Dr. Javier de Benito | IdB
Plastic surgeon and medical director. International reference in facial surgery.
Medical license no. 8038
Leading lip lift doctor and member of SECPRE.
The doctor sees patients in Barcelona and MadridView medical profile
Lip lift: lift your lips naturally
Thinking about getting a lip lift?
A lip lift shortens the distance between the nose and the upper lip, leaving more of the lip visible and a more defined expression, with no need for filler.
From: 3.500 €
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Surgery duration:
45 to 60 minutes
From:
3.500 €
Synapta® protocol:
Included in Barcelona
Anesthesia:
Local anesthesia
Hospital stay:
Outpatient
Social life:
Between 5 and 7 days
What is a lip lift?
A lip lift is a surgery that raises the upper lip, visually shortening it. Over the years, the upper lip lengthens and drops as the maxilla recedes. During the procedure, a hidden incision is made at the base of the nose (following the nostrils and columella), at least a third of the excess skin is removed, and the area is sutured to lift the lip from the center out to the corners. It is performed under local anesthesia or combined with a facelift. Advanced technique (Weston): an additional resection is made at the corners of the mouth to achieve a more horizontal profile.
Types of lip lift
Subnasal lip lift (bullhorn)
This is the most widely used type. It is performed just below the nose and shortens the distance between the nose and the lip, raises the upper lip and improves tooth show with a very natural result.
Corner lip lift
Indicated to lift the corners of the mouth when they tend to turn downward, giving a happier, more rested and rejuvenated expression.
Central or direct lip lift
It focuses on raising the central part of the upper lip, improving the definition of the Cupid's bow and the shape of the lip, with a more localized and precise effect.
What does an upper lip lift involve at IdB?
A lip lift involves making a small incision at the base of the nose, right in the crease where the nostrils meet the face, to remove a strip of excess skin in a "bullhorn" shape. Once that segment has been removed, the surgeon lifts the upper lip tissue and secures it to the nasal base with deep and external sutures, which shortens the distance between the nose and the mouth and shows more of the vermilion (the red part of the lip). The result is an upper lip with more volume, a smile that shows more of the upper teeth and a permanently rejuvenated look with no need for fillers.
Personalized medical assessment
The first consultation is held directly with the surgeon who will perform the procedure, who analyzes the proportion between the nose and the lip, the shape of the lip and the harmony of the face to define the most suitable technique. A payment of €80 is required in advance to book the appointment. If you cannot travel, the first visit can also be done by video call with the surgeon who would operate on you: it costs €50, which is deducted if you decide to have surgery.
Assessment of the procedure's feasibility
A complementary study with advanced technology can be carried out, adding an extra layer of safety and precision to the surgical planning. Available for €90 (optional).
Preparing for the surgery
Before surgery, you are given all the necessary pre-operative medical guidelines to ensure the procedure is performed under optimal conditions and with maximum safety.
The surgery
The procedure takes place in approved operating rooms and is performed by a surgeon with more than 40 years of experience in facial surgery.
During surgery, the distance between the nose and the upper lip is shortened, lifting the lip and improving the proportions and expression of the face with a natural result.
Comfortable recovery
Thanks to our advanced protocols, recovery is quick and well tolerated, with mild to moderate swelling during the first few days and close medical follow-up.
Start seeing yourself the way you want to feel.
Once recovery is complete, the result gives a more youthful, fresh and harmonious look, always preserving the naturalness of your expression.
Before and after surgery: lip lift pre-op and recovery
How much does a lip lift cost and what does it include?
3.500 €
A lip lift at Instituto de Benito starts from €3,500, varying according to the technique used, the type of anesthesia, the length of the procedure and the tests and follow-up included, and is adapted to each patient.
What the treatment plan includes:
- Specialist physician's fees
- Fees for the rest of the medical team
- Materials specified in the quote
- Operating room
- Anesthesia
- Private room stay if required
- Medication during your stay at the center
- Wound care with the nursing team
- Stitch removal
- Follow-up visits with the specialist
- Preoperative tests (blood work, ECG, X-ray, etc.)
