LIPS · ILLUSTRATED 3D RECOVERY
Lip Lift (Philtrum Shortening): before & after and recovery stages
Follow a subnasal lip-lift example from stitches and swelling to a shorter philtrum with a residual scar line.
Also called bullhorn lip lift · subnasal lip lift
SUMMARY
What this example shows
The upper-lip and philtrum surface shifts upward toward the nose. The example shortens the visible nose-to-upper-lip distance instead of adding filler volume to both lips. An optional subnasal closure shows early stitches and a line that fades but remains at the later checkpoint. This illustrates one incision pattern, not corner or direct-border lifts, dental show, sensation or lip function.
STAGE BY STAGE
Lip Lift (Philtrum Shortening) recovery stages
Before treatment
The unchanged display face provides a reference for this example.
First few days: Stitches below the nose
Fine stitches cross a closed line beneath the nose while the upper lip is swollen.
This is one subnasal incision example. Turn the closure display off to inspect the contour.
Around 1 week: Line after example stitch removal
The stitches are hidden; local color and a visible incision line remain.
Day 7 is an illustrative switch. Suture type and actual removal timing follow the surgical plan.
Around 1 month: Less swelling, visible scar
The shorter nose-to-lip distance becomes clearer while the incision line retains color.
Less swelling does not mean the scar has finished changing.
Around 4 months: Lift with a residual line
The lifted upper lip remains beneath a fainter, still-present subnasal line.
Scar visibility varies; this endpoint does not promise a scar-free result.
TIMELINE
Day-by-day checkpoints in the 3D model
The simulator interpolates between these authored checkpoints. They describe the illustration, not measured clinical averages.
The unchanged display face provides a reference for this example.
Stitches and local incision color accompany upper-lip swelling.
The upper lip is fuller while the new position is partly obscured.
Example stitches are no longer shown; the incision line and some swelling remain.
Less fullness makes the shortened philtrum easier to see.
Early color has faded in this illustration.
Surface appearance does not show how tight the area feels.
A faint residual incision line remains; this surface does not show sensation or guarantee a final scar.
INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES
How recovery can vary
Timing and response
Incision pattern, skin response and suture type vary. This subnasal example does not represent every lip-lift technique or simulate dental show, sensation or lip function.
Longer term
The comparison extends to four months. The faint scar remains in the example; longer scar changes, tightness and sensation are not predicted.
EVIDENCE NOTES
Sources and limitations
- Cleveland Clinic: Lip lift
Subnasal incision, small stitches, early swelling and a scar that can fade over time. It does not establish this model’s path, stitch-removal day or fading intensity.
KEEP COMPARING
Other lips examples
This illustration is not medical advice, diagnosis, a treatment recommendation or a prediction of personal results. Swelling, color, contour and dates are authored examples on a fictional face. BeautiNext is not a clinic; your treating team’s assessment and written recovery plan take priority.