At a lip lift consultation, ask about your surgeon’s specialist registration and experience, whether your lip length suits a lip lift, exactly where the scar will be and how it heals, the recovery, the risks of over- or under-correction and the revision policy. Good answers are specific to your face, open about limitations and given without pressure. Use the checklist below and write the answers down.
About the surgeon
- Are you on the GMC Specialist Register in Plastic Surgery?: a clear yes, which you can confirm on the GMC online register.
- What are your qualifications?: FRCS (Plast) shows completion of UK specialist plastic surgery training.
- Are you a member of BAAPS or BAPRAS?: membership signals commitment to professional standards and audit.
- How often do you perform lip lifts and facial surgery?: a straightforward account of regular facial surgery practice.
About suitability
- Is my upper lip long enough for a lip lift?: the surgeon should measure the distance from nose to lip and explain how it relates to your face.
- How much tooth will show afterwards?: expect a discussion of current tooth and gum show at rest and when smiling.
- Would filler, a lip lift or both suit me better?: a good surgeon will explain the options honestly, including when surgery is not needed. At CLNQ, lip filler is provided by the clinic’s non-surgical doctors rather than by Mr Nassab.
- Is a corner lift worth considering?: if your mouth corners turn down, this may be discussed, with its additional scars.
About the scar
- Where exactly will the scar be?: you should be shown the incision line along the base of the nose.
- How will it look over time?: an honest timeline: pink for several months, maturing over 12 to 18 months.
- What if the scar heals poorly?: a clear explanation of silicone, steroid injections or scar revision options.
If you have ever had raised or keloid scars, say so, as this affects the advice you should receive.
About the procedure and recovery
- Will it be done under local anaesthetic?: most lip lifts are, and you should be told what to expect during the operation.
- Where is the surgery performed?: a CQC-registered hospital.
- How long before returning to work?: usually around a week, once the stitches are removed.
- Who sees me for follow-up?: ideally the operating surgeon, with a clear contact route between appointments.
About risks and revision
- What are the main risks for me?: a tailored discussion of scarring, asymmetry, over- or under-correction, nostril changes and infection.
- What happens if the result is uneven?: an explanation of how and when adjustments might be considered, usually after 12 months.
- What is the revision policy?: ask for the policy in writing, including any costs.
A surgeon who explains that over-correction is harder to fix than under-correction, and plans conservatively, is taking your long-term result seriously.
About cost
Ask for a written quote listing what is included, such as the surgeon, the hospital and routine follow-up. With Mr Nassab, lip lift surgery costs from £4,000 and the £150 consultation is charged separately. It is also worth asking whether stitch removal and later reviews are included, and whether a separate charge applies if a minor scar adjustment is needed. Comparing quotes is easier when each one sets out the same items. Cosmetic surgery is for adults aged 18 and over.
Red flags
Be wary of a clinic that offers a discount for booking on the day, cannot tell you who will operate, dismisses concerns about the scar, or does not examine your lip length and tooth show before recommending surgery. You should always have time to reflect, and the lip lift risks guide can help you prepare. Bringing a friend or relative to the appointment can also help you remember what was said and think of further questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a lip lift consultation take?
Long enough for a full examination, a discussion of your goals and time for your questions; you should never feel rushed.
Is it acceptable to ask to see previous results?
Yes. Surgeons may share their own consented photographs, which show a range of outcomes rather than a prediction.
Should a second consultation be booked?
Many people find a second appointment useful to review the plan and ask follow-up questions before deciding.
Is it reasonable to ask how a lip lift might affect smiling?
Yes. A good surgeon will explain that the lip often feels stiff for a few weeks and that movement usually returns to normal as swelling settles.
What should be mentioned about medical history?
Tell the surgeon about smoking, medications, supplements, previous lip filler, dental work and any history of poor scarring.