What is not included:
- Assessments or clearances from other specialists, if needed
- Medication after discharge
- Complementary recovery treatments (lymphatic drainage, physiotherapy, laser, etc.)
- Scar care treatments (silicone dressings, laser, etc.), unless otherwise specified
- Combined procedures not covered in the initial quote (lip filler, bichectomy, etc.)
- Costs arising from medical complications not attributable to the surgical procedure
- Reoperations or touch-up surgeries not initially planned
- Unplanned additional stays
- Travel, accommodation or meals for the patient and companions
- Sick leave, certificates or additional administrative paperwork
- Any material or procedure not expressly specified in the quote
You can finance this procedure at 0% interest. See the options on our financing page.
*Prices valid in 2026. The exact price is given after the visit, once the surgeon has assessed your case.
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Are you a good candidate for lip lift surgery?
An upper lip lift (lip lift) is indicated for people who want to improve the proportion between the nose and the lip, rejuvenate their expression and enhance the upper lip in a natural, long-lasting way, when these changes cannot be achieved with non-surgical treatments.
It is especially suitable if:
- 01
Long nose-to-lip distance
If the distance between the nose and the upper lip is greater than you would like, a lip lift can shorten it and rejuvenate your expression.
- 02
Thin or "hidden" upper lip
When the lip rolls inward and is barely visible when you smile, this surgery lets you show more lip and more of the upper teeth.
- 03
Loss of definition over time
If you have noticed that your upper lip has lost shape, support or youthfulness, a lip lift helps restore freshness to the lower third of the face.
- 04
Aged or dull smile
When the upper teeth do not show when you smile, a lip lift can noticeably rejuvenate your expression.
- 05
Wanting an improvement without fillers
If you are looking for a permanent solution instead of temporary fillers, a lip lift offers a stable, long-lasting result.
- 06
Looking for a natural, harmonious result
If you want a subtle, elegant improvement in harmony with your features, without changing your facial identity.
What are the risks of a lip lift?
Two millimeters too many will show
A lip lift shortens the distance between the nose and the lip by removing a strip of skin. If more is removed than necessary, the teeth and gums are left too visible at rest, and that is very difficult to correct.
That is why the measurement is calculated before surgery based on your own anatomy, and the approach is conservative. The scar sits in the crease at the base of the nose, where it is concealed, but it is there.
Expected effects
- A pink scar under the nose during the first few weeks, which gradually fades.
- Swelling of the upper lip and the base of the nose.
- Tightness when smiling and speaking in the first few days.
- A feeling of numbness in the lip.
Less common risks
- A visible or widened scar, or one with a step at the base of the nose.
- Excessive tooth or gum show at rest.
- Asymmetry of the lip or the Cupid's bow.
- Altered sensation in the lip.
- Temporary difficulty closing the lips completely.
- Infection or partial opening of the wound.
Who is NOT a candidate: lip lift contraindications
| Contraindication | Reason |
|---|---|
| Gums already very visible at rest | A lip lift accentuates that exposure. In these cases a different approach is usually indicated, and it is explained during the consultation. |
| Untreated recurrent cold sores | Prophylaxis is prescribed before surgery; an active outbreak postpones it. |
| Active smoking | It compromises healing and the blood supply to the tissues. You are asked to stop four weeks before and four weeks after. |
| Uncontrolled systemic disease | Uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart or respiratory disease: these are stabilized before surgery. |
| Clotting disorders that have not been evaluated | These require prior assessment. Anticoagulants must not be stopped on your own initiative: the regimen is adjusted by the doctor who prescribes them. |
| Active infection, local or systemic | It is postponed until the infection has fully resolved. |
Our medical team for lip lift
Instituto de Benito is a reference center for lip lift and perioral rejuvenation facial surgery, with more than 40 years of experience and thousands of satisfied patients.
The team combines surgical technique with a personal approach, aiming for a natural result in harmony with each face.
Dr. Javier de Benito | IdB
Plastic surgeon and medical director. International reference in facial surgery.
