Lip Lift
Lips
Achieve the Perfect Pout
What is a Lip Lift?
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that aims to shorten the upper lip. An incision is made in the natural crease just under the base of the nose, and skin is removed. Think of a lip lift as a facelift for your mouth!
This procedure is typically done under local anesthesia in the office. It’s a quick and easy procedure to recover from, and it can bring more balance to the face.
A youthful and attractive upper lip is full and short allowing upper tooth show with the mouth slightly open. It’s a procedure that can bring a subtle change to create a big impact!
Benefits of a Lip Lift
- More youthful and attractive upper lip
- Improve facial proportions
- Improve appearance of a downturned mouth
- Increase exposure of the upper teeth
- Can give the appearance of more lip volume
- Allows for more natural results with lip fillers
- Short in-office procedure with minimal downtime
Who is a Candidate for a Lip Lift?
If you have a long upper lip, you may be the perfect candidate for a lip lift procedure!
Several factors can contribute to a long upper lip. Here are the most common:
Aging: As we age, our skin loses collagen and elastin, causing it to stretch and sag. This can affect the upper lip, making it appear longer. This process also contributes to wrinkles and sagging in other areas of the face.
Genetics: Some people naturally have a longer bone structure in the middle third of their face, which can lead to a longer upper lip.
Rhinoplasty: If you’ve had rhinoplasty (nose surgery) where the tip of your nose was lifted, it can make your upper lip appear longer. This is because the focus shifts to the space between your nose and your lip.
While a lip lift is a minimally invasive procedure, some preparation steps ensure a smooth and successful experience. Here’s what you need to know:
Stop Smoking: Smoking can significantly hinder healing and potentially increase complications during surgery. To optimize your results and safety, quitting cigarettes at least 1 month before your lip lift is crucial.
Medications and Supplements: Certain medications and supplements can thin your blood and increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Dr. Saxon will provide you with a detailed list of medications to avoid for at least two weeks before your procedure.
Alcohol Restriction: Similar to blood-thinning medications, alcohol consumption can also elevate bleeding risks. It’s recommended to abstain from alcohol for about a week prior to your lip lift to minimize potential complications.
Transportation: The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, allowing you to drive yourself home afterward. However, if you choose calming medication to manage anxiety, it’s essential to arrange transportation with a friend or family member.
Following your lip lift, expect:
Stitches & Cleaning: You’ll have stitches for a clean, minimized incision (Puracyn provided).
Swelling & Numbness: Mild and temporary, with minimal bruising.
Limited Lip Movement: Avoid straws & pursing lips for optimal healing. Dr. Saxon can recommend alternatives.
Scar Care: Makeup after 2 weeks, silicone gel for healing.
Tightness & Scarring: Tightness fades, scars may be pink for weeks (additional treatments like microneedling might be recommended).
Remember, healing varies. Follow Dr. Saxon’s instructions for a smooth journey to your beautiful new smile!
Dr. Saxon’s
Approach - The Art of the Lip Lift
Here's a closer look at Dr. Saxon's preferred method, the "Longhorn Lip Lift"
Subnasal Bullhorn Incision: This technique involves a strategically placed incision in the shape of a bullhorn (or, as Dr. Saxon likes to call it in her Austin practice, a longhorn!) just below the base of your nose. This placement helps to minimize scarring as the incision heals.
Precise Measurement and Removal: Dr. Saxon meticulously measures the upper lip to determine the exact amount of skin needed for removal. This ensures a balanced and natural-looking outcome.
Deep Sutures for Optimal Healing: To minimize tension on the incision and promote optimal healing, Dr. Saxon utilizes special deep sutures placed within a supportive layer of the lip. These sutures remain in place for approximately 3 months.
Layered Closure for a Flawless Finish: After removing the precise amount of skin, Dr. Saxon closes the incision using two suture layers. Deep sutures provide internal support, while dissolvable external sutures minimize surface scarring. These external sutures are typically removed within 5-7 days.
Optional Corner Lift: In some cases, Dr. Saxon may recommend adding a corner lip lift technique to address downturned or inverted corners of the mouth. This additional procedure further enhances the youthful and balanced appearance of your smile.
What Can I Expect From My Lip Lift Results?
Your lip will almost immediately look shorter after your procedure, but you will have some swelling. Final results are generally seen in about 3 months once all swelling subsides. You should not have any change to your lip movement, and you should still be able to close your mouth normally.
In older individuals, previous smokers, or those with very thin skin, the lip can relax some, so skin treatments like microneedling and Morpheus8 are recommended to build collagen and strengthen the skin. This can help your results last longer.
A lip lift does not address fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth, so combining your surgery with laser skin resurfacing is recommended for this.
