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NEWS Aftercare provided by Registered Nurses when needed • Dual Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon • Advanced Fellowship-Trained in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery • Over 21 Years at Pacific Hills Surgery Center • Exclusive Allergan Provider • 100% Authentic Products • Most Advanced Laser Hair Removal Technology • Thousands of Referrals Upon Request Advanced Fellowship Trained in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Caring for your surgery is as simple as taking a shower and applying ointment. Dr. Robinson has been operating out of Pacific Hills Surgery Center for the past 21 years. We Only Inject 100% Authentic Products. Dual Board Certified. Exclusive Allergan Provider. #1 Referral Source Is Our Patients. We Offer The Most Advanced Laser Hair Removal Machine. Thousands Of Referrals Upon Request.
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Facelift

Upper Lip Lift Surgery

Upper Lip Lift Aliso Viejo

Upper Lip Lift (Subnasal or Bullhorn Lip Lift)

Could your smile use a subtle, youthful lift?

Have you noticed that your upper lip seems longer, thinner, or less defined than it once was? Over time, natural aging, genetics, and repeated facial movements can cause the upper lip to droop, hiding your teeth when you smile and diminishing your youthful expression. If you’ve found that fillers no longer give you the natural, lasting results you want, an Upper Lip Lift may be the ideal solution to restore a balanced, youthful appearance.

An upper lip lift, also called a subnasal or bullhorn lip lift, shortens the distance between the base of your nose and the border of your upper lip. The procedure creates a fuller, more defined lip contour and enhances the visibility of your upper teeth when smiling — a subtle change that dramatically rejuvenates your face.

At the Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. Ernest B. Robinson combines surgical precision with artistic balance to deliver natural results that enhance your features — not change them. Patients from Aliso Viejo, Irvine, Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo, and all of Orange County trust Dr. Robinson for his expertise and refined aesthetic approach to facial rejuvenation.

If you’re ready to restore youthful harmony to your face and smile, contact Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery in Aliso Viejo today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Robinson.

Communicating your goals for this procedure

During your consultation, Dr. Robinson will take the time to understand your individual concerns, aesthetic goals, and expectations for your lip lift. He will carefully evaluate your facial proportions, the length of the philtrum (the space between your nose and upper lip), and the curvature of your lips to determine whether this procedure is right for you.

You’ll discuss your motivations and desired results in detail, allowing Dr. Robinson to create a customized surgical plan that complements your facial symmetry and natural features. This open communication helps ensure realistic expectations and a satisfying outcome.

Many patients choose to combine their upper lip lift with facial rejuvenation procedures such as a chin implant, eyelid surgery, or facelift for enhanced harmony and balance. Dr. Robinson may also suggest non-surgical treatments — such as dermal fillers or laser skin resurfacing — to further refine the final look.

Surgical techniques to achieve your desired outcome

Dr. Robinson performs upper lip lift surgery at Pacific Hills Surgery Center under local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s comfort and surgical plan. The procedure begins with a precise incision hidden along the natural crease beneath the nose — following the gentle curvature of the nostrils (hence the term bullhorn lip lift).

Through this discreet incision, a small strip of skin is removed to shorten the distance between the nose and lip, lifting the upper lip and creating a naturally fuller appearance. The incision is then closed with fine sutures, ensuring minimal scarring that fades beautifully with time.

The procedure typically takes about one to two hours, and patients can return home the same day.

Recuperating After Your Upper Lip Lift

Following surgery, you may experience mild swelling and tightness in the upper lip, which usually subsides within the first week. Dr. Robinson will provide detailed aftercare instructions and prescribe medication to minimize discomfort during your recovery.

You’ll be advised to keep your head elevated, avoid excessive facial movement, and follow a soft diet for several days. Sutures are typically removed within a week, and most patients are comfortable returning to work or social activities within 7 to 10 days.

Dr. Robinson and his team will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your healing and ensure your results are progressing beautifully.

Expected results from this procedure

Once healing is complete, your upper lip will appear subtly lifted, more defined, and naturally fuller — without the need for repeated filler treatments. You’ll notice that your teeth show more when you smile, giving you a refreshed, confident, and youthful expression.

Over the following months, your incision line will fade to a nearly invisible scar hidden beneath the base of your nose. The results of an upper lip lift are long-lasting, helping you maintain a balanced and rejuvenated appearance for years to come.

Patients frequently report feeling more confident in photos, conversations, and daily life after their lip lift — a small adjustment that makes a remarkable difference.