Lip Lifting
Elevate Your Smile with Subtle Precision
What is a Lip Lift?
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the space between the base of the nose and the top of the upper lip (the philtrum). This reveals more of the pink part of the upper lip, making it appear fuller and more defined, and often exposing a subtle amount of the upper teeth when the lips are at rest. It’s a permanent alternative to lip fillers for those seeking a lasting solution for a more youthful and proportionate lip appearance.
What does a lip lift do?
A lip lift can change the appearance of your lips by:
- Helping to cover exposed upper teeth (if the philtrum is long).
- Creating the appearance of more volume in your upper lip.
- Correcting downturned lip corners.
- Smoothing out lines around the mouth that can be caused by natural aging.
Who is a good candidate for a Lip Lift?
- Individuals considering a lip lift should:
- Be in good physical health.
- Have a long philtrum (the distance between the base of the nose and the top of the upper lip).
- Desire increased upper lip show, more defined lip shape, and a more youthful appearance.
- Wish to address the effects of aging on the lips, such as thinning or elongation of the upper lip.
- Have realistic expectations about the surgical outcome and recovery.
- Not be pregnant or breastfeeding.
Benefits of a Lip Lift
- Provides a permanent solution for fuller, more defined lips, unlike temporary fillers.
- Shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip, creating a more balanced facial proportion.
- Enhanced Upper Lip Show: Reveals more of the red part of the upper lip, making it appear naturally plumper.
- Can subtly expose a small amount of the upper teeth at rest, contributing to a more youthful look.
- Reverses age-related changes like lip thinning and elongation.
- Improved Facial Harmony: Creates a more aesthetically pleasing balance between the nose, lips, and chin.
Lip Lifting: What to expect?
Before the procedure, local anesthesia (sometimes combined with light sedation) will be administered to numb the area. During the procedure, Dr. Ahmad Kamal will make precise incisions, typically hidden under the nose, to remove a small strip of skin and then lift and suture the upper lip into its new position. The process typically takes about 1 hour.
You may feel some pulling or pressure, but generally, pain is mild and manageable due to the anesthetic.
Lip Lift Recovery Timeline
- Initial Swelling and Bruising: Significant swelling and bruising are typical for the first few days and gradually subside over 1-2 weeks.
- Suture Removal: Stitches are usually removed within 5-7 days after the procedure.
- Common Side Effects: Swelling, bruising, tenderness, and tightness are common and usually resolve within a few weeks.
- Final Results: While initial results are visible immediately, it can take several weeks to a few months for all swelling to fully resolve and for the final aesthetic outcome to be apparent. The scar will continue to mature and fade over 6-12 months.
Lip Lift Aftercare
- Immediate Post-Procedure: Keep the incision site clean and dry. Apply ice packs gently to reduce swelling. Avoid strenuous activities, excessive talking, or wide mouth movements for the first few days to weeks.
- Follow-up: Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor healing and remove sutures.
- Things to Avoid: Your doctor will likely recommend avoiding smoking, alcohol, and blood-thinning medications (like aspirin or ibuprofen) for a period before and after the surgery. Avoid direct sun exposure to the incision site.
- Scar Care: Once sutures are removed and the wound is closed, your surgeon may recommend specific scar care products or techniques to help minimize scar visibility.
When will I see the final
results of my Lip Lift?
You will see an immediate change in your lip appearance after a lip lift. However, initial swelling will obscure the final results. It typically takes several weeks for the majority of the swelling to subside, and around 3-6 months for the tissues to fully settle and the final, desired look to become apparent. The scar will continue to mature and fade for up to a year.
How long will my Lip Lift result last?
A lip lift is a permanent surgical procedure, meaning the results are long-lasting. The shortened philtrum length and everted upper lip are permanent. However, the natural aging process will continue, and while the results are enduring, they do not stop the aging process entirely
Risks of Lip Lifting
- Common Risks: Swelling, bruising, discomfort, and temporary numbness around the incision site.
- Scarring: While efforts are made to hide the incision, a scar will be present. Its visibility varies among individuals and typically fades over time.