What is Lip Lift?
A Lip Lift is a surgical procedure that elevates the upper lip by removing skin between the nose and the border of the top lip and shortens the space between the nose and the top of the lip, known as the “philtrum”. By shortening the distance between the nose and the top of the lip, the redness of the lip starts to roll outward, creating a more volumized look.
When it comes to making your lips look fuller — if that's a look you happen to love — lip fillers, plumping products, and makeup techniques like overlining are some of the most common tools. They're not the only options, though — nowadays the Lip lift has become a popular alternative.
Who is a perfect candidate for Lip Lift Surgery?
If you routinely use fillers and want your lips to be larger, Lip Lift Surgery is for you. Lip Lift Surgery yields great outcomes for people seeking permanent treatments for larger lips and a shorter space between their lips and nose. Lip Lift Surgery is favored by women who want to seem appealing since it allows them to have lips that look like angel wings forever.
The procedure cannot be done though if you don’t have a lot of space between the base of your nose and the top of your lip (typically about 1.5 centimeters).
How to prepare for Lip Lift Surgery?
Do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours before Lip Lift Surgery.
- Your doctor may have you stop smoking for a couple of weeks before and after surgery, as smoking can interfere with anesthesia.
- Do not drink alcohol for 48 hours beforehand, as it can interfere with anesthesia.
- Up to 2 weeks beforehand, avoid taking aspirin and any blood-thinning
The Lip Lift procedure is done in a surgeon’s office and a patient will likely be given local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia because the pain is nott too intense.
How is Lip Lift Surgery performed and what types of Lip Lift techniques are commonly used?
There are several types of Lip Lift techniques. It is important to know the types and techniques of the procedure so you can have an informed discussion with your surgeon about which is right for you.
Direct Lip Lift
A Direct Lip Lift, sometimes called a gullwing lip lift, creates a more defined lip border.
A thin strip of skin is removed just above the upper lip, and the skin is pulled upwards, creating the illusion of a more pronounced vermillion (the pink part of the lips).
This procedure typically leaves behind a scar on the upper lip area.
Subnasal Bullhorn
A Subnasal Bullhorn is one of the most common lip lift procedures.
A surgeon makes an incision that is typically hidden along the base of the nose where it is less visible. The incision is often made in the shape of a bullhorn and the center, right, and left of the lip are all pulled up toward the nose.
Central Lip Lift
A Central Lip Lift is similar to the Subnasal Bullhorn Lift. It shortens the space between the nose and the lips by an incision at the lower nose.
Corner Lip Lift
A Corner Lip Lift is sometimes called a “grin lift” because it gives the face a more smiley appearance.
It is done by making two small incisions at both corners of the mouth and removing a small amount of skin. Some people will get this in tandem with another Lip Lift procedure to get fuller lips.
It is an option for people who feel they have downturned lips.
Italian Lip Lift
An Italian lip lift requires two incisions under each nostril, and other than that detail, it is very similar to the bullhorn. It typically does not involve a noticeable scar.
How long does the Lip Lift surgery take?
After the one-hour procedure, you may return home and stand up the next day.
What to do after the Lip Lift surgery?
- Plan to rest for 24 hours after the procedure.
- Avoid strenuous exercise and smoking a couple of weeks after.
- Avoid sleeping on your face or opening your mouth too wide.
- Use a small toothbrush and brush carefully.
- Keep your lips moisturized.
- Clean the incisions following the doctor’s recommendations.
What are the possible complications of the Lip Lift surgery?
As with all surgeries, lip lifts have some potential complications, so it is always important to have them done by a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Some of the complication risks are
- scarring
- poor wound healing
- blood lossduring or after surgery
- nerve damage
- allergic reactions to anesthesia
Recovery Time After Lip Lift Surgery:
The recovery time after a Lip Lift procedure is from 5-7 days. You must rub your top lip with ice throughout the recovery period. It is common to have a swollen lip for the first 72 hours after surgery. Within 5 days, the sutures are removed, and you may resume your normal routine.
How much does a Lip Lift surgery cost?
It can vary significantly depending on multiple factors, including:
Country
Experience of the surgeon
Location of the procedure (office, surgery center, hospital)
It will also be more expensive if you’re getting a Corner Lip Lift along with another lift.
*A low-cost Lip Lift surgery performed by an inexperienced surgeon who delivers poor results is not a good combination.
