Subtle, natural-looking enhancement for a more balanced smile
The appearance of the lips is influenced by more than lip volume. The relationship between the upper lip and nose, the amount of visible upper lip, and the position and movement of the lips all contribute to facial balance.
At JH Face, Dr. Jonathan Harounian offers individualized lip enhancement using Botox®, dermal filler, or surgical lip lift techniques—depending on your anatomy, goals, and desired degree of change.
Different lip concerns call for different treatments.
A Longer or Less Defined Upper Lip
If the upper lip appears elongated or too little of the pink lip is visible, a surgical lip lift may provide a more structural and lasting improvement.
More Visible Upper Lip
A Botox lip flip can subtly relax the muscles that pull the upper lip inward, allowing slightly more of the upper lip to show.
More Lip Volume or Definition
Dermal filler can add volume, enhance the lip border, improve symmetry, and provide greater definition without surgery.
Facial Balance
Sometimes the best result comes from combining treatments or addressing the relationship between the lips, nose, chin, and surrounding facial structures.
Botox® Lip Flip
A lip flip uses a small amount of botulinum toxin to relax the muscles surrounding the upper lip.
This can allow the upper lip to roll slightly outward, creating the appearance of a fuller upper lip without adding volume.
Best for:
Results are subtle and temporary, typically lasting several months.
Dermal filler can enhance the lips by adding volume and improving contour and definition.
Treatment can be highly individualized—from a very subtle enhancement to more noticeable augmentation.
Filler may be used to:
Lip filler is temporary, and results vary depending on the product used, treatment technique, and individual metabolism.
A surgical lip lift addresses the underlying proportions of the upper lip rather than simply adding volume.
The procedure removes a small amount of skin between the nose and upper lip, shortening the distance between them and rotating the upper lip slightly outward. This can increase the amount of visible pink lip and create a more youthful, defined appearance.
A surgical lip lift may be appropriate for patients with:
Unlike filler or Botox, a surgical lip lift produces a lasting anatomical change.
| Treatment | Primary Goal | Adds Volume? | Downtime | Duration |
| Botox Lip Flip | Subtle upper-lip eversion | No | Minimal | Several months |
| Lip Filler | Volume and definition | Yes | Usually minimal | Temporary |
| Surgical Lip Lift | Shorten upper lip and increase visible lip | No | Recovery required | Long-lasting |
The right treatment depends on your anatomy and what you want to change—not simply how much volume you want.
A lip lift is performed through a carefully placed incision at the natural crease beneath the nose.
A measured amount of skin is removed, and the upper lip is repositioned to create a shorter upper-lip-to-nose distance and greater visibility of the vermilion.
The incision is meticulously positioned to minimize its visibility as it heals.
Because facial anatomy and scar formation vary between patients, the technique is customized to your individual proportions and goals.
Swelling and bruising are expected during the initial recovery period.
Patients should plan for a period of healing before the final result becomes apparent. The incision continues to mature over time, and scar appearance generally improves as healing progresses.
Dr. Harounian will provide individualized postoperative instructions and follow-up throughout the healing process.
Not necessarily—they address different problems.
Filler is primarily used to add volume and enhance lip shape.
A surgical lip lift changes the proportions and position of the upper lip. It may be particularly effective when the distance between the nose and upper lip is long or when adding filler alone would not adequately address the concern.
Some patients benefit from a combination of structural lip lift surgery and carefully placed filler.
The goal is not simply to create larger lips, but to create proportionate, natural-looking lips that complement the rest of the face.
Lip enhancement requires an understanding of facial proportions—not simply adding volume.
As a facial plastic and ENT surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Harounian evaluates the lips in relation to the nose, chin, teeth, smile, and overall facial anatomy.
Each treatment is individualized to achieve a balanced result while avoiding an overly filled or artificial appearance.
Whether the best option is Botox, filler, surgery, or a combination approach, treatment is selected based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Serving patients in Great Neck, Long Island, Nassau County, and throughout the New York area.
Does a lip lift make the lips bigger?
A lip lift does not primarily add volume. Instead, it shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip and increases the amount of visible vermilion, which can make the upper lip appear fuller.
Is a lip lift permanent?
A surgical lip lift creates a lasting anatomical change, although the face continues to age naturally over time.
Will I have a scar?
A surgical lip lift requires an incision beneath the nose. The incision is strategically placed within the natural contour of the nose and upper lip, but any surgical incision can result in a scar. Scar appearance varies between patients.
Is a lip flip the same as lip filler?
No. A Botox lip flip relaxes specific muscles to subtly rotate the upper lip outward. Filler physically adds volume and can change the shape and contour of the lips.
Can I combine a lip lift with filler?
Yes. In selected patients, filler can complement a surgical lip lift by providing additional volume or refinement. The timing and approach should be individualized.
How long does a Botox lip flip last?
Results are temporary and generally last several months, although duration varies between patients.
How long does lip filler last?
The duration depends on the filler used, treatment area, metabolism, and individual factors. Your treatment plan can be discussed during consultation.
Am I a candidate for a surgical lip lift?
A consultation is the best way to determine whether a lip lift is appropriate. Dr. Harounian will evaluate your upper-lip length, visible vermilion, facial proportions, anatomy, and aesthetic goals.
Whether you want a subtle lip flip, refined lip filler, or a more permanent surgical lip lift, the best treatment begins with understanding your individual facial proportions.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jonathan Harounian to determine which approach is right for you.
Jonathan Harounian, MD
1000 Northern Blvd, Suite 220
Great Neck, NY 11021
