What is the VCTR™ lip lift system?
Meet VCTR™, the planning framework Dr. Gould uses in every lip lift consultation and surgical design. Created because most lip lifts fail by treating the lip as a single unit, VCTR™ starts from a different premise: the lip is not a single unit. Inspired by the 2022 Aesthetic Surgery Journal publication on the CUPID Lip Lift by Dr. Benjamin Talei and Dr. Steven J. Pearlman, VCTR™ builds on an anatomy-first framework to create a lift that is precise, balanced, and individualized to the face.
Crural footplate
The paired peak points just lateral to the base of the columella, where the nose meets the lip. These define the height and shape of the Cupid's bow peaks.
The Three Dimensions We Assess
Every lip is unique. We evaluate three key dimensions to create your personalized plan.
Vermillion Slope
How the lip falls from center to corner. Is it flat, gradual, steep, or reversed? This determines whether the excision is medially or laterally biased, one of the most important technical decisions in lip lift surgery.
Cupid’s Bow
The relationship between the V and C points. Is it defined, blunted, peaked, or asymmetric? This guides how we shape the excision to enhance or preserve the bow without overdoing it.
Subfacial Lip Status
What is happening lateral to the R line, the edge of the direct lift effect? Is the lateral vermillion supported, buried, or descended? This determines whether a corner lift is needed and which type is most appropriate.
Our Approach
The VECTERA™ Philosophy
VCTR Landmark Analysis
Precise mapping of the lip landmarks to guide surgical planning and excision design.
Three-Dimensional Classification
A detailed assessment of your unique anatomy and structural needs.
Personalized Surgical Plan
Your procedure is customized using the VCTR framework and a tailored three-part classification code.
Surgery Performed
The procedure is carried out with a design specific to your anatomy and aesthetic goals.
is this procedure
Right for you?
The incision is placed within the natural subnasal crease and follows the perialar curve, where it is designed to heal discreetly and, in most patients, become difficult to see within weeks. Dr. Gould does not place the incision inside the nose or across the alar sill, because those choices can distort the nostril base and are common issues seen in revision lip lift patients.
Dr. Gould incorporates corner lifts in roughly 90% of lip lift cases because a subnasal lift improves the central lip but does not fully address the lateral lip. Many patients have subtle lateral vermillion burial or commissure ptosis, which creates a tired or downturned mouth. Type I addresses mild corner burial. Type II provides more structural correction when the corner has descended. Most surgeons treat this as secondary, but Dr. Gould considers it part of complete lip architecture.
- Dr. Gould evaluates lip lift candidacy based on anatomy, not age, gender, skin type, or ethnicity.
- Dr. Gould looks at the upper lip as part of the lower face, not as an isolated feature. Candidacy depends on lip length, tooth show, vermillion position, and how the mouth rests at baseline.
- Patients with good incisor show may still be candidates, depending on lip length, lateral vermillion position, and overall perioral support.
- Patients with vertical maxillary excess, labial incompetence, or visible strain around the mouth at rest may require a different approach.
- Prior filler history matters. HA filler in the philtrum or vermillion border may need to be dissolved before surgery for safety, precision, and a cleaner final result.
- Long or elongated upper lip
- Thin or poorly defined upper lip
- Flattened or aging lip contour
- Lip asymmetry or imbalance
- Shorter, more proportionate upper lip length
- Improved Cupid’s bow definition
- Better visibility of the white roll and vermillion border
- More natural balance between the nose, lip, teeth, and lower face
Meet Dr. Daniel Gould
Dr. Daniel Gould is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Beverly Hills, CA, specializing in lip lift surgery and facial refinement. His approach is anatomically focused, addressing lip position, proportion, and perioral balance rather than relying on volume alone. Before any consultation, he performs VCTR mapping to evaluate lip architecture, tooth show, vermillion position, and perioral balance. His approach focuses on restoring proportion and structure rather than adding volume alone, creating lip enhancement that appears refined, balanced, and never overdone.
Board-Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon | Beverly Hills, CA
Frequently asked questions
Yes, when it is planned around the patient’s actual lip anatomy. A natural lip lift does not just shorten skin. It restores the relationship between the nose, upper lip, Cupid’s bow, teeth, and mouth corners so the lip looks like it belongs there.
A corner lip lift addresses the outer part of the upper lip and the mouth corner. It is used when the lateral pink lip is buried, rolled inward, or when the corners sit slightly low. Type I is more subtle. Type II is used when the corner itself has dropped more noticeably.
They treat different problems. Filler adds volume. A lip lift changes position, proportion, and tooth show. If the issue is a long upper lip or poor lip-to-nose balance, filler often makes the lip heavier instead of better.
Most patients look socially presentable in about 1 to 2 weeks. Swelling and firmness continue to improve over several weeks, and scar maturation continues for months.
Sometimes. If the downturned appearance comes from buried lateral vermillion or mild commissure ptosis, a corner lift can improve it. If the issue is deeper facial descent or muscle hyperactivity, additional treatment may be needed.
A deep plane lip lift releases and repositions the deeper attachments of the upper lip rather than simply removing skin. This allows more controlled movement, better shape, and less tension on the incision.
Yes. A lip lift is considered permanent because skin is removed and the lip position is surgically changed. The face will still continue to age naturally over time.
Patients with vertical maxillary excess, labial incompetence, or visible strain around the mouth at rest may not be ideal candidates. Prior filler, especially in the philtrum or vermillion border, also needs to be assessed and may need to be dissolved first.
Yes, in selected patients. Because the lip lift incision sits under the nose, the nasal base and lip relationship must be planned carefully so both procedures heal predictably and do not compete with each other.
Over-resection, too much central lift, ignoring the lateral lip, poor Cupid’s bow planning, or placing tension on the skin can make a lip lift look surgical. Dr. Gould’s planning focuses on controlled proportions, lateral support, and natural lip architecture rather than simply making the lip shorter.
Do you have additional questions?
Speak with our team to explore whether a tailored, VCTR™ Lip Lift System anatomy-first approach is right for you.