A lip lift is a permanent surgery procedure designed to decrease the distance between the nose and the lips.
A lip lift is a surgery that shortens the space between the base of the nose and the upper lip. It creates a more youthful, defined look without using fillers or implants. There are several types of lip lifts:
Bullhorn Lip Lift (Subnasal):
This is the most common type. The surgeon makes a bullhorn-shaped incision under the nose. Then, they lift the center and sides of the upper lip.
Central Lip Lift:
Here, a single incision is made at the base of the nose. This lifts the central part of the upper lip, also called the Cupid’s bow.
Corner Lip Lift:
This lifts the corners of the mouth to create a slight smile. It’s helpful for people with downturned lips. Sometimes, it’s combined with another lip lift technique.
Gullwing Lip Lift (Direct):
The incision is made along the border of the upper lip, shaped like a flying seagull. This creates a more defined lip shape.
Italian Lip Lift:
This method is more subtle. The surgeon makes two small incisions at the base of each nostril. It lifts the sides of the lip but not the center.
V to Y Lip Lift (V-Y Advancement):
In this procedure, a V-shaped incision is made. It’s then closed in the shape of a Y to lift and reshape the lip.
A lip lift helps make the lips look more prominent and youthful. It does this without using fillers or implants. This procedure can improve the appearance of the lips in several ways:
•First, it can hide exposed upper teeth.
•Next, it creates the look of a fuller upper lip.
•Then, it lifts downturned corners of the mouth.
•Finally, it reduces fine lines caused by aging.
– Permanent solution for fuller lips
– Conducted under local anesthesia
– Results feature a subtly natural appearance
– Emphasizes proportionality in lip enhancement
– Procedure results in a minor, discreet scar
– Initial bruising and swelling may occur
– Recovery period required: three to four days
Consultation
Before your lip lift, you’ll meet with your plastic surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will examine you and ask about your health and goals. Once they understand what you’re hoping to achieve, they’ll suggest the best type of lip lift for you.
Your surgeon will also give you instructions to prepare. For example, you’ll need to stop drinking alcohol and avoid blood-thinning medications like aspirin or certain herbal supplements. Don’t change any medications without talking to your doctor. If you smoke, you’ll need to quit a few weeks before and after surgery.
If you have any questions about the procedure, recovery, or possible side effects, be sure to ask your surgeon before your surgery day.
What Happens During a Lip Lift?
On the day of your procedure, local anesthesia will be used to numb the area. You’ll stay awake, but you won’t feel pain. If you’re having another cosmetic procedure, like a facelift, you’ll likely be under general anesthesia instead.
During the lip lift, the surgeon removes a small amount of skin between your nose and upper lip (called the philtrum). Then, they lift your lip into the new position. The area lifted depends on the type of lip lift you’re getting.
The basic steps are:
1.Making an incision
2.Removing extra skin
3.Lifting the lip into position
The number and location of incisions will vary depending on the technique. At the end, the surgeon will close the incisions with fine stitches.
How Long Does a Lip Lift Take?
A lip lift usually takes less than one hour. The exact time depends on the type of lift being done.
After surgery, you’ll be monitored for a short time. Most people go home the same day. However, because the anesthesia may make you feel tired or dizzy, you’ll need someone to drive you home.
Post-Operative Recovery
After a lip lift, proper care is important to support healing. Your surgeon may give you the following instructions:
•First, sleep on your back with your head elevated.
•Then, try to limit talking as much as possible.
•Take all medications as prescribed.
•Avoid alcohol and tobacco during recovery.
•Choose soft foods that don’t require much chewing.
It’s normal to feel some swelling, soreness, or tightness after surgery. Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up to remove stitches, or in some cases, they may dissolve on their own.
The incision site usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks to fully heal.
Initial swelling and bruising are expected to diminish within one week following the lip lift procedure, with complete resolution occurring within one month. It is not uncommon for the lips to experience a sensation of tightness for a duration of several months. In certain instances, it may require up to six months for the lips to return to a state of complete normalcy.
In terms of the timeline for observing the results of a lip lift, optimal outcomes may take up to four months to manifest.
As with any surgical procedure, there are inherent risks of infection and bleeding. However, the risk of noticeable scarring following a lip lift is minimal due to the strategic placement of the incisions involved in this procedure.
The average cost of a lip lift surgery range in the United States is between $3,000 and $4,000.
