Lip Lift Surgery: A Permanent Solution for Fuller Lips

Do you wish you had fuller, more defined, and more youthful-looking lips? Are you tired of using temporary lip fillers that require frequent maintenance and can cause unwanted side effects? If so, you may be interested in a lip lift, a surgical procedure that can permanently enhance the shape and size of your lips.

A lip lift is a cosmetic surgery that shortens the space between the nose and the upper lip, also known as the philtrum. By removing a small amount of skin under the nose, the lip lift creates a more pronounced cupid’s bow, exposes more of the red part of the lip, and reveals more of the upper teeth when smiling. The result is a fuller, more attractive, and more expressive lip that can improve your facial harmony and balance.

In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about lip lifts, including:

The benefits of lip lift surgery
The types of lip lifts
The ideal candidates for lip lift surgery
The procedure and recovery of lip lift surgery
The risks and complications of lip lifts
The cost of lip lift surgery
The frequently asked questions about lip lift surgery

Table of Contents

Benefits of Lip Lift Surgery

A lip lift can offer many benefits for people who are unhappy with their thin, long, or aging lips. Some of the advantages of a lip lift are:

It can increase the volume and height of the upper lip, making it look fuller and more defined.
It can reduce the distance between the nose and the upper lip, which tends to increase with age and can make the face look older.
It can enhance the shape and contour of the cupid’s bow, which is the curved area at the center of the upper lip.
It can improve the visibility of the upper teeth when smiling or resting, which can create a more attractive and youthful smile.
It can correct asymmetry or drooping of the corners of the mouth, which can give a sad or angry expression.
It can eliminate the need for temporary lip fillers, which can be expensive, painful, and cause complications such as migration, infection, or allergic reactions.
It can provide permanent results that last for years, unlike lip fillers that need to be repeated every few months.

Types of Lip Lifts

There are several types of lip lifts that can be performed depending on your goals, anatomy, and preferences. The most common types are:

Subnasal Lip Lift

A subnasal lip lift, also known as a bullhorn lip lift, is a type of lip lift that involves making an incision along the base of the nose in the shape of a bullhorn. The surgeon then removes a strip of skin and tissue from this area and pulls the upper lip upward and outward. This type of lip lift can shorten the philtrum, increase the volume of the upper lip, enhance the cupid’s bow, and expose more of the upper teeth. The scar from this procedure is usually hidden under the nose and fades over time.

Corner Lip Lift

A corner lip lift is a type of lip lift that targets the corners of the mouth. The surgeon makes two small incisions at each corner of the mouth and removes a wedge-shaped piece of skin. The surgeon then lifts and sutures the corners of the mouth to create a more upward and cheerful expression. This type of lip lift can correct drooping or downturned corners of the mouth that can give a sad or angry appearance. The scars from this procedure are usually visible at the corners of the mouth but can be concealed with makeup.

Italian Lip Lift

An Italian lip lift is a type of lip lift that is similar to a subnasal lip lift but involves making two incisions under each nostril instead of one along the base of the nose. The surgeon then removes a small amount of skin and tissue from these areas and pulls the upper lip upward and outward. This type of lip lift can create a more subtle and natural-looking result than a subnasal lip lift. It can also leave less noticeable scars than a subnasal lip lift.

Ideal Candidates for Lip Lift Surgery

Lip lifts are suitable for people who want to improve the appearance of their lips permanently. You may be a good candidate for a lip lift if you:

Have thin, flat, or long upper lips that make you look older or less attractive
Have a long distance between your nose and your upper lip that hides your teeth when smiling or resting
Have an undefined or asymmetrical cupid’s bow that makes your lips look shapeless or uneven
Have drooping or downturned corners of your mouth that give you a sad or angry expression
Are not satisfied with temporary lip fillers or want to avoid their potential side effects
Are in good general health and do not have any medical conditions that could affect healing
Have realistic expectations about what a lip lift can achieve and understand its limitations
Are willing to follow your surgeon’s instructions before and after surgery

Procedure and Recovery of Lip Lift Surgery

A lip lift is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia or sedation. The procedure typically takes about one hour, depending on the type and extent of the lip lift. The steps of a lip lift are:

The surgeon marks the incision sites on your skin according to the type of lip lift you are having.
The surgeon administers local anesthesia or sedation to numb the area and make you comfortable.
The surgeon makes the incisions on your skin and removes the excess skin and tissue from the area.
The surgeon lifts and repositions your upper lip and sutures the incisions closed.
The surgeon applies bandages or dressings to protect the wounds and reduce swelling.

