Lip Lift

A lip lift is a minimally invasive cosmetic surgical procedure that enhances the appearance of the upper lip by shortening the space between the nose and the upper lip. During the procedure, the skin above the upper lip and below the nose is lifted, and a small strip is removed. The remaining skin is then sutured to create more defined, natural-looking lips, rejuvenating the appearance of both the lips and face. This shortening exposes more of the inner lips, creating a fuller appearance without the need for fillers or injections. A lip lift can lead to a more youthful appearance and a better balance of facial features.

Why is a Lip Lift Done?

Reasons for a lip lift vary, but common ones include:

• Fixing loose, undefined, or lengthened upper lips due to aging.
• Rejuvenating thin or poorly defined lips.
• Desiring a more prominent curve of the upper lip.
• Enhancing the balance between the upper and lower lips.
• Improving the overall proportion of facial features.
• Making upper teeth more visible when smiling.
• Revision of previous lip surgery.

A lip lift can be an excellent solution for those seeking a long-term enhancement to their lip shape and position.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Lip Lift?

Most healthy individuals without significant medical conditions are suitable candidates for a lip lift. Ideal candidates:

• Have visible signs of aging in the upper lip area, such as lengthening of the upper lip.
• Are physically healthy and do not have medical conditions that can impair healing.
• Have a positive outlook and specific, realistic goals for improving their appearance.
• Are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking for a significant period before and after surgery.
• Desire a more defined and prominent upper lip contour.
• Are bothered by thin or poorly defined lips.
• Seek a long-lasting solution to enhance their lip appearance.

Patients who are not good candidates include those who smoke or have complex medical conditions that could impair healing after surgery.

What Happens During the Surgery

A lip lift is a subtle surgical procedure designed to elevate the lips and create a more youthful appearance by shortening the philtral distance (the space between the bottom of the nose and the edge of the top lip). This can be achieved through various techniques tailored to the patient’s unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.

One of the most common lip lifts is the “subnasal lip lift” (bullhorn lip lift). In this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision under the base of the nose, often in the shape of a bullhorn, to minimize visible scarring. A small strip of skin is then removed, and the remaining skin is lifted to shorten the philtral distance. The incision is closed with fine sutures to promote minimal scarring, resulting in a fuller, more youthful smile that shows more of the red portion of the lip.

Other types of lip lifts include the central lip lift, corner lip lift, direct lip lift, and other advanced techniques. During a lip lift procedure, the patient is given local anesthesia with or without sedation to ensure comfort. The exact technique and incision pattern will vary depending on the individual’s anatomy and desired outcome, which will be thoroughly discussed during the consultation.

Recovery after a Lip Lift

There is minimal downtime with lip lifts, making it convenient to return to normal activities quickly. Recovery typically involves swelling and bruising during the first few days, which will gradually subside over the following weeks. Most patients will have sutures for about a week. It is crucial to keep the head elevated and avoid strenuous activities to minimize swelling. Following all post-operative care instructions, including taking prescribed medications and keeping the incision clean and dry, is crucial for a speedy recovery. Patients should avoid smoking and alcohol to promote optimal healing and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and address any concerns. Most patients can return to normal activities within 2 to 3 weeks, with full recovery and final results becoming more visible within 1 to 3 months.

FAQ

How painful is a lip lift?
Pain after a lip lift is typically minimal and can be managed with prescribed medication. Most patients report discomfort rather than severe pain.

Will there be visible scars?
Scars are usually well-hidden under the base of the nose and should fade over time with proper skin care and scar management.

How soon can I return to work?
Most patients can return to work within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on their job and how their healing progresses.

How long do the results last?
The results of a lip lift are long-term, although the natural aging process will continue to affect the appearance of the lips over time.

Can I combine a lip lift with other procedures?
Yes, a lip lift can be combined with other facial procedures such as a facelift or dermal fillers for a more comprehensive rejuvenation.

What should I avoid after surgery?
After surgery, patients should avoid strenuous activities, smoking, and alcohol, and follow all post-operative instructions to ensure optimal healing and results.

Complementary Procedures

Complementary procedures that can enhance the results of a lip lift include facelifts to address sagging and wrinkles in the mid and lower face, chin augmentation to enhance facial contours, and botulinum toxin or dermal fillers to smooth fine lines and add volume to areas that have lost fullness. Combining these procedures can provide more harmonious results and a more youthful overall appearance.

For more detailed information or to schedule a consultation, please contact our office.