Direct Lip Lift (Gullwing Lip Lift) in Seattle

Every feature of the face is shaped by structure, and lips are no exception. When the upper lip lacks definition at its border, no amount of color, contour, or topical treatment can fully recreate the shape and presence that naturally well-structured lips provide. For many individuals, the issue is not fullness but the way the lip rests against the face.

At Allure Aesthetic, Dr. Javad Sajan offers the direct lip lift, also known as the gullwing lip lift, which addresses these structural elements. It elevates the lip exactly at its edge to create a more sculpted, refined, and intentionally shaped upper lip that harmonizes beautifully with surrounding features.

The direct lip lift is a lip-shortening and reshaping surgery in which the upper lip is lifted directly at the vermillion border (the visible lip line that frames the upper lip). Unlike lip lift methods that elevate the lip from beneath the nose, the direct lip lift involves making a precise incision along the natural border where the pink vermillion meets the surrounding skin.

As the incision follows the natural outline of the lip, the resulting scar typically blends smoothly into the lip line as it heals. This procedure can be a good option for those seeking permanent improvement in lip definition, especially for patients with lips that appear thin, flat, or lack structure.

The direct lip lift focuses on precise sculpting rather than lifting from the base of the nose. Each step is designed to improve lip definition and structure while maintaining natural proportions.

Marking the Lip Border

Before surgery begins, Dr. Sajan carefully marks the area along the vermillion border where the lift will be performed. These markings outline the exact shape and amount of skin to be removed, ensuring symmetry and preservation of natural curvature.

Creating the Gullwing Incision

A small strip of skin just above the vermillion border is removed using a delicate gullwing-shaped incision. This allows the upper lip to be lifted directly from its border, enhancing shape where it is most visible.

Elevating the Upper Lip

By lifting the lip from the border rather than under the nose, Dr. Sajan increases vermillion show and redefines the lip’s outline. This technique sharpens Cupid’s bow and restores youthful contour.

Suturing Along the Lip Line

Fine, meticulous sutures close the incision directly along the vermillion border. Because this line is naturally distinct, scars typically blend extremely well after healing and ongoing scar support.

Immediate Structural Improvement

Results can often be seen right away:

• The lip appears fuller
• The border becomes more prominent
• Cupid’s bow is more defined
• Lip symmetry improves

Dr. Sajan reviews each step during consultation to help patients understand exactly how the procedure is customized to their anatomy.

A direct lip lift and lip fillers can both enhance the lips, but they achieve their results in different ways.

Direct Lip Lift

• Permanently raises the upper lip by shortening the distance between the lip and surrounding skin.
• Enhances the natural lip contour by increasing visible vermillion height rather than adding bulk.
• Creates a more sculpted, defined lip border and Cupid’s bow.
• Ideal for patients who want shape, structure, and long-lasting refinement that fillers cannot achieve.
• Especially helpful for lips that appear flat due to aging or naturally minimal definition.

Lip Fillers

• Add soft, customizable volume to create plumper, more hydrated-looking lips.
• Can smooth lip lines, restore youthful fullness, or subtly enhance symmetry.
• Results are temporary, allowing flexibility for patients who like gradual or adjustable changes.
• Useful for patients who want increased body or projection more than structural reshaping.
• Can complement a lip lift if additional fullness is desired after healing.

Here are a few benefits that make direct lip lift a popular technique:

• Refines lip shape with high precision: Because the lift is performed directly at the vermillion border, the surgeon can sculpt subtle curves and enhance contour details.
• Enhances lip expression at rest and in motion: The procedure improves the way the upper lip looks when speaking, smiling, or relaxed, giving the mouth a more expressive and youthful appearance.
• Improves lipstick application and border clarity: Patients often notice that lip liner and lipstick apply more cleanly and stay within a sharper, more defined lip edge.
• A strong option for age-related lip flattening: With aging, the upper lip can roll inward; this technique helps gently roll the lip outward for a more defined look.
• Customizable for artistic shaping: The surgeon can adjust the lift differently across the lip to enhance peaks, soften corners, or correct subtle irregularities.
• Great for individuals with minimal natural vermillion: It visually expands the pink portion of the lip for patients whose natural lip shape hides most of the color.
• Complements other facial procedures: The direct lip lift pairs well with rhinoplasty or midface rejuvenation to create balanced, harmonious results.