The recovery from a lip lift usually takes about one to two weeks, depending on your individual healing process. During this time, you may experience some swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, or tightness in your lip area. You may also have some difficulty speaking, eating, or smiling. You can manage these symptoms by following your surgeon’s instructions, which may include:

Taking painkillers and antibiotics as prescribed by your surgeon
Applying ice packs or cold compresses to your lip area to reduce swelling and inflammation
Keeping your head elevated and avoiding bending or lifting heavy objects to prevent bleeding or pressure on your wounds
Avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking blood-thinning medications to promote healing and prevent infection
Eating soft foods and drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and nourished
Avoiding spicy, acidic, or hot foods and drinks that could irritate your wounds
Avoiding excessive sun exposure or tanning that could darken your scars
Avoiding strenuous activities or exercise that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure
Avoiding kissing, smiling, or laughing too hard that could stretch or tear your sutures
Cleaning your wounds gently with mild soap and water and applying antibiotic ointment as directed by your surgeon
Changing your bandages or dressings as instructed by your surgeon
Visiting your surgeon for follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and remove your sutures

Risks and Complications of Lip Lift Surgery

Lip lifts are generally safe and effective procedures that can provide lasting results. However, like any surgery, they carry some risks and complications that you should be aware of before deciding to have one. Some of the possible risks and complications of lip lifts are:

Infection of the wounds or sutures
Bleeding or hematoma (blood collection) under the skin
Nerve damage or numbness in the lip area
Damage to nearby structures such as the nose, teeth, or gums
Visible or unsightly scars on the lip area
Poor wound healing or wound separation
Asymmetry or unevenness of the lips
Overcorrection or undercorrection of the lips
Dissatisfaction with the aesthetic outcome

Most of these risks and complications can be avoided by choosing a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who can perform the procedure safely and effectively. You can also reduce the chances of having problems by following your surgeon’s instructions before and after surgery.

Cost of Lip Lift Surgery

The cost of a lip lift can vary depending on several factors, such as:

The type and extent of the lip lift
The skill and experience of the plastic surgeon
The location and facility where the procedure is performed
The anesthesia and medication fees
The post-operative care and follow-up visits

According to RealSelf, a website that provides information and reviews on cosmetic procedures, the average cost of a lip lift in 2021 is $3,275. However, this is only an estimate based on user-reported data, and the actual cost may range from $1,000 to $7,000 or more.

Since a lip lift is considered a cosmetic procedure, it is usually not covered by insurance. You may have to pay for the entire cost out of pocket or look for financing options if you cannot afford it upfront.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lip Lift Surgery

Here are some common questions that people have about lip lifts:

Q: How long do the results of a lip lift last?

A: A lip lift is a permanent procedure that can provide long-lasting results. However, you should keep in mind that your lips will continue to age naturally over time and may lose some of their volume or shape. You may also need touch-up procedures if you are not happy with the outcome of your lip lift.

Q: How can I choose the best plastic surgeon for my lip lift?

A: Choosing a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon is very important for ensuring a safe and successful lip lift. You should look for a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial cosmetic surgery and has performed many lip lifts before. You should also check their credentials, reviews, before-and-after photos, and testimonials from previous patients. You should also consult with several surgeons before making your final decision.

Q: How can I prepare for my lip lift surgery?

A: To prepare for your lip lift surgery, you should follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully. Some of the general guidelines are:

Stop smoking at least two weeks before and after surgery, as smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications.
Avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other blood-thinning medications or supplements that could cause bleeding or bruising.
Inform your surgeon of any medical conditions or allergies that you have and any medications that you are taking.
Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first night after surgery, as you may be groggy or in pain.
Have a soft diet ready for the first few days after surgery, such as yogurt, soup, or smoothies.
Have some ice packs or cold compresses ready to apply to your lip area to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Have some loose-fitting and comfortable clothing that does not require pulling over your head to wear after surgery.

