Introduction
Lip lift Surgery is the new trend in aesthetic procedures, now designed to produce shortened distances between nose and lips to create features that are youthful and defined. It is a permanent solution to fuller, well-shaped lips, unlike temporary lip fillers. Lip lift Surgery, on occasion, provide equal facial balance benefits.
So if you’re looking for full lips to have in old age or would just like a better smile, this method can give a natural-looking, long-lasting result. Explore this article to learn the basic aspects of lip lift surgery: benefits, the step-by-step procedure, and what to expect during recovery to help you make the right decision with confidence.
What is a Lip Lift?
A lip lift is a very minor cosmetic surgical procedure for removing a strip of skin between the upper lip and the base of the nose (philtrum) to elevate the position of the upper lip.
Biologically, it shortens the length of the philtrum with an increased view of the upper teeth and the red part of the lip (vermilion), creating a full and youthful lip. This procedure does not add volume but re-establishes the anatomical relationship of the nose, upper lip, and mouth, enhancing facial proportions and harmony.
What are the types of lip lifts?
There are multiple lip lift types, each suited to a particular aesthetic goal and anatomical need. They can basically be divided into the following types:
- Subnasal (Bullhorn) Lip Lift: The bullhorn lift has become the standard type of lip lift. In this technique, a strip of skin below the nostrils shaped somewhat like a bullhorn is excised. This raises the skin in front of the upper lip to increase the display of the vermilion (the pink part of the lip) and show more upper teeth upon smiling. This method brings a natural-looking enhancement and is good for those who want a little more than subtle but less than dramatic results with minimal scarring which is easily concealed under the base of the nose.
- Direct Lip Lift (Gullwing Lip Lift): The direct lip lift consists of excising a strip of skin immediately above the border of the vermilion below the upper lip. This enhances definition of the lip line and increases the height of the upper lip, especially in patients wanting a dramatic alteration of lip shape. However, since the incision is placed directly along the upper lip border, the scar may become more visible; hence it is selected relatively rarely as the other techniques.
- Corner Lip Lift: Corner lip lifts focus on the outer corner of the lips, sometimes referred to as the “happy corners” lift. As the corners of the mouth tend to droop downward with age and/or genetics, they give an impression of someone who is sad or tired. Just a lit bit of elevation via small, well-placed incisions at the corners of the lips gives a sense of youthful playfulness again. Corner lip lifts are often performed along with other procedures for an overall result in lip contour enhancement and greatly benefit those with downtuned lip corners.
- Italian Lip Lift: A variation of the bullhorn lift, the Italian lip lift utilizes two small incisions under each nostril rather than one continuous cut. This method significantly reduces the visibility of scarring and gives the upper lip a subtle, refined look. Ideal for patients seeking a delicate enhancement without overtly changing their facial visage, the Italian lip lift strikes the perfect balance between efficacy and minimal invasiveness.
- Central Lip Lift: This method is specifically applicable to the central area of the upper lip, lifting the philtrum in order to augment Cupid’s bow and increase exposure of the central vermilion. It is a good option for patients who prefer an enhanced appearance from the center of their lips rather than from a full-width lift. The focus on the central area yields a more defined and elegant upper lip paired with improved dental show upon smiling due to central lip lift augmentation.
You Can Read Also: Lipoma: Reasons & treatment
How Does the Lip Lift Procedure Work & What Does It Cost?
The cost of a lip lift varies depending on several factors, such as the surgeon’s expertise, location, facility fees, and the specific technique used. In India it can vary from 50K to 150K. A lip lift is an easy outpatient operation generally done under local anesthesia. This is how the procedure normally flows:
- Consult and Plan: Before the surgery, the plastic surgeon will examine your face for its structure, lip anatomy, and aesthetic aims. The lip lift surgery type, such as bullhorn, Italian, or corner lip lift, is chosen based on your individual needs.
- Marking and Anesthesia: When you arrive for the procedure, appropriate markings will be placed on the skin where the incision will be made: usually below the base of the nose. Local anesthesia will then be injected to numb the area.
- Skin Removal and Lifting: A thin strip of skin will be removed from the area marked, and the remaining skin will be gently elevated and sutured into place. This elevates the upper lip, improves its contour, and decreases the distance between the nose and the upper lip.
- Closure and Recovery: The incisions are stitched shut with fine sutures that are generally hidden in natural creases to impede any visible scarring. The operation should take approximately 30 to 60 minutes, and patients are usually able to return home the same day.
