A lip lift is a transformative procedure that enhances the look of your smile. As you age, the space between the upper lip and nose tends to get longer. This can be exacerbated by poor lifestyle habits that accelerate aging. Some people are also born with this section being much longer. This can be effectively addressed with a cosmetic procedure. A lip lift shortens this area and lifts the upper lip upward. It leaves you looking much more youthful, with your lips appearing naturally enhanced.
Everything You Need to Know About a Lip Lift Procedure
If you want a natural and enhanced smile, a
lip lift is a highly effective procedure. It highlights your smile and improves your overall facial balance. Understanding what to expect can help you determine if the surgery is right for you.
Lip Lift Procedure
A lip lift is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the shape and position of the upper lip. It focuses on improving the balance between the nose, lips, and surrounding features. Unlike injectable fillers, this procedure offers permanent results. It is generally performed with local anesthesia. Sedation is an option if you are interested. It is important to discuss this with your
oculofacial plastic surgeon at the consultation. Most patients are completely comfortable and relaxed throughout the process. It takes roughly one hour to complete.
The procedure itself involves removing a small amount of skin just below the nose.
This shortens the distance between the nose and the upper lip, helping the upper lip look more lifted and defined. The incision is strategically placed to minimize visible scarring. The goals of the procedure are to elevate the upper lip and improve the shape of the Cupid’s bow. The results reveal a greater portion of the pink upper lip. When the skin is removed and the lip is defined, the incision is closed with fine sutures. This supports optimal healing and reduces the risk of visible scarring.
Types of Lip Lift Procedures
There are several types of lip lift techniques. The technique that is right for you depends on your unique anatomy and your aesthetic goals. The most common technique is the subnasal lift. As outlined above, this method follows the natural curves under the nose when the skin is removed. This allows the surgeon to have precise control over the lip shaping. The technique to be used will be discussed at your consultation.
Recovering from a Lip Lift
Healing from a lip lift is straightforward and smooth. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. This means that you get to go home the same day. You will be provided with post-surgical instructions. Follow these as closely as possible to ensure optimal results. Adhering to these instructions also helps reduce your risk of post-surgical complications.
Most patients are back to their routine within one week. The first few days are marked by swelling and mild tightness around the upper lip. This is normal and gradually subsides over the first week. Use a cold compress and keep your head elevated, even while sleeping. This helps with swelling and discomfort. You can also take medication to manage the pain. Within the first week, your sutures will be removed. Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity, and bending over during the first week. This can increase blood flow to the face, potentially affecting your results.
The results are visible immediately. However, it can take several weeks for the swelling to subside. This is an entirely normal and natural part of the healing process. Once the incision has healed, you can use makeup to cover any residual bruising or redness. Wait for your surgeon’s clearance before proceeding. Taking care of the incision is necessary to reduce visible scarring. Follow your surgeon’s instructions exactly for the best results.
Is a Lip Lift Right for Me?
A lip lift is a great option for those seeking a natural-looking, long-lasting enhancement to their upper lip. Candidates often have thin, long, and shapeless upper lips. The procedure can reduce the distance between your upper lip and nose and define your Cupid’s bow. It can also provide you with fuller lips without too much extra volume. This is why it is a popular choice for so many patients.
Some patients try to use injectable fillers to enhance the shape of their lips. This can add volume, but it does not improve the shape the way surgery does. If you have tried fillers and do not like your results, consider a lip lift. It is a great choice for patients who want to improve the shape and appearance of their upper lip.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
The first step in moving forward with a lip lift is scheduling a consultation. The consultation is necessary to ensure you are a good candidate for the procedure. Candidates should be in good overall health and be non-smokers. If you do smoke, share this information with your surgeon right away. You will need to stop smoking before and after surgery for a period of time. It is also important to have realistic expectations.
The surgeon will assess your anatomy at the consultation. This includes your lip shape and skin quality. It is important to have enough skin between the nose and upper lip to allow for lifting. The surgeon will also assess your current health and medical history. You will need to have any medical conditions well-managed before surgery. Be sure to discuss your personal expectations regarding the procedure. This includes your aesthetic goals. The surgeon can determine if a lip lift or other procedure is right for you. From there, they will create a customized treatment plan based on your goals and anatomy.
Top Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon
Feeling confident about the size and shape of your lips is important. If you want to improve the look of your lips, contact the team at
Oculofacial Plastic Surgery of Hawaii today to schedule your consultation!
