Plastic Surgery
Lip Lift
A lip lift surgery is a cosmetic procedure aimed at shortening the distance between the upper lip and the base of the nose, enhancing the appearance of the lips and mouth area. It involves removing a small strip of skin just beneath the nose and lifting the upper lip to give it a fuller appearance to the lip area.
People opt for a lip lift if they want to improve the shape, volume, or position of their upper lip without using dermal fillers. It is commonly done to shorten a long philtrum (the area between the upper lip and the nose), create a more pronounced lip shape, or enhance the smile by increasing the amount of visible upper teeth when the mouth is at rest.
A lip lift is a surgical procedure, designed to enhance the appearance of the mouth. The procedure is particularly renowned for its ability to define the lips, often resulting in a distinctive ‘cupid’s bow’ shape. Elevating the upper lip and exposes more of the teeth.
Some notable benefits associated with a lip lift include:
- Fuller Lips
- Lifting of Mouth Corners
- Improved Shape and Length of Lips
- More Defined Lip Outline
- Visible Teeth
- Reduced Wrinkles and Lines on the Upper Lip
- Permanent Results
All quoted prices include hospital fees and general anaesthetic.
Am I a candidate for surgery?
While it is often associated with older patients, lip lift surgery is not reserved for any particular age group. Data has shown that the procedure is popular amongst patients of various age groups, as issues with lip volume can manifest at any age. Before deciding whether to pursue lip lift surgery, you may be a good candidate for surgery if:
- You want to alter the appearance of your upper lip
- Your lip has changed with age
- You are well-supported and have realistic expectations of the surgery
- You’re able to take sufficient recovery time off of work
- You are a non–smoker or are willing to abstain from smoking at least 8 weeks before surgery and 8 weeks post-surgery
- You are 18 years or older
The Surgery Process
The decision to undertake any type of elective surgery should be a well thought and long process. We do not recommend rushing into any procedures. Below is a guide on the surgery process.
The first step in finding out more about lip lift surgery is to schedule a private consultation. In this consultation, you will meet directly with your specialist plastic surgeon. This gives you an opportunity to discuss your concerns and get all of your questions answered.
To book a surgery date you can contact our team after a face to face consultation has been completed. You must wait 7 days from the consultation to book a procedure.
During your personalised consultation for a lip lift, your surgeon will ask you about your medical history, as well as any issue of substance abuse, tobacco use, or alcohol use. Furthermore, you will need to bring in all medications and supplements you currently take. Part of the consultation involves a full and accurate medical history. Tell Dr. Honeybrook about any past surgeries, procedures, and complications you have experienced in your life. He can then make a decision based upon your general health, and whether you are a good candidate for the procedure – most people are.
Once you’ve booked your surgery date, a pre surgery appointment will be scheduled 4 weeks prior to your date. This is your chance to meet with Dr Honeybrook again, ask any further questions, go over the surgery plan and take some images. This appointment ensures you’re well prepared for the upcoming surgery date.
The goal of the lip lift procedure is to minimise the gap between the lower part of the nose and the upper lip. To ensure a comfortable experience, the initial step involves numbing the treatment area with a local anaesthetic. Following this, a discreet incision is carefully made just beneath the nose, strategically placed to remain inconspicuous and evolve into a subtle, thin line as it heals over time.
The subsequent phase of the procedure involves lifting a flap of skin and removing excess tissue. This meticulous process results in a refined appearance. To secure the skin in its newly elevated position, sutures are delicately applied. The combination of these steps contributes to the overall success of the lip lift, resulting in a more harmonious and aesthetically pleasing relationship between the nose and the upper lip.
Following the lip lift procedure, patients can anticipate a relatively swift recovery process. Typically, the sutures are removed after just five days, allowing for an early assessment of the healing progress. While swelling of the lips may persist for up to two weeks, it’s essential to note that individual variations in healing times can occur.
Complete healing of the incisions may take as long as six to eight weeks, during which patients may experience a degree of tightness in the treated area. This tightness is a normal part of the healing process and tends to subside over the course of a few months.
It’s crucial for patients to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure optimal results and address any concerns during the recovery period. The longevity of the results from a lip lift is typically noteworthy, offering patients a long-lasting enhancement to their facial aesthetics. By maintaining regular follow-ups and adhering to post-operative care guidelines, individuals can maximise the longevity of their results and enjoy the benefits of the procedure for the long term.
Lip lift surgery is not a perfect procedure and like any surgery, it does carry risks. We want all our patients to make an informed decision about their healthcare and chosen procedures, which is why we are upfront and honest about all aspects of this procedure including risks.
Specific risks and complications associated with lip lift surgery include:
- Pain that may be severe and ongoing
- Lip may feel numb or have altered sensation after the bruising and swelling subside
- The upper front teeth may feel numb temporarily
- The lips appearance may be unsatisfactory and require revision surgery
- Sense of smell may be impaired, and in rare cases lost or distorted
- The lip may be slightly swollen for months
Some general risks and complications of surgery may include:
- Heavy bleeding from an operated site
- Infection that may require treatment with antibiotics or further surgery in some cases
- Allergic reaction to sutures, dressings or antiseptic solutions
- The formation of a large blood clot (haematoma) beneath an incision site that may require drainage
- Pain, bruising and swelling around the operated site(s)
- Keloids and hypertrophic scars that are raised, red and thickened scars. These may form over the healed incisions. They may be itchy, annoying and unsightly but are not a threat to health
- Slow healing, often related to smoking or diabetes
- Separation of wound edges
- Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia and other risks related to anaesthesia
Frequently Asked Questions
We regularly get asked about our procedures, so we have put together a couple of questions we get asked on a regular basis. If there is something else you would like to know, please get in touch!
In your initial private consultation, you will meet your facial plastic surgeon, discuss any concerns you may have and get all your questions answered. You will tell our surgeon the type of nose you envision for yourself — feel free to bring a photo for reference if that helps! We also have plenty of photos in our clinic, including people who have a similar facial structure to you.
Our facial plastic surgeon will check your medical history, including any issues of substance abuse, tobacco use or alcohol use. You must bring in all medications and supplements you’re taking. Inform Dr Honeybrook about any past surgeries, procedures and complications you have experienced. Based on these factors, our surgeon will inform you whether you are a good candidate for the procedure – most people are.
When it comes to enhancing your lips, the choice is yours! A lip lift can be a standalone procedure or complemented by the use of lip fillers. Lip fillers work wonders in adding volume and plumpness to both the upper and lower lips.
The distinctive advantage of a lip lift is its focus on shortening the distance between the nose and the upper lip.
During private consultations, our expert team will guide you through the options, discussing the benefits of both lip lift and fillers. It’s an opportunity for you to tailor your treatment plan to achieve the your goals.
Yes, the goal of a lip lift is to be undetectable.
Like most scars, those from a lip lift procedure typically go through a maturation process over the course of 6-12 months. The initial stages involve some visibility, but fear not—thanks to the strategic placement within the folds of the nose, the scar remains well hidden.
In just 1-2 months, you’ll likely observe a significant reduction in the prominence of the scar. As time passes, reaching the 6-12 month mark, the scar tends to fade away, becoming barely noticeable. The body’s natural healing processes work wonders, ensuring that your results not only enhance your appearance but also do so with minimal trace.
Before & After
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Please be mindful that the outcomes shown are specific to these patients.
Lip Lift results by Dr Adam Honeybrook
