Lip lift
Lip lift in Estonia: price 1500–2500 €, cosmetic surgery clinics in Tallinn and Tartu. The procedure shortens the philtrum and lifts the upper lip.
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A lip lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that shortens the philtrum — the space between the nose and the lip — raises the upper lip and exposes more of the teeth and of the vermilion (the red part of the lip). Unlike filler injections, which add volume, a lip lift improves the proportion between the lip and the face — particularly when the philtrum has lengthened with age, or when someone has always had the look of an "empty" upper lip. In Estonia, a lip lift must be performed by a cosmetic surgeon at a clinic licensed by the Health Board (Terviseamet), under general anaesthesia or local anaesthetic. It is a permanent decision, which is why the criteria for choosing a clinic and a surgeon listed below matter all the more.
What is a lip lift?
A lip lift (more precisely, the subnasal bullhorn lip lift) is a procedure in which a cosmetic surgeon removes a small strip of tissue from beneath the base of the nose — usually 4–8 mm — and stitches the skin together so that the edge of the upper lip rises. As a result, the philtrum shortens and the red part of the lip becomes more visible. This is a lasting anatomical change, not a temporary addition.
A lip lift suits above all people whose upper lip has lengthened with age (an anatomical philtrum is usually 11–15 mm; over 18 mm is a sign of typical ageing), whose upper teeth do not show when they smile, or whose philtrum has always been long genetically. A lip lift does not add volume — if the lip is too thin, filler or a combination is the more appropriate solution.
Lip lift in Estonia — prices and how the procedure runs
The price of a lip lift in Estonia is usually in the range of 1500–2500 €, depending on the clinic, the surgeon's experience and the anaesthesia used. Package prices include the consultation, the procedure, local anaesthetic and aftercare visits. Follow-up consultations after 1, 2 and 6 months are mostly included in the price.
At the consultation the surgeon measures the length of the philtrum precisely, assesses the shape of the lip and its proportion to the face, and makes markings on photographs. A lip lift is usually done under local anaesthetic — the procedure lasts 45–90 minutes and you can go home the same day.
The first 7–10 days are a period of swelling and stitches. The stitches are removed after 5–7 days. Redness over the scar persists for 4–8 weeks, and the scar fades to being unnoticeable over 6–12 months (it sits beneath the base of the nose, in a natural shadow).
How do you choose a cosmetic surgeon who does lip lifts?
The result of a lip lift depends entirely on the surgeon's technique — if the calculation is wrong, the philtrum can end up asymmetrical or the scar too visible. Look for a specialised cosmetic surgeon (not a general plastic surgery doctor whose main work is larger body surgery) whose Instagram portfolio shows before-and-after photos of lip lifts.
At the consultation, ask: how many lip lifts the surgeon has performed over the past year; how the scar is to be hidden (bullhorn versus other techniques); how any possible correction is handled. A good surgeon will tell you openly whether you are a candidate — for many people the best solution is filler or a combined approach.
See the full list of cosmetic surgery clinics in Estonia on our /kliinikud page.
Risks, side effects and contraindications
The typical side effects of a lip lift are swelling (3–14 days), bruising and mild tenderness under the skin for 2–6 months. More serious risks: scarring (especially on darker skin types), asymmetry, infection, temporary loss of sensation at the base of the nose. Correction, if needed, is possible after 6–12 months.
Contraindications: pregnancy, breastfeeding, uncontrolled diabetes, smoking for 4 weeks before and after (it increases the risk of scarring), a history of keloid scars, the use of certain medications. Discuss your entire medical history openly at the consultation.
Lip lift in Estonia's more popular cities
Lip lifts are offered above all by cosmetic surgery clinics in Tallinn, and by a few in Tartu. There are few specialised lip lift surgeons in Estonia, which is why many patients look for a particular doctor rather than a particular city. In Pärnu and other regional centres there are a handful of surgeons, but the choice is narrow.
If you are planning a lip lift and looking for a particular surgeon's practice, see the list on our /kliinikud page and filter by city.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a lip lift cost in Estonia?
The price of a lip lift in Estonia is usually 1500–2500 €. Package prices include the consultation, the procedure, local anaesthetic and aftercare visits. The final quote depends on the surgeon's experience and the technique used.
How long does a lip lift result last?
A lip lift is a permanent cosmetic surgical change — the result lasts a lifetime. With ageing the philtrum may lengthen again over time because of mild skin laxity, but the initial shortening is in principle retained permanently.
Is a lip lift painful?
A lip lift is done under local anaesthetic and the procedure itself is not painful. During the first 24–48 hours there may be tenderness and a feeling of pressure. Painkillers usually help. Severe pain is rarely experienced.
When will I see the result of a lip lift?
The initial result is visible as soon as the stitches are removed (after 5–7 days). Recovery from the swelling and the final shape of the lip are reached within 6–8 weeks. The full fading of the scar and a more natural, lifelong appearance develop over 6–12 months.
Can a lip lift be done during pregnancy?
No. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are absolute contraindications — because of the anaesthesia, the possible medications and the stress involved, elective cosmetic surgical procedures are postponed until after breastfeeding has ended.
Who is allowed to perform a lip lift in Estonia?
A lip lift must be performed by a certified cosmetic surgeon at a clinic licensed by the Health Board. A beautician, a nurse or other medical staff may not perform a lip lift. Ask about the surgeon's certification before booking.
Lip lift versus lip filler — which one suits?
A lip lift improves proportion (it shortens the philtrum and lifts the edge of the lip); filler adds volume. If the lip seems to have lengthened with age, or the teeth do not show when you smile, a lip lift is the fit. If the lip is simply thin, filler is the fit. For some patients a combination is right.
Does the scar stay visible after a lip lift?
The scar sits beneath the base of the nose, where the natural shadow and the structure of the face hide it. During the first 4–8 weeks the scar is red, after which it starts to fade. Within 6–12 months the scar is mostly unnoticeable at close range and concealed in the natural lines.