeks to heal.
Lip Lift Scar Healing Timeline: Months Two to Six
Between the second and sixth months, the scar gradually becomes softer and flatter. The redness fades slowly, although the scar may still be pink in colour. The upper lip may continue to feel tight for a couple of months after surgery. In some patients, this tightness can last for up to six months. Most of the final lip shape is usually visible by around four months after surgery. However, the scar itself continues to mature for longer than this.
Lip Lift Scar Healing Timeline: Six to Twelve Months
A lip lift scar usually continues to mature for up to a year after surgery. During this time, the colour fades further and the scar becomes closer to the surrounding skin tone. For many patients, the scar becomes difficult to notice at a normal conversational distance. However, every patient heals differently, and some scars remain more visible than others. The table below summarises a typical lip lift scar healing timeline.
| Stage | What to Expect |
| Days 1 to 7 | Swelling, tightness and a red incision; stitches often removed around day 5 to 7 |
| Weeks 2 to 6 | Pink or red line, possible firmness; make-up often possible from around week 2 |
| Weeks 6 to 8 | Surgical site usually fully healed; swelling much reduced |
| Months 2 to 6 | Scar softens and flattens; lip tightness gradually eases |
| Months 6 to 12 | Scar continues to fade and blend with surrounding skin |
Factors That Affect Healing
Several factors can influence how well and how quickly a lip lift scar heals. Some of these are within the patient's control, while others are not. Factors that affect healing include the following:
- The surgeon's technique and the precision of the stitching
- Skin type and tone, as some skin is more prone to visible scarring
- Genetics and any history of raised or thickened scars
- Smoking, which reduces blood flow and slows healing
- Sun exposure, which can darken a healing scar
- How closely aftercare instructions are followed
Patients with a history of keloid scars should discuss this with the surgeon before surgery. Extra precautions or treatments may be recommended to reduce the risk of a raised scar. Darker skin tones can also be more prone to temporary darkening of a healing scar. Careful sun protection and early review can help to manage this.
Conclusion
A lip lift incision usually closes within around two weeks. The area as a whole heals over six to eight weeks. It then continues to soften and fade for up to a year. Good aftercare, sun protection and avoiding smoking can all support a better result. A specialist consultation is the best way to understand how your scar is likely to heal. Additionally, following personalised recovery guidance helps protect delicate skin during the healing process. Regular follow-up appointments allow surgeons to assess scar development and recommend suitable care. Furthermore, patience is essential because visible improvements continue gradually.
Explore lip lift scar surgery options at ACIBADEM Beauty Center to learn more about lip lift surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most lip lift scars are placed in the natural crease beneath the nose. Once healed, they are often difficult to see at a normal distance. Healing does vary between patients, depending on skin type and aftercare.
Stitches are usually removed around five to seven days after surgery. Some surgeons use dissolvable stitches instead, which do not need removing. Your surgeon will confirm the stitch plan for your procedure.
Make-up is usually avoided until the incision has fully closed. This is often around two weeks after surgery for most patients. Your surgeon will confirm when it is safe to apply make-up.
A lip lift scar does not disappear completely, as all surgical scars are permanent. However, it usually fades and becomes much less visible over time. Many patients find it hard to notice after a year.
Yes, treatments such as laser or microneedling may help to improve a visible scar. A small revision procedure may be offered in some cases. These options are usually considered once the scar has matured.
