Lip Lift Surgery
Lip Lift Surgery
Lip lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that shortens the space between the nose and upper lip (philtrum) through an incision in the natural creases at the base of the nose. Unlike temporary fillers, surgical lip lift provides permanent enhancement of lip position and shape.
A lip lift can achieve:
- Coverage of exposed upper teeth
- Upper lip volume enhancement
- Reversal of a down-turned lip corner
- Elimination of lines caused by natural aging
Types of lip lifts include:
- Bullhorn (or subnasal) Lip Lift: a single incision in the shape of a bullhorn is made below the nose to bring up the center and slides of the upper lip
- Central Lip Lift: a single incision at the base of the nose to lift the center of the upper lip
- Corner Lip Lift: elevates the corners of the mouth into a slight smile
- Gullwing (or direct) Lip Lift: a single incision along the border of the upper lip in the shape of a flying seagull to create a more defined top lip
- Italian Lip Lift: two incisions at each nostril to lift the skin; more subtle than a bullhorn lift and does not elevate the center of the lip
- V to Y Advancement: a “V” shaped incision is opened then closed in a “Y” shape
What happens during lip lift surgery?
Performed under local anesthesia by a plastic surgeon, this procedure takes approximately one hour. Excess skin between the bottom of the nose and upper lip is
removed and the mouth is lifted into position. The location and number of incisions differ depending on the procedure type. Most patients return to normal activities with a few days provided post-procedure supportive care measures are followed. Swelling and bruising are common and begin to improve about a week after the procedure with final results become apparent as swelling resolves, typically within a two to six months.