Ideal candidates may experience:

• A flat or poorly defined vermillion border
• Lips that lack visible pink tissue
• Thin or aging lips with diminished shape
• Asymmetry of the upper lip
• Desire for a permanent, structural enhancement
• Previous filler results that did not provide the needed definition
• Excess skin just above the vermillion line that softens the lip contour

During a consultation, Dr. Sajan evaluates facial anatomy, skin quality, lip curvature, and aesthetic goals to determine whether the direct lip lift is the right option or if another technique may be better suited.

Dr. Sajan approaches the direct lip lift with detailed artistry and anatomical precision. Every step is customized to complement the patient’s unique features.

Consultation

During consultation, Dr. Sajan evaluates:

• Lip shape and height
• Border definition
• Vermillion visibility
• Skin elasticity
• Desired degree of lift
• Facial proportions

These assessments determine the ideal design for the gullwing lift.

Anesthesia

Most direct lip lift procedures are comfortably performed under local anesthesia, allowing patients to remain awake without discomfort.

Surgical Steps

• Precise marking along the vermillion border
• Removal of a thin strip of skin
• Direct lifting of the lip
• Structural refinement
• Suturing with fine closure techniques

Immediate Results

After swelling reduces, patients notice:

• Increased vermillion show
• Sharper lip borders
• Refined Cupid’s bow
• Enhanced lip proportion

Recovery is typically straightforward:

• Swelling & Bruising: Expect mild swelling during the first few days. Bruising is usually minimal.
• Sutures: Sutures are removed within 5–7 days.
• Activity Restrictions: Avoid strenuous activity for one week, excessive lip stretching, and hot foods for the first day if sensitivity is present.
• Scar Maturation: Scars soften and fade significantly over the weeks following surgery, blending into the natural lip line with proper care.
• Final Results: Final refinement is usually visible around 8–12 weeks, with ongoing scar maturation improving the outcome even further.

The lips play a central role in expression and facial harmony, so patients look for a practice that combines technical precision and surgical artistry. That level of care is exactly what defines the experience at Allure Aesthetic.

• Skilled Surgical Team: Dr. Javad Sajan is a leading aesthetic surgeon known for his ability to sculpt balanced, natural results.
• Customized Treatment Planning: Each direct lip lift is tailored to highlight a patient's natural features while respecting facial harmony.
• Comprehensive Recovery Support: From scar care guidance to follow-up visits, we support patients through every step of healing.
• Advanced Aesthetic Philosophy: The focus is always on refinement, balance, and natural enhancement, not exaggeration.

A consultation at Allure Aesthetic offers the opportunity to meet with Dr. Sajan and explore whether the direct lip lift aligns with your aesthetic goals. During this personalized appointment, Dr. Sajan evaluates your lip structure, facial proportions, and desired enhancements while explaining the procedure in detail.

This is your chance to ask questions, review expected results, and learn how the direct lip lift can create the defined, elegant lip shape you’ve been envisioning. To learn more or schedule your consultation, contact us today or call us directly at (206) 209-0988.

How long do the results of a direct lip lift last?

The results are considered permanent, as skin has been removed. However, the natural aging process will continue, so the lips will age along with the rest of your face.

Is the direct lip lift painful?

The procedure itself is typically performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain. Post-surgery, most patients describe the sensation as tightness and mild discomfort, easily managed with prescribed medication.

Can I wear lipstick after a direct lip lift?

You should avoid applying makeup directly on the incision line until it is fully healed and as directed by your surgeon. After that, lipstick can actually help camouflage any residual pinkness in the scar.

What happens if I don’t like the result?

While reversal is complex, adjustments are sometimes possible after full healing (6-12 months). This underscores the importance of choosing a skilled surgeon.

Am I too old for this procedure?

There is no specific age limit. Candidacy is based on your anatomical concerns (e.g., a long upper lip, lack of definition) and overall health, not a specific age.