To enhance the beauty of your smile and the balance of your facial features, a lip lift can be a transformative choice. While not as well known as other treatments designed to enhance the lips and mouth, such as lip fillers, this procedure offers remarkable and lasting results for those seeking a more defined, youthful lip contour.
Whether you’re considering a subtle enhancement or a significant change, understanding what a lip lift involves is the first step. In this blog post, I’ll answer 8 of the most frequently asked questions about this intriguing procedure.
1. What Is a Lip Lift?
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the space between the top lip and the base of the nose, enhancing the visibility and definition of your upper lip’s pink/red skin. This refinement focuses on elevating the cupid’s bow, defining the edges, making the lips look fuller, correcting downturned corners, exposing the upper teeth slightly, and reducing the appearance of lip lines.
2. What Cosmetic Concerns Make Someone a Good Candidate for a Lip Lift?
If your upper lip appears too elongated or slender, or if your lips don’t quite harmonize with your facial proportions, a lip lift may achieve the look you want.
This procedure isn’t solely about adding volume—it’s about refining the upper lip to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing distance between the lip and nose while providing a subtle, natural enhancement to your facial features.
3. How Is a Lip Lift Done?
At Foothills Facial Plastic Surgery, I perform lip lift procedures in our office using local anesthesia for your comfort. During the procedure, I remove a small strip of skin from between the base of the nose and the top of the lip, effectively lifting and shortening the upper lip area. The strategic placement of incisions along natural creases helps conceal any scarring.
4. How Are the Results Different From Lip Fillers?
While lip fillers add volume to plump the lips, a lip lift offers a distinct advantage by shortening the upper lip to reveal a more defined vermilion border and cupid’s bow. It’s an ideal choice if you’re looking for a long-term solution to achieve a youthful, natural look without the added volume or maintenance dermal fillers require.
5. Are Lip Lifts Permanent?
The results of a lip lift are permanent. Unlike temporary treatments such as lip fillers or a BOTOX® lip flip, a lip lift addresses structural aspects for lasting aesthetic enhancement.
6. How Much Is Lip Lift Surgery?
According to RealSelf, the national average for a lip lift is $3,325. Your cost may vary, however, by your geographic location, your surgeon’s experience, the technique used, and various other factors. In the long run, it’s often a more cost-effective solution than lip fillers or other nonsurgical alternatives that require repeated treatments to maintain results.
7. What Is Recovery Like After a Lip Lift?
Recovery from a lip lift is relatively quick, with most patients returning to work within 4 to 5 days post-surgery. We advise that you refrain from exercise for a week to 10 days to ensure optimal healing. Following your surgeon’s guidance during this period is crucial for a smooth recovery and achieving the best results.
8. Is a Lip Lift Painful?
Most people find the procedure quite tolerable. Swelling and bruising are typically minimal and can be managed with ice packs and over-the-counter pain relief such as acetaminophen.
Ready To Take the Next Step?
If you have questions or would like to speak with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon about this procedure, I invite you to call our office today at (520) 200-2218 or request a consultation using our online form.
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