The cosmetic lip lift is a popular procedure for rejuvenating the lips while avoiding the ongoing maintenance of injections or the potentially overly heavy look of too much filler. Lip lifts may incorporate one or more techniques tailored to enhance the shape and fullness of your lips (particularly the upper lip), giving you a more youthful and attractive mouth.
Before and 1 year after upper lip lift, upper and lower eyelid surgery, and fat grafting to the lower eyelids and cheeks
What is a Lip Lift?
Lip Lifts are a permanent procedure customized to each patient’s needs and preferences. A “central”lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the distance between the upper lip and the base of the nose. This may be done with a single central incision at the base of the nose, or a wider incision called a “bullhorn” or “subnasal” lip lift. The incision width and shape is determined in consultation with your surgeon based on your goals. This technique results in a more pronounced and lifted upper lip, enhancing the overall proportions of the lip and surrounding structures. The procedure can create a more youthful and balanced appearance by increasing the visible portion of the lips. It also helps to softly reveal the upper teeth when speaking and smiling, which confers a youthful appearance.
Some patients will see additional benefit from a “corner lip lift” which may be performed at the same time and corrects descent of the outer corners of the mouth to subtly improve the unhappy expression often referred to as “RBF.”
Although cosmetic lip lifts will often improve the horizontal lines in the upper lip near the nose, they usually don’t have much effect on vertical lip lines. To improve those, it may be necessary to add volume to the lips (typically through filler or fat grafting) and/or incorporate skin resurfacing.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Lip Lift?
Ideal candidates for a lip lift include individuals who:
- Have a longer than desired distance between the upper lip and the nose.
- Desire a fuller upper lip and increased vertical height of the lip without the use of fillers.
- May also desire improvement in the downward angles at the outer corners of their mouth.
- Are healthy non-smokers, or willing to quit smoking before and after the procedure to ensure proper healing.
- Have not recently undergone other lip augmentation procedures, other than filler injections.
What are the Alternatives to a Lip Lift?
No other procedure will provide the same profile of improvements as the lip lift, specifically shortening the distance between the upper lip and the nose, and improving the show of the upper teeth when smiling. However, improved lip shape and fullness can be achieved with fillers or with fat grafting. Both of these may provide somewhat more improvement in vertical lip lines, also known as smoker’s lines, than the lip lift alone. Chemical peels or laser skin resurfacing can improve some fine lip lines and skin texture, but will not significantly change lip size, shape, and structure.
What to Expect
The lip lift procedure typically involves a detailed consultation. It may or may not be recommended that existing lip filler be dissolved to give optimal and predictable results. This procedure can be safely and comfortably performed in the office using local anesthetic, with or without a mild sedative. The procedure usually takes about an hour.
Afterward, almost everyone experiences swelling and bruising of the lips and surrounding area, but not much pain. You will have prescriptions for antibiotics and pain medicine. We provide detailed post-operative care instructions and are always available to address any concerns during your recovery period. Bruising and swelling should be expected during the first 1-2 weeks. Patients are advised to eat healthy, stay hydrated, rest, and apply ice frequently. Strenuous activity, smoking, exposure of the surgical site to direct sun, and swimming should be avoided for 2 weeks after surgery. Surface stitches are typically removed within a week, and follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing as the deeper dissolving stitches disappear. Scar care education and support is provided throughout. Most people will be able to return to work and social life about 1-2 weeks after the procedure.
What are the Risks of a Lip Lift?
Like any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of infection, bleeding, scarring, nerve injury, and need for further procedures. A lip lift typically results in fine, delicate scar(s) that are hidden at the base of the nose, or at the vermilion-skin border where they are easily covered by lipstick. Smokers have an increased risk for visible scars. Scars may be addressed by your team with topical creams/gels, lasers, or microneedling at our medical spa. Some patients may have difficulty adjusting to the new lip position and the appearance. Asymmetry is possible based on a patient’s anatomy or challenges with recovery, which the surgeon will monitor and address if needed.
Outcomes of a Lip Lift
The outcomes of a lip lift can be transformative, offering:
- A shorter and more defined upper lip.
- Enhanced visibility of the upper teeth when smiling.
- A more youthful and balanced facial appearance.
- Long-lasting results compared to temporary fillers.
Before and 1 year after upper lip lift
Before and 2 months after upper lip lift
If you’re considering a lip lift, schedule a consultation with us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
