The pursuit of youthful beauty and balanced facial features has led to the growing popularity of cosmetic procedures like the lip lift surgery. This delicate procedure addresses a common concern: as we age, the upper lip loses volume and the perceived length increases, resulting in a poorly defined lip border.
A lip lift’s appeal is that it offers permanent and natural-looking results, distinguishing itself from temporary solutions like dermal fillers.
Lip lifting procedures not only rejuvenate the appearance of the lips but also plays a crucial role in harmonizing facial features.
What Is a Lip Lift?
A lip lift is a minor surgical procedure that subtly decreases the space between the top lip and the nose, an area known as the philtrum. The skin in this area is particularly susceptible to the effects of aging. As time goes by, our skin stretches and its elasticity wanes, causing the upper lip to lose volume and lip length to increase.
The incredibly elegant solution works by raising the lip and restoring to it the lip volume that has been lost with age. The lip lift is a perfect solution for those seeking to balance and rejuvenate their facial features, and give their lips a fuller and more youthful appearance.
What’s more, the effects are permanent. Unlike dermal fillers – another popular choice for lip augmentation – a lip lift offers immediate and lasting results. It also comes without the complications that lip fillers can present, such as being absorbed by the body and causing repeat scar tissue.
Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon
Here in Miami, we have numerous highly skilled and experienced surgeons who specialize in facial procedures. They understand the intricacies of the facial structure and are quick to advise of the best strategy to achieve your desired aesthetic.
Each operation is personalized towards your specific needs and goals. It’s important to us that we get to know you and your story; that we discuss the process together; fully arrive to a set of realistic expectations; and design a tailor made treatment plan that best suits you.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Generally, good candidates for a lip lift are those who are healthy and safe to undergo minor reconstructive surgery. You should also clearly understand the aim of the surgery: to expose the lip, decrease the space between nose and upper lip, and to achieve a lasting plumpness.
If you have thin or pursed lips or a longer upper lip – whether because of age or genetic factors – then a lip lift could be the right choice for you.
Other suitable candidates are those who have tried dermal fillers and were not satisfied with the outcome. Additionally, those who cannot take lip fillers due to health reasons may consider a lip lift as a viable alternative.
Questions To Ask Your Plastic Surgeon
The lip lift consultation is a perfect time to ask questions and receive all the information you need about the procedure. Some questions to consider might include the surgeon’s experience with lip lifts, the specific techniques they use, and the expected results. It would also be helpful to ask about the lip lift recovery process and what you can do to ensure the best outcome.
Given that lip lifting procedures can transform the appearance of the lips and mouth, it’s also important to discuss your goals for the surgery.
For example, you might want to inquire about how the procedure can reveal more of the pink lip skin (or vermillion) to make the top lip appear thicker. Or, you might be interested in how the surgery can smooth vertical lip lines or enhance the lip shape and their appearance.
Types of Lip Lift Surgeries
A variety of surgical lip lift procedures are available in Miami. Depending on your specific case, your surgeon will recommend the best type for you.
Upper Lip Lift
Upper lip lifts are beneficial to those who are unable to show their upper central teeth when they smile. Following the procedure, more of the teeth are revealed when the upper lip is lifted, contributing toward a more attractive and vibrant smile.
Your smile is everything of course. Not only does it influence the impression you have on others, but also the relationship you keep with yourself. By readjusting one of your most important features, you assuredly boost your level of confidence and self-esteem.
Bullhorn or Subnasal Lip Lifts
The bullhorn lift offers a permanent solution to an overly long lip. It works by removing excess skin between the lip and the base of the nose. It exposes more of the lip’s red, making the lips appear fuller and more appealing.
Corner Mouth Lift (Cupid’s Bow)
The corners of our mouth droop as we get older. The corner mouth lift, also known as a Cupid’s bow lift, combats this by elevating the corners of the mouth to give a youthful look that lasts. It allows for more teeth to show and stops the lips from tapering off.