«A lip lift improves the proportion between the upper lip and the nose»
View medical profile
Dr. Álvaro Sada Malumbres, specialist in facial, oral and maxillofacial
Surgeon specializing in facial and oral and maxillofacial surgery
«A lip lift permanently enhances the upper lip, improving facial harmony without losing naturalness»
View medical profile
Dr. Antonio Martínez Murillo, specialist in facial, body, and breast surgery
Surgeon specializing in facial, body, and breast surgery
«Beyond adding volume, a lip lift aims to redefine the aesthetics of the upper lip and rejuvenate the smile naturally»
View medical profile
Dr. David Neagu, specialist in facial and maxillofacial
Surgeon specializing in facial and maxillofacial
«A lip lift is a high-precision technique that requires in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy and aesthetic sensitivity»
View medical profile
Our commitment to the upper lip lift
At Instituto de Benito we have more than 40 years of experience in facial plastic and cosmetic surgery, with a strong specialization in facial surgery. Over the course of our career we have performed more than 7,000 facial surgeries, building a high level of precision, safety and natural results.
Our practice is backed by membership in recognized international scientific societies such as SECPRE (Sociedad Española de Cirugía Plástica, Reparadora y Estética), ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) and SCCPRE (Societat Catalana de Cirurgia Plàstica, Reparadora i Estètica), which ensures ongoing training and the application of the most advanced techniques.
We place special emphasis on facial harmony and on personalizing each treatment, supporting the patient throughout the entire process with comprehensive post-operative follow-up to ensure an optimal recovery and satisfactory results.
Where to get lip lift surgery
Book your lip lift consultation
The first step is not surgery: it is a consultation with the surgeon who would perform your procedure. They will assess your case, answer your questions and, after the visit, give you the exact price.
The first consultation costs €80, which is deducted from the cost of surgery if you decide to have your procedure with us. You can also call us.
Related treatments
Frequently asked questions about the lip lift
What results can I expect?
A more harmonious, youthful and defined upper lip, with a better proportion between the nose and the lip and more of the upper teeth showing when you smile. Full recovery comes gradually over the first few weeks, as the swelling goes down.
Is a lip lift painful?
Discomfort is usually mild to moderate and is easily managed with medication. In Barcelona we apply the Synapta® protocol to make the post-op period more manageable.
Will the scars be noticeable?
The incision is usually made just under the nose, leaving a very discreet scar that becomes practically imperceptible over time.
What are the risks of a lip lift?
A lip lift is a safe procedure when performed in specialized centers by accredited surgeons, but like any surgery, it carries potential risks you should be aware of.
At Instituto de Benito, safety is the priority, and all procedures are performed under strict medical protocols, keeping complications to a minimum.
Most common risks (and generally mild)
- Temporary swelling and discomfort: normal during the first few days.
- Minor bruising or redness: usually resolves on its own.
- Tightness in the lip area: temporary during the healing process.
- Mild, temporary changes in sensation.
- Mild initial asymmetries: usually correct themselves as the swelling goes down.
Uncommon risks
- Infection: very uncommon thanks to aseptic measures and preventive antibiotics.
- Healing problems or stitches coming open.
- Allergic reaction or intolerance to the anesthesia or surgical materials.
- An unexpected aesthetic result, which in exceptional cases may require a touch-up.
Is the result permanent?
Yes. The result of a lip lift is stable and long-lasting.
When can I get back to normal life?
Most patients return to their social life in 5–7 days, avoiding exertion and wide mouth movements during the first week.
Can a lip lift be combined with other facial surgeries?
Yes, it can be combined with procedures such as rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty or a facelift, always subject to a personalized medical assessment.
What happens to a lip lift as your face ages?
The result of the lip lift is maintained, although the natural aging of the face continues in a gradual, normal way.
How long does full recovery take?
Social recovery is quick (approx. 1 week), but full recovery comes in 4 to 8 weeks.
Can you finance a lip lift at Instituto de Benito?
Yes, we offer different financing options to make the lip lift more accessible. We can split the payment over up to 12 months interest-free, and we can also propose longer options of up to 48 months, tailored to each patient. During the consultation, we explain all the terms clearly and answer any questions, so you can make your decision with peace of mind and proper planning.
Medical review
N.º de colegiación 8038
Plastic surgeon and medical director. International reference in facial surgery.