Finally, a lip lift can give the appearance of fuller lips if the lips already started with fairly good volume. If the lips are very thin; however, a lip lift will need to be combined with lip augmentation for best results.
Overgrown Midface: If your long upper lip stems from a long midface, orthognathic surgery (facial bone correction) might be better suited first, followed by a lip lift.
Severe Overbite or Weak Chin: These can prevent proper mouth closure after a lip lift. Orthognathic surgery can be done to correct an overbite, and a weak chin can be addressed with either a chin implant or sliding genioplasty
Dr. Saxon will assess your unique features to determine the best course of action for achieving your desired facial balance.
Who is NOT a Candidate for a Lip Lift?
Lip Lifts, Lip Flips, and Lip Fillers: Which Do I Choose?
There is a lot of confusion surrounding lip procedures. Some may think that a lip lift is an alternative to lip fillers due to confusing messaging or false advertising. Although a the procedure can give the illusion of more lip volume in certain circumstances, it will not give the same results as lip filler. This includes adding significant volume or lip definition. Dermal fillers may be needed after your procedure if this is the desired outcome.
A lip flip can sometimes give a temporary appearance of a shorter lip. Only small amounts of neuromodulator can be used to achieve this safely since adding too much can cause the upper lip to not move at all. Because of this, results generally do not last very long.
In addition, a lip flip inherently prevents the orbicularis oris muscle from contracting fully since it partially paralyzes the muscle. After a lip flip, most have difficulty articulating certain words and they cannot use straws or purse their lips. Dr. Saxon highly recommends a lip lift over a lip flip for more natural and long-lasting results.
Lip Lift FAQs
Is a lip lift a suitable procedure for me?
Ideal individuals are those who desire to correct an elongated upper lip. A consultation with a Dr. Saxon can determine if you are a suitable candidate based on your goals and anatomical considerations. Read our blog, “Am I A Candidate For A Lip Lift,” to learn more.
How long does a lip lift procedure take?
The duration of the procedure typically takes about 1 hour, depending on the extent of the correction needed and whether additional procedures are performed simultaneously.
What type of anesthesia is used during a lip lift?
The procedure is commonly performed under local anesthesia, although sedation or general anesthesia may be used for patient comfort, especially if combined with other procedures.
Will I experience pain during the lip lift recovery period?
Discomfort during the recovery period is usually minimal and can be managed with Tylenol and/or ibuprofen. Stronger medications are usually not necessary. Swelling, bruising, and mild soreness are common but typically subside within a few days to weeks.
How soon can I return to work or normal activities after a lip lift?
Discomfort during the recovery period is usually minimal and can be managed with Tylenol and/or ibuprofen. Stronger medications are usually not necessary. Swelling, bruising, and mild soreness are common but typically subside within a few days to weeks.
Are there any risks or potential complications associated with a lip lift?
Like any surgical procedure, the procedure carries inherent risks, including infection, bleeding, asymmetry, or unfavorable scarring. Dr. Saxon works diligently to minimize these risks. You will be given prescription medications as well as all the supplies needed to keep your incision clean with as little inflammation as possible. Read our blog to learn more about potential complication after a lip lift.
Will I have visible scars after a lip lift?
While incisions for a lip lift are strategically placed along the base of the nose to minimize visibility, some scarring may occur. Every surgery has some degree of a scar, but our goal is to make it as minimal as possible. With proper care and healing, scars typically fade and become less noticeable over time. Click here to learn more about how to reduce scarring after a lip lift.
Can I combine a lip lift with other cosmetic procedures?
Yes, it is common for a lip lift and rhinoplasty to be done together, and it can be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as dermal fillers, and facelift surgery to enhance overall results and achieve a more harmonious facial appearance.
How long do the results of a lip lift last?
The results of the procedure are permanent, although some natural aging may occur over time. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and skincare regimen can help prolong the results. Click here to learn more.
When will I see the final results of my lip lift?
How much does a lip lift cost?
The price of a lip lift varies widely, but in Texas, the average cost is $3000-$6000. Several factors go into determining the price of a lip lift. Read here to learn more.
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Why Choose Saxon MD?
Dr. Sarah Saxon is a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Austin and Dallas, Texas. Her patients come from all over the country to enjoy her artistic surgical experience for natural and beautiful results. While simple in concept and a minor surgical procedure, the lip lift requires years of practice to perfect. Dr. Saxon performs more lip lifts than almost any other surgeon in Texas. She has the skill and experience to deliver consistently beautiful lip lift results to patients who come to her from throughout the United States. Dr. Saxon’s extensive experience has led her to develop her own lip lift technique. In addition, Dr. Saxon also uses PRF therapy and a specialized regimen of postoperative wound care to reduce the risk of scarring.
Trust your smile to an expert. Reach out to us today!
