Want Better Lips? Learn how a Lip Lift Helps

A lip lift is an ideal procedure for patients who want to shorten the appearance of the space that exists between the top of their lip and the nose. This area is known as the philtrum and, in general, the procedure is designed to make sure a greater amount of the pink tissue of the lip is visible. When it comes to the type of lip lift performed by the surgeon, it is important for patients to know their options and what is involved in having a lip lift.

Lip Lift Explained

One of the reasons patients want to make an alteration to the appearance of their lips is to try and gain a fuller or more attractive look. A lip lift will eliminate the thinness in the upper lip on a permanent basis.

The surgeon will make an incision that is located around the base of the nose or above the lip of the patient. The doctor will then remove a small amount of skin as well as lift the lip in an upward direction, towards the nose, in order to secure it into position. The result is a lip that has a larger height as well as a more visible pout to its appearance.

Patients that want to have a lip lift will get the answers to their questions in person when they meet with a doctor. Patients who are not sure what to ask can learn more right now in our Cosmetic Town TV Lip Lift Q&A:

There are multiple lip lift techniques, and they include:

• A subnasal bullhorn lip lift is when the plastic surgeon removes excess skin that is located under the nostrils. The technique gets its name from the fact that the skin is removed roughly in the shape of the horns of a bull. A small incision is made beneath the nose so the skin can be lifted upward and positioned into place. The upward pulling of the lip causes the colorful area of the lip to roll outward and also makes a shape that creates a pout.
• A corner lip lift is ideal for a person that has corner edges of the lip that curve downward. The plastic surgeon will remove triangular portions of the skin that are small in size and located around both of the outward corners of the mouth. The doctor then lifts the lip upwards so it can be secured into place. The final result is a lip that lifts upwards at the corners which gives it less of a downturned look.
• An Italian lip lift is similar to a subnasal bullhorn lip lift but the surgeon creates two small incisions under the nostrils instead of one long incision. The two small incisions have the appearance of two small crescent shapes. The skin is then pulled upwards and secured into place. Since this procedure is considered to be more subtle in appearance, it is ideal for people who want fewer visible scars.

Lip Lift Candidates

Some of the most common candidates for a lip lift are people who want to gain an appearance to the lips that is fuller and thicker. In addition, the procedure is a good option for older people who want to reduce the current space that is visible between their upper lip and nose since the space can make the lips look thinner as a person ages.

A lip lift is also a choice for people who had fillers in the past and want a long-lasting solution since fillers do not provide permanent results.

An ideal candidate also needs to have a suitable amount of space that is located between the nose and the upper lip.

Lip Lift Recovery Time and Risks

After the lip lift is performed, there are certain steps patients need to follow to ensure proper healing:

• At least 24 hours of rest after the surgery
• Eating soft foods that do not require much chewing for two or three days
• Avoiding strenuous activities and/or lifting heavy items
• Sleeping on their back with the head elevated
• Not opening the mouth too wide so the sutures remain intact
• Moisturizing the lips using Vaseline or lip balm for two or three weeks

Some of the possible risks after lip lift surgery include nerve damage, bruising, scarring, infection, and hematoma.

Lip Lift Cost

The total cost of a lip lift depends on a number of factors including whether or not insurance covers any of the cost (which depends on if the surgery is for reconstructive reasons), the area of the country where it is performed, the lip lift technique picked by the doctor and any fees charged by the doctor or the facility. In general, the cost can run anywhere from $1000-$5000.

Patients need to take the time to perform proper research and find a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in providing the desired final lip lift results. The surgeon will examine the current condition of the lip and also discuss the extent of the results the patient hopes to achieve by having the procedure. Once the doctor and the patient are in agreement about the technique and expected results, the lip lift can be scheduled.

- MA