A lip lift is a permanent surgical procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the upper lip by modifying the distance between the nose and the lip. This operation provides a lasting change in the vertical dimension of the central face, offering an alternative to temporary treatments like dermal fillers. The procedure aims to create a more balanced and youthful proportion for the lower third of the face. It involves the precise removal of a small strip of skin from the upper lip area to achieve the desired elevation.
What Does a Lip Lift Achieve?
The primary goal of a lip lift is to shorten the philtrum, the vertical space measured from the base of the nose to the top of the upper lip. As a person ages, this area often lengthens, leading to a less youthful facial appearance. Reducing this distance restores a more harmonious balance to the face.
Shortening the philtrum allows the upper lip to roll slightly outward and upward, increasing the “vermilion show.” This exposes more of the pink, pigmented portion of the lip, giving the appearance of greater volume without injectable material. The procedure uses the patient’s existing lip tissue to create a fuller, more defined look.
The upward movement of the lip also increases the “dental show,” the visible amount of the upper incisor teeth when the mouth is relaxed. In a youthful mouth, the tips of the upper teeth are often visible by approximately 2 to 4 millimeters at rest. A lip lift restores this characteristic, contributing to a rejuvenated smile and overall facial aesthetic.
The Surgical Steps
The lip lift procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia, which numbs the surgical area while the patient remains awake. The operation usually takes around 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the technique used. This approach minimizes patient discomfort and avoids the need for general anesthesia.
The most common technique is the “bullhorn” or subnasal excision, named for the shape of the planned incision. The surgeon carefully marks an excision pattern directly beneath the nostrils and across the base of the nose, where the resulting scar can be concealed within the natural crease. This geometric pattern is designed to lift the central portion of the lip and taper smoothly toward the outer corners.
A precisely measured strip of skin and underlying tissue is then removed from the marked area. The amount of tissue excised is often in the range of 5 to 8 millimeters, customized to the patient’s anatomy and desired outcome. This removal physically shortens the philtrum and elevates the lip.
The final step involves advancing the lower edge of the incision upward and closing the wound with fine sutures. Meticulous closure aligns the skin edges and minimizes the visibility of the scar beneath the nose. The upward tension created by the closure immediately achieves the lifting and everting effect on the upper lip.
Determining Suitability
A criterion for suitability is the measurement of the philtrum length. Candidates who benefit most typically have a philtrum length measuring 15 millimeters or longer, indicating an elongated upper lip. This measurement suggests that shortening the area will significantly improve facial proportions.
A lip lift is considered a more appropriate solution than temporary fillers for individuals seeking to reduce the vertical length of the upper lip or increase dental show. Fillers only add volume and can sometimes lengthen the philtrum further by adding weight. In contrast, the lift physically shortens the distance, which fillers cannot accomplish.
Beyond anatomical measurements, a patient must be in good general health and have realistic expectations. Candidates must be non-smokers, as smoking severely impairs the healing process and compromises the resulting scar quality. Controlling any underlying medical conditions is also necessary to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.
Recovery Timeline and Expectations
Immediately following the procedure, patients can expect swelling and bruising around the surgical site. Swelling typically peaks within the first two to three days post-surgery; managing it with cold compresses and keeping the head elevated is advised. Pain is usually manageable with prescribed medication.
Patients are instructed to maintain a soft food diet for the first few days and avoid strenuous activities for about two weeks to prevent strain on the incision. They must also refrain from using straws or engaging in activities that require excessive mouth movement or suction. The sutures used to close the incision are typically removed around seven days after the operation.
While initial healing is relatively quick, the final, permanent result takes a longer time to fully materialize. Most swelling subsides within the first month, but it can take up to three to six months for all residual swelling to resolve completely. The scar beneath the nose will continue to mature and fade over this time, ultimately becoming discreetly concealed.