Dr. James D. Namnoum | Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
in Atlanta
Lip Lift
A youthful, balanced facial aesthetic is often defined by the proportions of the lips and their relationship to the rest of the face. In Atlanta, many individuals seek a lip lift to address an elongated upper lip, which can occur due to the natural aging process or genetic factors. Dr. James Namnoum, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 35 years of experience, provides personalized lip enhancement to restore facial harmony and a natural-lookingpout.
What Is A Lip Lift?
A lip lift is a surgical procedure designed to shorten the philtrum, which is the vertical space between the base of the nose and the top of the upper lip. By removing a small strip of excess skin, the procedure elevates the position of the upper lip, increases the visibility of the upper teeth, and accentuates the cupid’s bow. Surgical lip augmentation procedures like the lip lift provide a permanent solution for those with thin lips or a long upper lip that hides their smile.1
Benefits of Lip Lift Surgery
Choosing a lip lift in Atlanta or Alpharetta offers several advantages for those looking to rejuvenate their appearance:
- Enhanced Tooth Show: Restores the youthful “peek” of the upper teeth when the mouth is at rest or during a smile.
- Permanent Results: Unlike dermal fillers, a lip lift does not require repeat treatments every few months to maintain volume.
- Improved Facial Proportions: Shortening a long upper lip can make the entire face appear more rejuvenated and balanced.2
- Natural-Looking Results: By adjusting the underlying structure rather than just adding volume, Dr. Namnoum avoids the “overfilled” look often associated with excessive lip fillers.
“A lip lift is not just about volume, it is about restoring the architectural balance of the lower face to reflect a patient’s inner vitality,” says Dr. Namnoum.
Lip Lift vs. Lip Fillers vs. Lip Flip
While lip fillers and the Botoxlip flip are popular for temporary lip augmentation, they serve different purposes than an upper lip lift.
- Lip Fillers: These use hyaluronic acid (dermal fillers) to add volume to the upper and lower lip. However, if the philtrum is already long, adding volume can sometimes cause the lip to hang lower, which may not achieve the desired aesthetic goals.
- Lip Flip: This technique uses Botox to relax the muscles around the mouth, allowing the upper lip to roll slightly upward. This is a subtle, temporary change that lasts a few months.
- Lip Lift: This is a permanent cosmetic procedure that physically shortens the distance between the nose and lip, providing structural rejuvenation that non-surgical options cannot match.
Are You a Good Candidate?
An ideal candidate for a lip lift in Atlanta is someone who:
- Has a long upper lip that covers the upper teeth when smiling or at rest.
- Feels their upper lip lacks definition or a visible cupid’s bow.
- Desires a permanent alternative to lip augmentation with fillers.
- Has realistic expectations and is in good overall health.
During your lip lift consultation, Dr. Namnoum will perform a thorough evaluation of your facial features to create a customized treatment plan.
Types of Lip Lifts
Dr. Namnoum offers several types of lip lifts to meet the diverse needs of his patients:
- Subnasal Bullhorn Lip Lift: The most common technique, involving a small incision hidden at the base of the nose.
- Corner Lip Lift: Specifically targets the corners of the mouth to correct a downturned or “sad” expression.
- Central Lip Lift: Focuses on the middle portion of the lip to enhance the curvature of the cupid’s bow.
- Modified Lip Lift: An advanced surgical procedure that adjusts deeper tissue layers for a more comprehensive and stable lift, similar to techniques used in a deep plane facelift.
Male Lip Lift in Atlanta
Men also benefit from lip enhancement, though the approach must be carefully tailored to maintain masculine facial features. Dr. Namnoum ensures that the lift is subtle, focusing on proportion and tooth show rather than excessive fullness, to achieve a refreshed appearance that respects male anatomy.
The Lip Lift Procedure
The lip lift procedure is typically an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. It generally takes about one hour to complete. Dr. Namnoum makes small incisions, removes the necessary amount of excess skin, and uses fine sutures to close the area. This precision ensures minimal scarring and a smooth healing process.
Recovery and Healing Process
Patients undergoing subnasal lip lifts typically experience a predictable recovery timeline:
- Days 1-3: Expect some swelling and mild discomfort. Cold compresses and keeping the head elevated can help manage these symptoms.
- Days 5-7:Sutures are typically removed during a follow-up appointment. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and light social activities at this stage.
- Weeks 2-4: Residual swelling continues to subside, and the final results begin to emerge. You should avoid strenuous activities during this time.
- Months 3-6: The incision line fades significantly, resulting in minimal visible scarring.
“The key to a successful recovery is patience and following the post-operativetreatment plan to ensure the most natural-looking results,” notes Dr. Namnoum.
Risks and Safety Information
As with any surgical procedure, a lip lift carries potential risks. While rare when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, complications can include:
- Infection or bleeding (less than 1% in healthy patients).
- Visible scarring or poor wound healing.
- Asymmetry or over-correction.
- Temporary numbness or changes in sensation.
Dr. Namnoum discusses these risks in detail during your consultation to ensure you are fully informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find a lip lift near me?
If you are looking for a lip lift near me in Atlanta or Alpharetta, Dr. James Namnoum at Atlanta Plastic Surgery, PC offers world-class care. With decades of experience and a focus on facial harmony, he provides personalized results that enhance your natural beauty.
Can I combine any other procedures with lip lift surgery?
Yes, a lip lift is often part of a broader facial rejuvenation plan. It can be combined with a facelift, neck lift, or deep plane facelift for comprehensive lower face aging. Other options include blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), injectable treatments, or laser skin resurfacing to improve skin texture and address fine lines.
How long do the results of a lip lift last?
The results of a lip lift are permanent. While the face will continue to age naturally, the structural change to the philtrum length remains constant, providing a lasting improvement to your facial aesthetic.
Is there a risk of visible scarring?
While any surgical procedure involves an incision, Dr. Namnoum is highly skilled in reconstructive surgery techniques. He places the small incisions in the natural shadows at the base of the nose to ensure that any scarring is as discreet as possible.3
About Dr. James Namnoum
Dr. James Namnoum, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified plastic surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Emory University and is a partner at AtlantaPlastic Surgery, PC. He completed his medical degree and residency at the prestigious Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. With over 35 years of experience, he is a nationally renowned expert in facial plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Schedule Your Consultation in Atlanta
If you are ready to learn more about how a lip lift can enhance your facial harmony and provide a more youthful appearance, we invite you to schedule a private consultation with Dr. James Namnoum. During your visit, he will answer your questions and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your aesthetic goals.
1 Cleveland Clinic. Lip Lift. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/lip-lift. Accessed December 29, 2025.
2 ASPS. Lip service: A deep dive into the world of lip lifts and other lip augmentation procedures. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/articles/lip-service-a-deep-dive-into-the-world-of-lip-lifts-and-other-lip-augmentation-procedures. Accessed December 29, 2025.
3 Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Different Techniques and Quantitative Measurements in Upper lip lift: A Systematic Review. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9976673/. Accessed December 29, 2025.
