Lip Lift is a surgical procedure performed to bring a thin upper lip to the ideal size or to achieve the correct distance between the lip and nose. Due to genetics or aging, the upper lip size in some individuals may be thinner than it should be. Especially with aging, the loss of fat tissue reduces lip volume. In some cases, this reduction can reach a level where the upper lip becomes nearly invisible.
The distance between the nose and lip increases with the thinning of the upper lip, creating a disproportionate appearance. In some individuals, even though the lip size is normal, the distance between the nose and lip is naturally too long. This disrupts facial symmetry and negatively affects the person’s expression. With Lip Lift surgery, it is quite easy to permanently achieve the ideal lip size and balance the distance between the nose and lip.
What is Lip Lift Surgery?
Also known as lip lifting, a lip lift surgery not only makes the lips fuller, more voluminous, and of the desired size, but it also shortens the distance between the nose and lips, creating a more aesthetic and attractive facial appearance. In lip lift surgery, the two peaks of the upper lip, known as the Cupid’s bow, are also reshaped. Along with achieving a voluminous and smooth lip appearance, this surgery also provides a balanced look that complements the proportions of the face.
Who Is Suitable for a Lip Lift?
A lip lift is suitable for anyone who is dissatisfied with thin lips, wants to shorten the distance between the nose and lips to achieve an ideal proportion, aims for a symmetrical facial appearance, and desires a permanent and natural result through surgery.
What Should Be Done Before a Lip Lift?
Before the procedure, the patient is examined to assess their lip structure, the distance between the lips and nose, as well as their speech and smile expressions. The surgery is planned based on the patient’s desires. It is important not to use blood thinners or consume herbal teas before surgery. The patient’s medical history is reviewed, including any allergies or chronic conditions. If deemed suitable, the lip lift surgery can be performed safely.
How Is Lip Lift Surgery Performed?
Before the surgery, the incision points are marked on the skin. An incision is made at the marked area after local anesthesia is administered. The location and details of the incision vary depending on the technique used. In one common technique, excess skin is removed by making an incision at the lip cylinder, while another technique involves removing excess skin between the nose and lips through an incision under the nose. The method involving the incision under the nose is often preferred because it leaves no visible scar. The surgery is completed by suturing the incision, and the procedure typically takes 30-40 minutes.
What Are the Lip Lift Surgery Techniques?
Lip lift surgery is performed using different techniques depending on various factors such as the individual’s facial shape, lip-to-nose ratio, and facial expressions. The most suitable technique is determined by the doctor before the surgery. The lip lift techniques include:
What Is the Recovery Period Like After Lip Lift Surgery?
Swelling, edema, and redness may occur in the lips after a lip lift. These effects typically decrease and disappear within 3 days. Relief can be provided with a cold compress applied with the doctor’s approval. Some individuals may feel a slight amount of pain. Stitches under the nose are removed after 5 days. The healing process is completed within 1-2 weeks. During this period, it is crucial to follow the doctor’s instructions, take painkillers if necessary, and not neglect dressing and care.
Lip Lift Prices
Lip lift surgery prices vary depending on the technique used, the quality of the materials, the doctor’s experience, and whether the procedure is combined with other aesthetic interventions.
Therefore, to determine if a lip lift surgery is suitable for you and to get an accurate price, you need to visit our center for a professional consultation. Our expert team will conduct a detailed evaluation to offer the best solution tailored to your needs and expectations. During this process, we will provide you with a personalized treatment plan and cost details.
What Should Be Considered After a Lip Lift?
After the lip lift, the patient is discharged and sent home. During the 1-week rest and recovery period, the following should be considered:
- You should not sleep face down. The lip area must be protected from impacts.
- Only liquid foods should be consumed.
- Metal utensils like forks and spoons should not be used.
- Smoking should be avoided.
- The mouth should not be opened too wide, and teeth should be brushed carefully.
- Strenuous activities should be avoided.
Can Lip Asymmetry Be Corrected with Lip Lift Aesthetics?
Lip lift surgery is highly effective in correcting deformities such as lip asymmetry and lip shifting. Various solutions, such as narrowing wide lip edges or lifting downward lips, can be achieved depending on the individual’s needs. The goal of a lip lift is to create an aesthetically pleasing, proportionate, and attractive lip appearance that aligns with the person’s face.
Is Lip Lift Surgery Permanent?
Since lip lift surgery involves incisions, it is permanent. The shape of the lip and the lip-to-nose ratio are altered during the surgery and designed to suit the individual. The effects of the lip lift last a lifetime.
What Are the Benefits of a Lip Lift?
The benefits of lip lift surgery for the individual include:
Does Lip Lift Aesthetics Affect Lip Muscles?
Lip lift surgery does not involve the lip muscles. The procedure does not interfere with the muscles. In a lip lift, only the outermost layer of skin is addressed. Excess skin is removed to lift the lip and achieve the desired lip-to-nose ratio.
How Much Skin Is Removed in Lip Lift Aesthetics?
In lip lift aesthetics, the amount of skin removed between the nose and lip varies according to the individual’s facial proportions. On average, 1-3mm of skin is removed, but in some cases, up to 1cm may be taken if necessary. The removal of skin between the nose and lip during lip lift surgery directly affects facial symmetry. While ensuring an attractive, aesthetic, and proportionate appearance, the patient’s speech and smile expressions are also taken into account.
Can Lip Lift Be Done After Rhinoplasty?
Lip lift surgery can only be performed after the nose has fully settled into its final shape following rhinoplasty. This typically takes about one year. Lip lift surgery performed before this waiting period may not yield the desired aesthetic results.
Can Lip Lift Be Done After Lip Fillers?
There is a risk that a lip lift performed after lip fillers could cause the filler to shift, leading to deformity. For individuals with lip fillers, the filler can be dissolved before performing a lip lift. Alternatively, a lip lift can be done first, followed by lip fillers to achieve the desired effect.
Are Lip Lift Surgery Results Natural?
The goal of lip lift surgery is to provide the individual with an aesthetic, attractive, and natural appearance. Lip lift surgery corrects deformities in the lip area, enhances lip volume, and achieves an ideal lip-to-nose ratio.
Is Upper Lip Lift Surgery Painful?
Lip lift surgery is performed under local anesthesia, so no pain is felt during the procedure. After the anesthesia wears off, some discomfort may be experienced. It is normal to feel pain after procedures involving incisions. Cold compresses and pain relievers can help alleviate discomfort.
How Is Lip Corner Drooping Corrected?
Lip corner drooping can occur naturally or develop over time. When the corners of the lips turn downward, the person may appear sad and unable to fully express a smile. Lip corner drooping can be corrected with Botox or a lip lift. The method used depends on the extent of the deformity, the patient’s age, and their preferences. The advantage of lip lift surgery is that it is performed once and provides permanent results, giving the individual a cheerful, aesthetic facial expression.
Can the Distance Between the Nose and Lip Be Shortened with Exercise?
The distance between the nose and lip cannot be shortened through exercise. In fact, exercises in this area can increase wrinkles. The lip-to-nose distance can be corrected with lip fillers or a lip lift surgery. In cases where the distance is significantly long, a lip lift provides an effective and permanent solution.
Author : Op. Dr Leyla ARVAS
Dr Leyla Arvas is an internationally recognised specialist in aesthetic surgery based in Istanbul. Graduated in 1998 from Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, she has developed her expertise by studying in Taiwan, Japan and Spain during her 20 years of experience.
This article February 13, 2025 was updated on
Editor: admin@quartz.com.tr