Is a Gender-Affirming Lip Lift Painful?

Most of our San Francisco area patients describe the procedure as very tolerable. Since it’s performed under local anesthesia, you’ll remain comfortable throughout surgery. Afterward, mild discomfort or tightness can be managed easily with medication and cool compresses.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

You’ll typically have one pre-surgical visit, your procedure day, and at least two follow-up appointments to check your healing and remove sutures. Additional check-ins may be scheduled as needed to monitor your results and ensure a smooth recovery.

How Long Until I See Results?

You’ll notice an immediate change in the shape and height of your upper lip after surgery, although swelling will temporarily obscure your final results. Most of Dr. Block-Wheeler’s patients see their outcome clearly within four to six weeks, with continued refinement as the incision line fades.

Can I Combine a Gender-Affirming Lip Lift With Other Procedures?

Yes, many of our patients choose to pair their lip lift with rhinoplasty to improve the harmony between the nose and upper lip, jaw contouring to refine facial proportions, or a facelift to smooth and tighten the lower face. Non-surgical procedures like dermal fillers, BOTOX, or laser skin resurfacing can also enhance results by improving texture and maintaining a youthful appearance. At The Block-Wheeler Clinic in San Francisco, treatment plans are fully customized to match each patient’s goals. Combining a lip lift with other procedures can enhance overall facial symmetry and streamline recovery, giving patients a refreshed look that still feels completely natural.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Gender-Affirming Lip Lift?

During recovery, temporary side effects with a lip lift, such as mild swelling, bruising, or tightness around the upper lip, are common. Less frequent complications can include asymmetry, infection, or visible scarring, although these are rare when proper techniques and aftercare are followed.

Lip Lift in San Francisco, CA

Lip Lift

Introduction

Introduction to Gender-Affirming Lip Lift

For many, the shape and position of the upper lip can significantly impact facial harmony and how they feel in their own skin.

At The Block-Wheeler Clinic in San Francisco, CA, patients choose this treatment to achieve a youthful, refreshed look that enhances their natural features without relying solely on fillers.

What is a Gender-Affirming Lip Lift?

Our gender-affirming lip lift is a surgical procedure we offer our clients that raises the upper lip by removing a small amount of skin between the nose and the lip. This creates a shorter area between the nose and upper lip and increases the visible pink lip tissue, resulting in a naturally fuller, more youthful look.

Unlike temporary filler treatments that simply add volume, a lip lift alters the structure and proportions of the lips, bringing lasting balance to the lower face.

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Gender-Affirming Lip Lift?

The best candidates for our gender-affirming lip lift procedure are those in good overall health who want to refine the shape and position of their upper lip to better align with their gender expression. You may be a strong candidate if you:

Desire a more defined or fuller upper lip to match their gender identity
Have a long upper lip or minimal tooth show when smiling
Notice a flatter, less defined upper lip due to aging
Want a more permanent enhancement than lip fillers can provide
Are looking for subtle but noticeable facial rejuvenation
Do not smoke or are willing to stop prior to and after surgery

The procedure is also popular among our younger patients who want to enhance their natural proportions without the added fullness of injectables. For our more mature patients, it can beautifully complement other rejuvenation treatments such as facelifts or eyelid surgery, creating a balanced, youthful effect that enhances the entire face.

What Are the Benefits of a Gender-Affirming Lip Lift?

A lip lift offers a subtle yet powerful enhancement for those who want more definition and proportion in their facial features. The most notable benefits include:

Gender-affirming proportion: A shorter upper lip can create a more traditionally feminine appearance or soften features for a neutral expression.
A naturally fuller appearance: Instead of adding volume, the lip lift reshapes the area to reveal more of your natural lip.
A more youthful balance: The upper lip naturally lengthens with age. Shortening it restores harmony between the lips, teeth, and chin.
Improved smile aesthetics: The procedure helps your teeth show slightly when you smile, giving a more open, lively expression.
Permanent results: Unlike fillers, which require maintenance every few months, a lip lift delivers long-lasting improvement.
Better facial proportions: A lifted upper lip enhances overall balance, especially when paired with chin or jawline refinement.

