Foundation of the Lip Lift Center of Excellence in Atlanta: A More Complete, Anatomically Driven Approach to Upper Lip Rejuvenation
At Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery, the Lip Lift Center of Excellence is built upon a comprehensive, anatomically driven approach to upper lip rejuvenation, with the Perialar Lip Lift™ serving as its foundational technique.
Patients considering lip lift surgery are often introduced to the traditional subnasal, or “bullhorn,” lip lift as the standard technique for shortening the upper lip and increasing tooth show. However, the subnasal lip lift approach is inherently limited in its ability to address the complete anatomy of the upper lip.
Dr. Benjamin Stong, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with fellowship training in facial aesthetic surgery and extensive experience in advanced facial and perioral rejuvenation procedures, developed the Perialar Lip Lift™ to address these limitations through a more comprehensive surgical design. His work focuses on achieving natural, anatomically balanced outcomes through refined techniques, particularly in complex areas such as the lips.
By extending the excision pattern around the alar-facial groove in a carefully planned crescentic configuration, in addition to the traditional excision at the base of the nose, this technique allows for a more complete correction of upper lip aesthetics while maintaining natural expression.
Rather than focusing solely on the central philtrum, Dr. Stong’s proprietary approach is designed to improve the entire upper lip aesthetic subunit, from the central to the lateral lip, forming the core surgical framework of the Lip Lift Center of Excellence and resulting in more balanced, natural-looking outcomes.
The Foundation of the Lip Lift Center of Excellence
The Lip Lift Center of Excellence at Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery is built upon the principle that effective lip rejuvenation requires a comprehensive, anatomically precise approach, rather than isolated correction of a single dimension of the lip.
Traditional lip lift techniques focus primarily on central vertical shortening. In contrast, the Perialar Lip Lift™ serves as the foundational technique of the Center of Excellence because it addresses the full upper lip aesthetic subunit, including central, lateral, and multi-vector components of lip position and contour.
By incorporating vertical, horizontal, and oblique vectors of correction, this approach allows for:
• more complete restoration of upper lip subunits
• improved balance between central and lateral vermilion show
• enhanced smile dynamics and tooth show
• improved harmony between the upper lip, nose, and midface
Because of its ability to address these multiple dimensions simultaneously, the Perialar Lip Lift™ provides the structural basis for additional lip enhancement procedures, including corner mouth lip lift, V to Y lip augmentation, and other advanced techniques offered within the Center of Excellence.
This comprehensive framework allows Dr. Stong to tailor each procedure to the patient’s anatomy while maintaining a consistent goal of natural, balanced, and long-lasting results.
Dr. Stong did an amazing job. I had an eyebrow lift, eyelids, face and neck lift. It’s only been 3.5 weeks and I am thrilled with the new me already! He is highly qualified and I recommend him without hesitation. He and his office staff are professional, available and eager to make your experience a positive one.
At-a-Glance: What Sets the Perialar Lip Lift™ Apart
- ~40% greater skin excision capacity than a standard subnasal lip lift
- Treats both central and lateral lip components simultaneously
- Improves vermilion show from the corner mouth to the corner mouth
- Enhances both central and lateral tooth show for a broader smile
- Introduces multi-vector lifting, vertical, horizontal, and oblique
- Shortens the upper lip proportionately in both horizontal and vertical dimensions
- Designed to maintain natural expression and facial balance
- Contributes to effacement and softening of the nasolabial folds
Typical recovery: 7 to 10 days for social downtime
Final results: Approximately 2 to 3 months for most of the swelling to resolve
Why the Perialar Lip Lift™ Was Developed
Traditional lip lift techniques were designed to correct vertical elongation of the upper lip, primarily through central skin excision beneath the nose. However, facial aging and aesthetic imbalance do not occur in a purely vertical pattern.
In clinical practice, Dr. Stong observed that many patients demonstrated:
- Lateral descent of the upper lip not addressed by subnasal techniques
- Imbalance between central and peripheral vermilion show
- Limited improvement in smile due to inadequate lateral lip elevation
- heaviness and prominence of the nasolabial folds despite central lip shortening
These observations led to the development of the Perialar Lip Lift™, a technique designed to address both central and lateral components simultaneously, creating a more complete and anatomically consistent result.
The Limitations of the Standard Subnasal Lip Lift
The subnasal lip lift removes a strip of skin at the base of the nose, producing vertical shortening of the philtrum. While this can enhance central tooth show and accentuate the cupid’s bow, it does not adequately address the lateral lip or nasolabial folds.
Common limitations include:
- Overemphasis of the central lip with insufficient lateral support
- A disproportionately shortened philtrum
- A centralized lift effect, sometimes described as a “bunny rabbit” appearance
- Limited improvement in the lateral vermilion red lip show
- Minimal impact on overall smile width
These outcomes are not due to surgical error, but rather to the inherent constraints of a purely central and vertical excision pattern.
What the Perialar Lip Lift™ Adds
- Horizontal shortening in addition to vertical shortening of the upper lip
- Lateral red lip elevation extending to the commissures
- Oblique vector correction contributing to softening of the nasolabial folds
- Approximately 40% greater excisional capacity around the alar base
- Broader, more balanced smile enhancement
By expanding the incision along the alar-facial groove, Dr. Stong’s technique redistributes tension across multiple vectors rather than relying on a single vertical pull.
