What is Lip Lift?
A lip lift is an in-office cosmetic surgical procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the upper lip by shortening the distance between the upper lip and the base of the nose. This creates a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing look by increasing the amount of visible pink lip, improving lip shape, and enhancing facial balance. There are various types of lip lift procedures, depending on your goals.
Types of Lip Lifts
There are 5 common types of lip lift procedures:
- Subnasal "Bullhorn" Lip Lift – The most common technique, where an incision is made under the nose, and a strip of skin is removed to elevate the upper lip.
- Corner Lip Lift – Targets the outer corners of the mouth to reduce a downturned look, often called a "smile lift."
- Direct Lip Lift / Gullwing Lift – Removes skin directly above the upper lip, creating a more pronounced lift.
- Italian Lip Lift – Similar to the bullhorn lift but involves two smaller incisions under each nostril.
- Central lip lift - Similar to the subnasal bullhorn lift, it reduces the space between the lips and the nose by an incision at the lower nose.
Indications for Lip Lift
A lip lift may be recommended for individuals who have a long philtrum (the space between the nose and upper lip), which can create an unbalanced facial appearance or make the upper lip appear thin and less defined. Aging can also cause the philtrum to lengthen, leading to a loss of lip volume and a less youthful look. Some people may seek a lip lift if they are dissatisfied with the results of lip fillers, as fillers add volume but do not address lip position or shape. Additionally, a lip lift can enhance the visibility of the upper teeth when smiling, contributing to a more attractive and youthful facial expression. The procedure is often chosen to achieve better facial harmony, improve lip contour, and create a naturally fuller upper lip without the need for ongoing filler treatments.
Procedure for Lip Lift
The Lip Lift procedure is a minor surgical intervention that typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes. In general, the procedure involves the following steps:
- Local anesthesia is applied to numb the treatment area (sometimes with sedation for comfort).
- The surgeon makes an incision, usually under the base of the nose (subnasal or "bullhorn" technique is most common).
- A small strip of skin is carefully removed to shorten the philtrum.
- The upper lip is elevated and repositioned to create a more youthful, fuller appearance.
- The incision is closed with fine sutures to ensure minimal scarring.
- Stitches may be dissolvable or removed in about a week.
Post-Procedure Care and Recovery
Patients can usually return home the same day. Mild swelling and bruising are common for about 1-2 weeks. Stitches if non-dissolvable are removed in 5-7 days, and most swelling subsides within a few weeks. Mild discomfort is managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Strenuous activities should be avoided for 2-3 weeks to prevent tension on the incision. Full results become apparent after 2-3 months, with scars fading over time.
Risks and Complications
Lip lift is generally a safe procedure. However, as with any medical procedure, some risks and complications may occur, such as:
- Pain and discomfort
- Swelling and bruising
- Scarring
- Infection
- Lip asymmetry
- Overcorrection
- Numbness or tingling around the upper lip
- Poor wound healing
Benefits
Benefits of a lip lift procedure include:
- Enhances the natural shape and fullness of the upper lip
- Creates a more youthful and balanced facial appearance
- Permanently improves lip proportions without fillers
- Enhances the visibility of the upper teeth when smiling
- Reduces the space between the nose and the upper lip
- Potentially minimizes wrinkles around the mouth
- Redefines the Cupid's bow and lines of the upper lip
- Boosts your self-confidence