A lip lift is a surgical procedure aimed at enhancing the appearance of the lips by shortening the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip. It is designed to create a more youthful and balanced lip contour, often improving the visibility and fullness of the upper lip.
Did you know that….
Lip lifts are becoming increasingly popular procedures for people that desire more full lips, but do not want to continually get lip filler. This is a procedure performed on both men and women to enhance facial proportions and harmony. This procedure can be a stand alone procedure or combined with other aging face procedures such as a face lift.
Who is a Candidate?
Candidates for a lip lift typically include individuals who have a long distance between the nose and upper lip, which can create an aged or less defined appearance. This is also an ideal procedure for people seeking to achieve a more prominent and aesthetically pleasing upper lip without using fillers. This procedure can improve the overall balance and proportions of the face.
Ideal candidates are generally in good health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery.
What to Expect During the Procedure
This procedure can be done under local anesthesia with sedation in the office or general anesthesia may be used if it is being combined with other surgeries, depending on the patient’s preference and the extent of the procedure.
The procedure takes about an hour. A small incision is made either at the base of the nose in a “bullhorn” shape where it can be well hidden. The exact location depends on the specific technique chosen by your surgeon and will be discussed before the procedure.
The surgeon removes a small amount of skin from the base of the nose, lifting the upper lip to expose more of the vermilion (pink part) of the lip. The incision is closed with sutures, which are typically removed within a week after surgery.
Post-Operative Recovery
Recovery from a lip lift involves swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort around the surgical site. Pain medications and cold compresses can help manage these symptoms.You will be given instructions about incision care. Rest and avoid strenuous activities for the first week. Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines on when you can resume normal activities. Results of a lip lift are typically immediate and improve as swelling subsides. The scar from the incision usually fades over time and becomes less noticeable. The results are long lasting and give you a permanent change.