Q: What can I expect after my lip lift surgery?

A: After your lip lift surgery, you can expect some swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, or tightness in your lip area. These symptoms are normal and will subside gradually over time. You can manage them by following your surgeon’s instructions, which may include:

Taking painkillers and antibiotics as prescribed by your surgeon
Applying ice packs or cold compresses to your lip area to reduce swelling and inflammation
Keeping your head elevated and avoiding bending or lifting heavy objects to prevent bleeding or pressure on your wounds
Avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking blood-thinning medications to promote healing and prevent infection
Eating soft foods and drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and nourished
Avoiding spicy, acidic, or hot foods and drinks that could irritate your wounds
Avoiding excessive sun exposure or tanning that could darken your scars
Avoiding strenuous activities or exercise that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure
Avoiding kissing, smiling, or laughing too hard that could stretch or tear your sutures
Cleaning your wounds gently with mild soap and water and applying antibiotic ointment as directed by your surgeon
Changing your bandages or dressings as instructed by your surgeon
Visiting your surgeon for follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and remove your sutures

You should see some improvement in your lip appearance within a few days after surgery. However, it may take several weeks or months for the final results to become visible, as the swelling subsides and the scars fade. You should be patient and follow your surgeon’s advice on how to care for your lips and maintain your results.

Q: How can I enhance my lip lift results?

A: To enhance your lip lift results, you should follow your surgeon’s instructions on how to care for your lips and protect them from damage. Some of the tips that can help you maintain and improve your lip lift results are:

Use a moisturizing lip balm or cream to keep your lips hydrated and soft
Use a sunscreen or lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from sun damage and prevent pigmentation or scarring
Use a gentle exfoliator or scrub to remove dead skin cells and improve the texture and appearance of your lips
Use a lip plumper or gloss to add some extra volume and shine to your lips
Use a lip liner or lipstick to define and enhance the shape and color of your lips
Avoid biting, licking, or picking at your lips, as this can cause dryness, irritation, or infection
Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs, as these can affect your blood circulation and healing
Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can nourish and repair your skin
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and flush out toxins from your body
Exercise regularly to improve your blood flow and oxygen delivery to your skin

Conclusion

A lip lift surgery is a surgical procedure that can permanently improve the appearance of your lips by shortening the space between the nose and the upper lip, increasing the volume and height of the upper lip, enhancing the shape and contour of the cupid’s bow, and exposing more of the upper teeth. A lip lift can offer many benefits for people who want to have fuller, more defined, and more youthful-looking lips without relying on temporary lip fillers. There are different types of lip lifts that can be performed depending on your goals, anatomy, and preferences. A lip lift is usually done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia or sedation and takes about one hour. The recovery from a lip lift surgery usually takes about one to two weeks, during which you may experience some swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, or tightness in your lip area. You can manage these symptoms by following your surgeon’s instructions on how to care for your wounds and reduce inflammation. You should see some improvement in your lip appearance within a few days after surgery, but it may take several weeks or months for the final results to become visible. You should be patient and follow your surgeon’s advice on how to maintain your results. A lip lift is generally safe and effective, but it also carries some risks and complications that you should be aware of before deciding to have one. You should choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who can perform the procedure safely and effectively. You should also have realistic expectations about what a lip lift can achieve and understand its limitations.

If you are interested in having a lip lift or want to learn more about it, you can contact us at West End Plastic Surgery. We are a leading plastic surgery center in Washington DC that offers a variety of cosmetic procedures for the face, body, and skin. Our board-certified plastic surgeons have extensive training and experience in performing lip lifts and other facial surgeries. We use advanced techniques and technologies to ensure optimal results and patient satisfaction. We also provide personalized care and attention to each patient and tailor our treatments to their individual needs and goals.

Lip Lift: A Permanent Solution for Fuller and Younger Lips