Expanded Surgical Design and Multi-Vector Correction
A defining advantage of the Perialar Lip Lift™ is its ability to create three-dimensional correction of the upper lip.
Instead of an isolated effect on the central philtral columns, the procedure:
- Shortens the lip both horizontally and vertically
- Elevates the lateral lip segments
- Introduces oblique vectors that influence adjacent structures
This multi-vector approach results in a more natural transition between the upper lip, nose, and midface, something not achievable with traditional subnasal lip lift techniques.
Enhanced Vermilion Show from Corner to Corner
One of the primary goals of lip lift surgery is to increase the visibility of the vermilion, or red lip.
Traditional techniques primarily enhance the central lip, leaving the outer lip relatively unchanged.
With the Perialar Lip Lift™:
- Vermilion show is improved across the entire lip
- The vermilion-cutaneous junction appears more continuous
- Results appear more balanced both at rest and during animation
Improved Tooth Show and Smile Dynamics
Tooth show is a key contributor to a youthful and natural appearance.
While subnasal lip lifts improve central incisor visibility, they often fail to influence the lateral smile.
The Perialar Lip Lift™ improves:
- Central tooth show
- Lateral tooth show
- Overall smile width and balance
The result is a broader, more natural smile that reflects the full width of the upper lip without appearing overcorrected.
Softening of Nasolabial Folds
Because the Perialar Lip Lift™ introduces oblique and horizontal lifting vectors, it can also influence the nasolabial folds.
This allows for:
- Subtle softening and effacement of the fold
- Improved transition between the upper lip and midface
- Enhanced overall facial harmony
For this reason, it is often combined with advanced procedures such as deep plane facelift surgery.
Preservation of Natural Expression
The Perialar Lip Lift™ is designed with careful attention to the orbicularis oris muscle and surrounding soft tissue.
This allows for:
- Preservation of natural lip movement
- Even distribution of tension
- Avoidance of excessive central tightness
Results appear refined, balanced, and natural both at rest and during expression.
Precision, Not Overcorrection
While this technique allows for greater correction, it also requires a high level of surgical precision.
Dr. Stong’s approach emphasizes:
- Detailed preoperative facial analysis
- Targeted, conservative, controlled tissue removal
- Strategic tension distribution across the lip
The goal is not only to lift, but to achieve optimal aesthetic balance.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
The Perialar Lip Lift™ is well-suited for patients who:
- Have an excessively wide or elongated upper lip
- Have minimal central or lateral tooth show
- Desire improved vermilion show and lip definition
- Have lateral lip descent not addressed by previous procedures
- Want a structural, long-term solution rather than temporary treatments
The Perialar Lip Lift™ improves upon the subnasal lip lift by providing a more complete correction of upper lip anatomy, achieving significantly more comprehensive and natural results.
Patients with elongated or wide upper lips, limited vermilion or red lip show, minimal tooth show, or prominent nasolabial folds will often experience greater overall improvement compared to a subnasal-only approach.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Perialar Lip Lift™
The Perialar Lip Lift™ extends the excision around the alar-facial groove, allowing for both central and lateral elevation. A subnasal lip lift focuses only on central vertical shortening.
Yes, because it accomplishes everything a subnasal lip lift achieves centrally, and it provides a more complete correction by addressing both the central and lateral components of the upper lip.
The Perialar Lip Lift™ allows for approximately 40% greater excisional capacity due to its expanded incision design.
The results are long-lasting and often considered permanent. While aging continues, most patients enjoy the benefits of this procedure for many years without the need for touch-ups.
The Modified Perialar Lip Lift lifts the full width of the upper lip, including the outer corners, providing more natural and complete results. It avoids the common overfilled look and migration issues associated with fillers.
Incisions are placed along the natural contours of the alar base and alar-facial groove, where they typically heal very well. Surgical technique, precise incision placement, and proper post-operative care all influence scar visibility. CO2 laser treatments may also be used to further minimize incisions.
Most patients return to normal baseline within 7 to 10 days. Results become more apparent over 2 to 3 months as swelling resolves.
Yes. It is often performed with deep plane facelift surgery and may also be combined with procedures such as V to Y lip augmentation, corner mouth lip lift, or lip reduction depending on individual goals.
Why Patients From Around the World Choose Kalos for their Lip Lift
Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery, led by Dr. Benjamin C. Stong, is a boutique surgical center that offers personalized, high-level care with a reputation for exceptional results. Patients in Buckhead, Midtown, and surrounding Atlanta neighborhoods seek out Kalos not only for the cutting-edge techniques but for the depth of experience and transparency the practice offers.
As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Stong brings unmatched expertise to cosmetic and reconstructive facial procedures. His extensive education includes:
- Certification by both the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Fellowship training under Dr. Andrew Jacono, one of the top facial plastic surgeons in the U.S.
- Education from Emory University and the University of Alabama School of Medicine
Kalos is known for prioritizing patient education, natural-looking results, and ethical surgical planning. Every consultation involves a thorough aesthetic analysis, honest expectations, and a collaborative treatment plan tailored to your goals.
Schedule a Private Consultation in Atlanta, GA
If you’re considering a lip lift and want clear, expert guidance in the Atlanta area, trust the team at Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery to walk you through every step of the process. With convenient access to Buckhead, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, and Midtown, our office is ready to welcome you with concierge-level care. Contact us to schedule your consultation with Dr. Benjamin C. Stong and explore how the Modified Perialar Lip Lift can help you smile with confidence again.
Before & After
