The space between the base of your nose and your upper lip elongate over time. This is a common effect of the natural aging process that can change the aesthetic harmony of your facial features. It may also make your lips appear thinner than they actually are. This particular cosmetic concern is generally not improved with treatments, such as dermal fillers. Fortunately, lip lift surgery is specifically designed to correct an aged or elongated upper lip by shortening the distance between the nose and lip border, thereby achieving a more balanced, youthful appearance.
What is a Lip Lift?
A lip lift is a surgical procedure performed to correct a stretched, elongated, or aged upper lip. The procedure involves discreetly excising a small amount of skin and resculpting the deeper tissues, allowing the lip to be pulled upward and shortening the vertical length of an excessively long upper lip. This can also increase the visible portion of the lips and produce a more youthful pout. After a lip lift, patients notice improved overall facial balance.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Lip Lift?
This facial plastic surgery can benefit many patients who want to rejuvenate the proportions of their lips to maintain a full, youthful look. In general, the best candidates for a lip lift are individuals who are bothered by:
- Elongated space between the base of the nose and the vermillion (the border separating the upper lip and facial skin)
- Flattened, aged, or thin upper lip
- General loss of definition in the lips
As with any cosmetic surgery, those considering lip lift surgery should be healthy enough to undergo the recovery period and have no uncontrolled medical conditions. Patients who smoke will be asked to abstain for a given amount of time before and after their procedure, as smoking can lead to complications during the healing process.
How is Lip Lift Surgery Performed?
A lip lift is performed by making an incision at the base of the nose. After incisions are made, Dr. Miller will meticulously remove a small section of skin while resculpting the underlying tissue. In order to help ensure post-surgical scars remain inconspicuous, Dr. Miller takes care to close incisions in a way that provides the tissue with support. This can allow incisions to heal without any tension, maximizing the likelihood that scars appear very discreetly after surgery.
What is the Lip Lift Recovery Period Like?
Discomfort after a lip lift is usually described as mild, and reactions like swelling and bruising can often be managed with cold compresses, medications, and ointments. Extensive downtime after the procedure is not required. Most patients feel well enough to resume light activities a few days following their procedure, with strenuous exercise prohibited until Dr. Miller advises otherwise. The healing process typically lasts several weeks and the results of surgery will improve as swelling subsides.
Fellowship-trained plastic surgeon Scott Miller, MD has extensive experience performing facial plastic surgery and can develop an optimal treatment plan to help you improve the appearance of your lips in a manner that looks natural and refined. Contact Miller Cosmetic Surgery today to learn more about how a lip lift can help you achieve your unique aesthetic goals.
Questions? At Miller Cosmetic Surgery, our medical team is ready to answer your questions and concerns regarding a lip lift or our other plastic surgery services. Please contact our La Jolla office today to schedule a consultation or to speak with a member of our team.