Many women and men–of all ages–want to have fuller, more defined lips. Some have naturally thin lips. Others want to correct signs of aging; the lips thin and flatten over time, increasing the distance between the upper lip and the nose. Dr. Jerold Olson is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who performs lip lift surgery to give Tucson patients long-lasting lip enhancement and facial rejuvenation.
This surgical procedure, which is often combined with facelift surgery, makes the pink/red part of the upper lip (vermilion border) more visible and defined. Improvements include:
Patients in good overall health who are bothered by the cosmetic appearance of their lips can benefit from this procedure, particularly those affected by a gummy smile, a long or thin upper lip, or disproportionate lips.
Can lip filler be used to lift your lip instead of surgery?
In most cases, lip injections with dermal fillers are not a substitute for a lip lift. Dermal fillers add volume but do not reduce the distance between the top lip and the base of the nose (see patient photos). We often combine lip injections with lip lift surgery for a naturally rejuvenated look.
Lip lift vs. lip fillers
To determine which treatment is right for you, consider what you want to achieve with your lips. If you are primarily looking to shorten and lift your upper lip while maintaining a natural look, a lip lift may be more suitable. If you desire plumper, fuller lips, lip fillers may be the better option.
Other factors, such as the longevity of results and your readiness to undergo surgery, can also influence this decision. Some patients prefer a short-term, minimally invasive approach to a one-time surgery with largely permanent results. We can help guide you to the right decision for you.
This patient had lip augmentation with filler injections.
Meet Your Surgeon
Board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jerold Olson is a Castle Connolly Top Doctor® who specializes in both cosmetic and reconstructive facial plastic surgery. A leader in the field with advanced expertise in rhinoplasty, he delivers exceptional results with compassion and a commitment to helping you look and feel your best.
Dr. Olson performs lip lifts in the office with a local anesthetic. During the surgery, he removes a strip/wedge of skin between the bottom of the nose (below the nostrils) and the top of the lip. The resulting scar is hidden along the natural crease under the nose. When enhancing the corners of the mouth, the incisions are placed on the outer edges of the upper lip.
News & Specials
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You should be able to return to work within 4 to 5 days after a lip lift; avoid exercising for at least a week to 10 days. Bruising and swelling are generally mild and may be minimized with ice packs as directed. Most patients feel slight discomfort initially that can be eased with acetaminophen or other over-the-counter medication.
It’s important to choose a knowledgeable and experienced provider for a lip lift. It takes a high level of skill and in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy to achieve natural-looking results.