Many patients in San Francisco and Marin choose a lip lift because it offers a subtle, refined outcome that looks entirely natural. It’s especially appealing for those who want to reduce their reliance on lip fillers or who desire a more permanent enhancement that better fits their unique features.

What’s the First Step?

Your lip lift journey all starts with a consultation at The Block-Wheeler Clinic in San Francisco, CA. Your facial anatomy, proportions, and goals will be evaluated to determine whether a lip lift is right for you. Dr. Block-Wheeler explains the different surgical techniques and what to expect from each, helping you choose the one that best suits your features.

A detailed medical history is reviewed to ensure your safety, and photographs may be taken to aid in treatment planning. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions about anesthesia, recovery, and expected results.

What to Expect on the Day of Gender-Affirming Lip Lift Surgery

Our lip lift is performed under local anesthesia in a comfortable, private surgical setting. The procedure usually takes about an hour. Once you’re prepped and comfortable, precise markings are made beneath the base of your nose to outline the exact area where the skin will be removed.

Dr. Block-Wheeler carefully makes the incision, removes a small strip of skin, and delicately repositions the tissue to lift the upper lip to its new height. Fine sutures are then used to close the incision with minimal tension, promoting optimal healing and reducing scarring.

After the procedure, a small dressing may be applied, and you’ll be able to return home the same day. Patients are given detailed aftercare instructions to support recovery and maintain the best possible results.

Gender-Affirming Lip Lift Recovery

When you start your recovery from your lip lift procedure, you can expect mild swelling, tightness, and some bruising for the first week, but these will fade as healing progresses. Any sutures will be removed within five to seven days, and most people feel comfortable returning to social activities within one to two weeks.

Avoid excessive lip movement, laborious exercise, and direct sun exposure. Keep your head elevated and use cold compresses to help reduce swelling.

How Much Does a Gender-Affirming Lip Lift Cost in San Francisco, CA?

The cost of a lip lift in San Francisco varies based on the complexity of the procedure, the technique used, and any additional treatments.

During your consultation at The Block-Wheeler Clinic, you’ll receive a personalized quote that outlines all associated fees.

Our Ethos

Why Choose Dr. Block-Wheeler?

Patients in San Francisco, CA, trust Dr. Nikolas Block-Wheeler for his ability to blend his surgical expertise with precision. As a specialist in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery, and facial plastic surgery, he deeply understands anatomy and aesthetics in every procedure. His work focuses on creating refined, natural results that highlight each patient’s individual features rather than altering them.

The Block-Wheeler Clinic combines technical skill with a thoughtful, patient-centered approach, making it one of San Francisco’s most trusted destinations for facial refinement.

Lip Lift FAQ’S

Yes, many of our patients choose to pair their lip lift with rhinoplasty to improve the harmony between the nose and upper lip, jaw contouring to refine facial proportions, or a facelift to smooth and tighten the lower face. Non-surgical procedures like dermal fillers, BOTOX, or laser skin resurfacing can also enhance results by improving texture and maintaining a youthful appearance.

At The Block-Wheeler Clinic in San Francisco, treatment plans are fully customized to match each patient’s goals. Combining a lip lift with other procedures can enhance overall facial symmetry and streamline recovery, giving patients a refreshed look that still feels completely natural.

Patient Reviews

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
He was so wonderful. He gave me hope for wonderful results.

He didn’t pressure me, didn’t upsell me, and said my results could be a game changer. He was right! I am happy with my results and so thankful that I did it! I highly recommend working with Dr. Block-Wheeler. If you want an outstanding.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Dr. Block-Wheeler is truly amazing. He listened carefully to my concerns and made me feel completely at ease.”

He never pressured me, and his honest approach gave me confidence in my decision. The results exceeded my expectations, and I couldn’t be happier.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I felt supported every step of the way with Dr. Block-Wheeler. His kindness and professionalism made all the difference.”

He explained everything clearly, ensuring I understood the process. My results are better than I imagined, and I feel like the best version of myself. I can’t thank him enough for his skill and care.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’ve been considering a lip lift, now is the time to take the next step. The team at The Block-Wheeler Clinic offers compassionate guidance and tailored recommendations to help you achieve your aesthetic goals with confidence.

Reach out today to learn how a custom lip lift procedure can bring subtle definition and elegance to your look.

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