Upper Lip Lift

A Lip Lift improves the aesthetic of the upper lips, the smile, and the overall appearance of the lower mid-face. It addresses the issues of volume loss and elongation of the upper lip due to aging or natural structure by shortening the upper lip for a more curvaceous and plump appearance.

• Shortens the lip distance between the mouth and nose
• Lip eversion – turns Cupid’s bow upwards
• Better defines Cupid’s bow and the philtral columns
• Subtly improves the corners of the mouth
• Increases lip volume
• Increases the visibility of your teeth
• Heightens the appearance of a sensual mouth
• Improves wrinkles
• Gives the lips and lower face a younger appearance
• Improves simian appearance around the mouth
• Decreases the need for lip fillers

Not just for older patients suffering from an elongated upper lip due to aging, on the contrary, the Lip Lift has become a very popular procedure among patients in their 20s. It is a procedure for anyone seeking to enhance their smile, their pout, and the prominence of their upper teeth. Ideal candidates include patients who:

• Suffer from a lengthy upper lip that allows for excess skin removal
• Seek to change the appearance of their upper lip and/or seek facial rejuvenation
• Want better lip balance and shape and/or a more prominent Cupid’s bow
• Have an upper lip that is longer than the ideal length of 10mm to 12mm
• Suffer from downturned corners of the mouth
• No longer want to rely on temporary fillers for lip enhancement
• Desire permanent and immediate results

This procedure is not ideal for patients who may not be satisfied with a possibly noticeable scar; have infections that affect the area of the mouth (such as herpes); smoke and are unwilling to quit pre- and post-surgery; or suffer from lupus, diabetes, or diseases that prevent their blood from clotting properly. In addition, a Lip Lift does not correct birth defects and is not a form of reconstructive surgery.

Immediately following your Lip Lift surgery, you may experience discomfort due to tightness and swelling of the mouth. You can also expect redness and bruising around the surgical area and possible wound eversion.

For post-op treatment, you will be given thorough instructions as well as antibiotics to prevent infection, ointment or salve to promote healing and scarring, and pain medication.

Do not resume normal activities for 24 hours after surgery, but rather spend time resting. Rest on your back with your head elevated. Do not sleep on your face or open your mouth too wide to prevent stitches from breaking.

Avoid salty foods and hot liquids for 48 after surgery and only eat foods that do not require much chewing.

To clean your teeth, use a children’s toothbrush and rinse your mouth with diluted hydrogen peroxide following meals. You can moisturize lips for up to three weeks after surgery using Vaseline or lip balms such as Carmex.

Avoid strenuous activity for 2 to 3 days after surgery. And, exercise is to be avoided for 7 to 14 days.

To help limit swelling, the application of ice packs to the upper lip is recommended for the first few days. Swelling should diminish in about a week and should be almost completely gone within four weeks. Note, the swelling may also temporarily affect the appearance of the nose. If non-dissolvable stitches are used, they will be removed within 5 to 7 days after surgery. Final results can be seen in about six weeks.

As with any surgery, there are risks to the Lip Lift procedure. These include unsatisfactory results, scarring, wound separation, and infection.

Patients tend to heal with a very acceptable scar and generally report they are highly satisfied with their results.

Many patients decide on a Lip Lift for facial rejuvenation and/or improved balance, as well as to correct upper lip issues such as an excessively long upper lip. They want the immediate and permanent results that you just don’t get with dermal fillers. They do not want the complications that can occur with fillers such as the product being absorbed by the body or a bad reaction to the injected substances. Although another permanent alternative, they also do not want the complications that come with a lip augmentation using implants, such as extrusions or hardening. Thus, the Lip Lift fills the gap left by temporary lip fillers and permanent lip implants.

At our practice, the cost of a Lip Lift is $3,500. We will provide you with a full breakdown of costs in your quote. Our prices are all-inclusive covering surgical, anesthesia, and facility fees. If you’re researching other offices, we recommend you look closely at your quote as some doctors of facilities are not all-inclusive in their pricing.