05/14/2026
Most facelifts miss this.
As we age, the upper lip changes in a very predictable way.
The distance between the nose and upper lip gets longer. The red part of the lip rolls inward and becomes less visible. What used to be a short, youthful, well-balanced upper lip becomes longer, flatter, and older-looking.
A facelift — even a beautifully executed extended deep plane facelift — does not correct this.
A facelift restores the jawline. It redefines the neck. It lifts and repositions the deeper facial tissues.
But it does not shorten the upper lip.
And that matters.
Because when the jawline, neck, and cheeks look refreshed, but the upper lip still looks aged, the imbalance becomes more obvious. The lip can suddenly become the oldest-looking feature on an otherwise rejuvenated face.
That is why facial rejuvenation is not just about lifting.
It is about proportion.
This 66-year-old patient is 3 months out from my Signature Extended Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift, facial fat grafting, and lip lift.
Swipe to the close-ups.
The lip lift shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip, brings more of the red lip into view, and restores better balance to the lower face. No fillers needed.
It is subtle.
It is natural.
And when done in the right patient, it can make the entire facelift result look more complete.
This is one of the most overlooked procedures in facial rejuvenation — and one of the reasons I bring it up in the majority of my facelift consultations.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit SturgillMD.com.
Meridian Plastic Surgeons
170 W 106th St, Carmel, IN
R. Luke Sturgill, MD
Dedicated to Natural Results & Personalized Care
Shared with written patient permission to educate and inspire others on their journey.