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Lip Lift St. Louis

A lip lift reshapes the upper lip — shortening the space below the nose and showing more of your natural lip — in a minimally invasive outpatient procedure with little downtime. Performed by Dr. Brandon T. Beal, fellowship-trained in facial plastic & reconstructive surgery.

Fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon
Outpatient, under local anesthesia
4.9 from 760+ Google reviews

Double board-certified

Dermatology and Mohs micrographic surgery

Fellowship-trained

Facial plastic & reconstructive surgery — Zitelli & Brodland

Accredited surgical facility

Procedures performed in our Troy, MO office

Physician-owned

Independent practice — never corporate

What is a Lip Lift?

A lip lift is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that reshapes the upper lip. As we age — or simply by anatomy — the space between the nose and the upper lip lengthens, thinning the visible lip and hiding the upper teeth. A lip lift shortens that space, elevating the lip so more of its natural red portion shows. Unlike filler, nothing is added: the result is your own lip, better revealed, and it’s long-lasting.

Is a Lip Lift Right for You?

You may be a candidate for a lip lift if you have:

  • A long upper lip — a stretched space between the nose and lip
  • A thin upper lip, even when relaxed
  • No upper teeth show when your lips are parted
  • Down-turned corners of the mouth

If any of those sound familiar, a consultation is the next step — Dr. Beal will evaluate your lip anatomy and tell you honestly whether a lip lift, filler, or no procedure at all best fits what you’re hoping to see.

Lip Lift Options We Offer

Each procedure is tailored to your anatomy and goals. Dr. Beal performs both approaches:

Central Lip Lift

Shortens the upper lip — increasing the show of the red portion of your lip, uncovering the upper teeth, and decreasing the distance between your nose and upper lip. The lip is elevated so it appears larger, and the incision is hidden at the base of the nose.

Lateral (Corner) Lip Lift

Best for down-turned corners of the mouth — lifting the corners for a more rested, approachable expression. Incisions are hidden in the natural contour of your lips.

Recovery & Results

Lip lifts are performed as outpatient procedures under local anesthesia, which minimizes downtime and maximizes safety. Mild bruising is common and typically resolves in about a week. Results are long-lasting and can be maintained — and enhanced — through sun protection and a healthy lifestyle. Results vary by individual.

Individualized careEvery surgical plan is individualized, and results vary. A consultation is required to determine whether a lip lift — and which approach — is right for you.

Lip Lift Before and After Photos

Every photo is from a patient of this practice, treated by Dr. Beal.

Why a Facial Reconstructive Surgeon for Your Lip Lift

The lip sits at the center of every expression, and millimeters decide whether a result looks refined or done. Dr. Beal’s fellowship at Zitelli & Brodland trained him in facial plastic & reconstructive surgery — including reconstruction of the lips themselves after skin cancer removal, where restoring natural shape and function is the entire job. At your consultation, he will listen to you, perform a thorough evaluation, and build an individualized plan for your specific anatomy and goals.

Schedule a Lip Lift Consultation

A private consultation is the right first step. We welcome patients from across the St. Louis region, including O’Fallon and Wright City, at our Troy office — and our second location in Chesterfield. Call (314) 834-1400 or request a consultation online.

Common questions

Lip lift FAQs.

Lip lift or lip filler?

They solve different problems. Filler adds volume to the lip itself — quick, adjustable, and temporary. A lip lift changes the lip’s position and proportion: it shortens a long upper lip and reveals more of your own lip, with long-lasting results and no maintenance appointments. Patients with a long upper lip often find filler alone never quite gets there — that’s the lip lift’s territory.

Will the scar show?

Incisions are hidden where the anatomy conceals them — at the base of the nose for a central lip lift, or within the natural contour of the lips for a lateral lift. Scars typically fade significantly as they mature, and diligent sun protection helps. Healing varies by individual.

What is recovery like?

The procedure is outpatient, under local anesthesia. Mild bruising and swelling are common and typically resolve in about a week, and most patients return to normal routines quickly. You’ll have clear written aftercare instructions and direct follow-up with our team.

How long do lip lift results last?

Results are long-lasting — the shortened lip proportion doesn’t revert, though your face continues to age naturally. Sun protection and a healthy lifestyle help maintain the result. Results vary by individual.

Is a lip lift covered by insurance? What does it cost?

A lip lift is a cosmetic procedure and isn’t covered by insurance. Cost depends on the approach and whether it’s combined with another procedure; it’s quoted individually at your consultation, and flexible financing options are available — you’ll have clear numbers before making any decision.

More of your own lip. No filler required.

An outpatient procedure with little downtime and long-lasting results. Troy, MO — and Chesterfield now open.