Lip Lift
WHAT IS A LIP LIFT?
As we age and our skin changes, the face is the area where those changes are most visible. The upper lip is not immune to those changes. Over time, the upper lip can lose up to 40% of its volume and become up to 20% longer. This can result in a thin, poorly defined upper lip that turns inward as well as less visible teeth (known as “dental show”) during smiling. Full and well-defined lips are a key component to a youthful smile and balanced facial features that contribute to a youthful, rejuvenated appearance. Using what is called a “bullhorn lip lift,” Dr. Sowder is able artfully shorten an elongated upper lip, restoring balance to the midface and your smile.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM A LIP LIFT?
A lip lift, also known as a “subnasal lip lift” or “bullhorn lip lift,” can be performed on patients with an elongated upper lip that contributes to it being thin and poorly defined. These patient also may note that their upper teeth are seen very little, if at all, when smiling.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE PROCEDURE?
All of our procedures are performed at our fully accredited on-site surgical suite by our double board-certified plastic surgeons. When performed alone, patients do very well using local anesthesia (numbing medicine), though they have the option to use IV sedation administered by our skilled nurse anesthetists if you prefer. When combined with other procedures, such as facelift or rhinoplasty, the procedure is done under IV sedation to ensure your maximum safety and comfort.
The lip lift procedure involves creating an incision along the base of the nose in a natural crease. Dr. Sowder makes precise measurements to determine the amount of skin that needs to be removed. The incisions are closed with fine sutures that are left in place for 1 week.
RECOVERY
Carefully reviewing and following your pre-op instructions is crucial to achieving optimal results. Sutures are typically removed within one week. It’s important to minimize activity and keep the head elevated as much as possible. Ice packs can help reduce swelling in the first 24 hours. Light walks around the house are recommended. Bruising and swelling are common after the procedure, but bruising typically resolves within seven to ten days. Pain is generally minimal, and numbness along the surgery site may be present and persist for several weeks. Most patients are back at work or in the public eye within 7-10 days with a small amount of cover-up. While it takes several months for the incision to “mature,” the scar is usually minimal and camouflages quite well along the junction between the upper lip and the nose.