3 Reasons Lip Lifts Are Better Than Filler

Published on March 16, 2025 by Regina Rodman

Lips that are full, plump and sensuous have been considered beautiful for decades, and lip enhancement has been a popular cosmetic procedure achieving fuller, more youthful lips. While filler has been the go-to treatment for years, more and more people are turning to lip lifts as a superior alternative. If you are tired of the filler cycle or want a more natural, balanced look, here is why a lip lift might be the better choice.

1. A Lip Lift is permanent. No more endless cycle of filler

One of the biggest downsides of lip filler is that it is temporary. Depending on the type of filler used and how your body metabolizes it, you may need to return for a needle in your lips every 6 to 12 months. This means repeat visits, ongoing expenses, and the frustration of lips that deflate over time.

A lip lift, on the other hand, is a one-time surgical procedure that offers permanent results. By increasing how much of the upper lip is seen (vertical show), a lip lift enhances the shape and appearance of the lips in a way that doesn’t require constant maintenance. A lip lift is a long-term investment that saves you time, money, and hassle.

2. A Lip Lift Increases Vertical Show WITHOUT Unnatural Projection

Lip filler adds volume, and it also increases projection (how much the lip sticks out). More volume can work well for people with moderate sized lips, but for those with thin lips, filler often causes the lip to stick out too much, creating a “shelf” of an upper lip, also known as the dreaded “duck lips.” The more filler you add, the more the lips protrude out. Patients with thin lips develop a thin lip that stick out, rather than a lip that becoming taller and better seen.

A lip lift, however, increases the vertical height of the upper lip without making it stick out unnaturally. By removing a small amount of skin under the nose, the upper lip is gently lifted and rotated, revealing more of the pink lip without adding bulk. This creates a natural, youthful look without the risk of overfilled, artificial-looking lips.

3. A Lip Lift Brings Better Balance to Your Face

A well-proportioned upper lip can dramatically enhance your overall facial harmony. The most beautiful lips are not the biggest lips. The most beautiful lips are those in an ideal balance between the upper lip, lower lip, and philtrum (the space between the nose and lip). Balance and harmony is the key an attractive appearance.

For people with a long philtrum or thin upper lip, filler often exaggerates facial imbalance. Filler adds too much forward projection of the upper lip, and lengthens the appearance of the skin between the nose and upper lip. A lip lift, however, shortens the philtrum and enhances the upper lip in a way that looks natural and proportionate. The result? A more youthful, aesthetically pleasing balance to your facial features.

The Bottom Line

While lip filler has its place, it is not the best option for everyone. A lip lift offers a permanent solution that enhances upper lip height without making it stick out in an unnatural way. A Lip Lift creates a more balanced, harmonious look between the two lips and the area under the nose (philtrum). If you are looking for a natural, long-lasting alternative to filler, a lip lift might be the perfect choice. 

Thinking about making the switch? Consult with Dr Regina Rodman, a lip lift expert, to see if a lip lift is right for you. Dr Rodman has performed 100s of lip lifts with natural results and minimal nearly invisible scarring. She sees patients from all over the world, and consults can be done in person or virtually.