- The Healing Process: The first days are typically accompanied by moderate swelling, discomfort, and tightness. Most of the patients are able to return to light activities by the end of the week, while complete healing is expected after 4 to 6 weeks, with the final results seen after months.
You Can Read Also: Swelling After Face Implant Surgery
Before the Lip Lift: Things to Know
Before a lip lift surgery, a well-informed and adequately prepared patient will almost always receive a better outcome since a successful intercourse between patient expectations and surgeon delivery is paramount to achieving a harmonious balance between satisfaction and disappointments. Here are the important points to consider:
- Set Your Aesthetic Goals: The lip lift surgery will beautify the shape and height of the upper lip instead of giving it volume, just like a filler. It will shorten the distance between the nose and the upper lip, making the lips appear more full and youthful. Therefore, remember to ensure that your expectations are in line with the procedure’s detailed possibilities.
- Select a Qualified and Experienced Surgeon: Ensure that the surgeon you select is board-certified with cosmetic or plastic surgery experience and has particular experience in surgery of the face. Look into their credentials, request photographs of patients pre- and post-surgery, and read reviews so you can safely put your trust in them.
- Your Medical History Should Be in the Open: During the consultation, be forthright about your past medical history, including any continuing medical conditions, allergies, current medications, or past surgical operations. Some ailments such as reduced healing ability or autoimmune disorders might influence the procedure and recovery.
- Avoid Blood Thinners and Some Supplements: Medications like aspirin and ibuprofen and supplements such as vitamin E and fish oil can present an increased risk of bleeding. Your surgeon will likely advise you to stop these at least 1 to 2 weeks prior to the surgery.
- Quitting Smoking Is Important: The effects of smoking disturb circulation and oxygen delivery to the tissues, whereby healing becomes prolonged and complications and scarring become higher. Therefore, smoking is best avoided 2 to 4 weeks before and after surgery.
- Plan for Recovery: Though the procedure is relatively quick, a lip lift surgery requires some healing time. Expect some swelling, bruising, and slight discomfort for a few days. Most patients return to work in about a week; however, it is best to avoid major events during that initial recovery period.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Discuss all potential outcomes as well as benefits and risks with your surgeon. While most patients do achieve beautiful and natural-looking results, healing takes time, and final results are generally visible 6 weeks to a few months after surgery.
After the Lip Lift: What to Expect?
Being aware of what to expect post-lip lift allows for relaxation in recovery and maximization in results. One normally expects:
- Mild Swelling and Bruising: It is perfectly normal to have some level of swelling and bruising with slight tightness around the upper lip and nose. In general, this is most noticeable for the first 3-5 days and should taper off after 1-2 weeks.
- Stitches and Wound Care: The incision should usually remain hidden just underneath the nose. Stitches are either placed which dissolve or can be removed after a week, depending on the technique. Maintain cleanliness in the area operated on and be sure to put in place the surgeon’s instructions for aftercare so as to avoid infection and minimize chance for scarring.
- Temporary Numbness or Sensitivity: Numbness and hypersensitivity may be noted above the lip area and other regions. This is temporary and should gradually resolve over the coming weeks.
- Activity-Related Considerations: Most can go back to light daily activities in a few days. Heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or any facial activity that severely stretches the lip area (for example, yawning widely or laughing excessively) should be avoided for at least one to two weeks.
- Scar Maturation: Initial scarring may be pink or somewhat raised and should flatten and fade in the next few months. Use of suggested scar gels or silicone sheets by the surgeon will assist with healing.
- Final Results Take Time: While the transition of lip shape and position is immediate, the refinement and settling of the final appearance continue for 4 to 6 weeks as the swelling resolves and full healing may continue for up to 3 months.
- The follow-up appointments: Your surgeon should schedule follow-up appointments to track healing and ensure the best results possible. Any concerns, such as excess or prolonged swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection, should be reported immediately.
Conclusion
Bottom line Lip lift Surgery procedures such as corner lip lifts, upper lip lifts, and widely known bullhorn lip lifts have a very beneficial aesthetic effect by transforming the shape of the lips, improving the balance, and finally bringing harmony into the rest of the face.
Correcting downturned corners of the lips, contributing to the shortening of the upper lip, and elevating visibility are accomplished without any constant filler treatments, thus renewing the youthful appearance. Lip lift surgery is commonly associated with cosmetic and plastic surgery; thus, it demands an artistic and excellent hand to achieve natural results.
Kalpana Aesthetics is a great option for those contemplating a life-changing procedure of lip enhancement. It specializes in developing gaudy techniques for producing excellent results.