Live outside Barcelona or Madrid?
You can also have your lip lift with us
Start with a video consultation with our surgeons. The surgeon who will operate on you assesses your case, answers your questions and gives you an exact, personalised quote. No travel needed for the first visit.
50 €
video consultation with your surgeon
Dr. David Neagu
Facial and maxillofacial surgery
Dr. Álvaro Sada
Facial and maxillofacial surgery
Where we do it
Average rating: 4.8 / 5
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Cristina Betancor
Googlehace 11 meses
Encantada con el resultado y con el trato recibido por la doctora Marina y todo su equipo. Muy profesionales, atentos y cercanos en todo momento.
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Nora Haxha
Googlehace 1 año
Such a lovely team and experience! From my first visit to the online follow-ups, everyone has been so kind, caring, and professional. Dr. Neagu and Dr. García are truly exceptional I couldn’t feel in better hands. Thank you for everything! 🤍
Beatriz Perelló Gonzalo
Googlehace 1 año
La doctora Irene y su asistente Laura, me hicieron confiar desde el principio! Pero Los resultados superaron mis expectativas, me dejé llevar y ahora parezco 10 años menos, una piel increíble y me siento con mucha más confianza. 1000 recomendable! La doctora es un amor
Teresa Pacho
Googlehace 1 año
Trato profesional y cercano. Excelencia en la cirujana Marina Garcia y todo el equipo. Honestidad en la comunicación.
Dolores Peñalver
Googlehace 1 año
Mi experiencia en el Instituto de Benito ha sido excelente. Agradecer a la Doctora María Gijón y a todo su equipo por su gran profesionalidad y por ayudar a los clientes ante cualquier duda o aclaración
Marisa Canseco
Googlehace 1 año
El doctor Fernández y su enfermera Cristina son profesionales excelentes y dan un estupendo trato. Los recomiendo al 100%. Los resultados se ajustan totalmente a lo que se comprometen.
Sandra TB
Googlehace 1 año
Agradecer enormemente a la Doctora Marina por el trato durante todo el proceso y por el resultado final. Mi experiencia ha sido maravillosa. Agradecer también a Montse por hacer que esto sea posible.
julia juan fornes
Googlehace 1 año
La Dra Marina Garcia muy profesional y transmite muchísima confianza desde el primer momento.
Maragda L
Googlehace 9 meses
Mi experiencia ha sido de lo mejor, me he sentido totalmente cuidada en todo el proceso de mi operación desde Mónica siempre atenta a mis consultas, hasta las chicas de los masajes y cómo no, con el doctor Orestes Fernández con quién me he sentido acompañada en toda la operación y sobre todo recuperación. Sin duda...
Paula Roldan Martinez-checa
Googlehace 10 meses
La Doctora Marina Garcia es totalmente un acierto. Sinceridad desde el primer momento, te escucha y te aconseja conforme tu idea y de manera que quede lo más natural y bonito posible, siendo siempre realistas. El resultado totalmente bonito, más natural y mejor de lo que incluso yo me pensaba. Una recuperación súper...
Susi Rodríguez Suárez
Googlehace 1 año
La Dra. Marina es maravillosa. Un equipo de profesionales de 10.
Carlos rubio miguel
Googlehace 1 año
Profesionales excelentes con un trato personal inmejorable. Muy recomendado!
Soraya Araujo Criollo
Googlehace 1 año
La profesionalidad de todo el equipo hace que te sientas segura a la hora de pasar por quirófano. Además en mi caso llevo yendo con Eva desde hace casi 8 años y no puedo estar más contenta.
Maria Roig
Googlehace 1 año
Encantada con todos los profesionales de IdB, especialmente con la Dra Marina, Julia y Mónica. No he podido estar en mejores manos. Gracias por todo. Muy feliz con el resultado!
Ana Alvarez Soto
Googlehace 1 año
Mi experience en Instituto de Benito ha sido excelente. El Dr Neagu es una persona estupenda, gran profesional y el trato es entrañable. Tiene un equipo muy competente trabajando con él y siempre me han acompañado durante todo el proceso de una manera impecable.