Philtral Column Enhancement
This specific procedure focuses on plumping the philtral column: the two raised, vertical lines that run from the base of the nose to the upper lip. The enhancement aims to create a more defined appearance to the lower half of your face.
What To Expect During the Procedure?
The lip lift procedure is usually straightforward and relatively uncomplicated. It takes no more than an hour and patients can leave the same day.
Local anesthesia is administered to the tissue on the inside of the mouth to numb the area and ensure the patient’s experience is comfortable and pain-free. Then, the surgeon makes incisions to lift the lip and create the desired shape and fullness.
The type and amount of anesthesia used can vary based on the patient’s health condition, the complexity of the procedure, and the surgeon’s judgment. It’s important to discuss this aspect during the lip lift consultation to fully understand the process and prepare for the procedure.
Some patients may opt for injectable lip fillers as part of their procedure. These fillers are synthetic gels made of hyaluronic acid, similar to the substance found in the human body.
Once applied under the skin, they absorb and provide a fuller effect while reducing fine lines and wrinkles. This is a temporary fix, however. For a more permanent solution, lip implants may be considered.
Lip Lift cost in Miami?
The cost of a lip lift surgery in Miami can vary depending on the specific type of facial surgery but can range from $2,000–$6,000.
While the cost is a significant factor in your decision-making, it’s also crucial to consider the quality of the procedure. Choosing a highly skilled surgeon makes all the difference, and your chosen surgeon will make sure to discuss an appropriate payment plan with you during your lip lift consultation.
Lip Lift procedure Recovery
You will notice your lips looking fuller and more pronounced immediately following the procedure. There is minimal downtime required, but it’s advised to rest for at least 24 hours after the surgery. Some swelling is normal and typically subsides within several days.
You can resume normal activities such as eating, talking and mild walking can be resumed from a few hours to a day following surgery. Strenuous demand on the body such as heavy-lifting, intense workouts, or any other highly-charged activities should be avoided for at least a week or as advised by your surgeon. Likewise, sleeping on your face or anything that puts undue pressure on the affected area should also be avoided.
Make sure to keep your lips moisturized and follow the postoperative care instructions provided by your surgeon. This can include how to clean the incision sites and other essential care tips to prevent complications, accelerate the healing process and ensure a smooth recovery.
What Are the Risks?
As with any surgical procedure, a lip lift comes with potential risks and complications. It’s important to understand that while a lip lift is generally a simple procedure, issues such as scarring and poor wound healing can arise.
To minimize the risks, it’s crucial to choose a highly qualified and experienced surgeon for your procedure and to follow their post-operative care instructions.
lip lift FAQs
Are There Non-Surgical Options for Lip Lift?
While many patients choose a lip lift for its permanent results and the ability to address specific issues like a long upper lip, there are also non-surgical options available.
These options can provide temporary results and may be a suitable choice for those who are not ready for surgery or who are not ideal candidates for a surgical lip lift. Non-surgical options can include treatments like lip fillers.
Does a Lip Lift Change Your Smile?
Yes, a lip lift can indeed change your smile. Many individuals who feel conscious about not being able to display their upper teeth while smiling can benefit from this procedure. A lip lift can subtly modify the lip shape, enhancing the visibility of the upper teeth and creating a more engaging and confident smile.
Does a Lip Lift surgery Make Lips Bigger?
A common misconception is that a lip lift increases the physical size of the lips. However, the reality is slightly different. A lip lift does not actually increase the volume of the pink lip but elevates the lip’s border, giving a fuller appearance to the lips.
References
[1] Zhao H, Wang X, Qiao Z, Yang K. Different Techniques and Quantitative Measurements in Upper lip lift: A Systematic Review. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2023 Aug;47(4):1364-1376. doi: 10.1007/s00266-023-03302-5. Epub 2023 Mar 1. PMID: 36856780; PMCID: PMC9976673.
[2] Austin, Harvey W. M.D.. The Lip Lift. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 77(6):p 990-994, June 1986.