A lip lift is a surgical procedure that lifts the upper cutaneous lip toward the nose. As the cutaneous lip elongates with age and gravity, it can make the entire face appear older. Sometimes, the upper lip is so long that it hangs over the teeth. The goal of a lip lift is to restore the harmony and proportion of the upper lip. During surgery, the skin between the nose and upper lip is shortened by removing a small amount of tissue, and the incision is well hidden at the base of the nose. This makes the face appear younger and increases the size of the red part of the upper lip.
Browse our before and after gallery, as a glimpse of what’s in store for you.
As we age, the space between the nose and the upper portion of your lips elongates and the red lip thins. Noninvasive procedures such as lip filler restores the volume of the red lip but may weigh down on the cutaneous lip and make it even longer! A lip lift restores the face’s balance and ratio. The lip lift can also correct any asymmetry in the upper lip by differentially lifting two sides of the lips.
Lip lift can be performed under either local or general anesthesia. Marks are drawn beneath the nose where the incision will be made. Dr. Lee will make the incision carefully and precisely. The deeper tissue of the lip is then lifted. A small portion of the skin just below the nose is then removed. By keeping tension on the upper lip to a minimum, the scar is well hidden underneath the nose.
Most patients find lip lift recovery relatively easy. Sutures are removed one week after the procedure. You will experience swelling and soreness in your upper lip for a couple of weeks. After a few days, you should be able to return to sedentary work or light activities. Do not engage in strenuous activity for at least three weeks. Patients may also experience a mild feeling of tightness in the upper lip for 2-4 months.
Fillers and BOTOX are commonly used to address cosmetic concerns with the lips. Injectables are effective but temporary, and they can not shorten the length of the cutaneous lip. A lip lift addresses the following concerns to achieve beautiful proportion, shape, and harmony in a way that isn’t possible with dermal fillers or BOTOX.
Dr. Michelle Lee is a board-certified, award-winning plastic surgeon whose focus is on natural-looking, nuanced results. She is committed to safety, artistry and patient satisfaction, making her a highly sought-after cosmetic surgeon. Dr. Lee takes a personalized, custom approach to every surgery, ensuring the patient’s beauty is enhanced without compromising their unique look. She is known for her modern, state-of-the-art approach, understanding and experience, and dedication to her patients.
At her practice, PERK plastic surgery, patients can relax in a comfortable, patient-centered, high-end environment. You are the first priority of our caring team, who are dedicated to providing a positive experience on your aesthetic journey from the moment you walk through the doors until you see your stunning results. Please contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about a lip lift with Dr. Lee.
