Lip lift surgery is a surgical procedure that is performed to change the appearance of the face by reducing the amount of space that is between the bottom of the nostrils and the top of the upper lip, with the overall goal being to make the lip appear fuller. It can even help with wrinkles and sagging skin (which are typically a sign of ageing) around the mouth. So lets break down everything that you will need to know about lip lift surgery before you book yourself in!
What is lip lift surgery?
As simply as it comes, lip lift surgery is a surgery that lifts the upper lip. As we age, the distance between the nose and upper lip gets longer, which makes the upper lip look smaller in comparison. While ageing is one of the most common reasons behind this, there are other things that can contribute to this such as genetics or even prolonged sun exposure causing damage to the skin.
By reducing this distance, lip lift surgery is able to provide more balance to the face and allows for more generalized improvements to the facial features. It’s generally performed under local anaesthesia to numb the area (in the same way you would have local anaesthetic administered during a dental treatment) and comes with a minimal amount of recovery time.
Why should I get a lip lift?
This is a question that a lot of our clients find themselves asking before booking in for surgery, and then answer is really simple, being unhappy with the appearance of their lips. As we age, the skin on the face and neck (as well as the rest of the body) begins to lose its elasticity and it starts to sag. This results in the natural shape of the mouth changing which can sometimes lead to discomfort when talking, eating and drinking.
Typically, ageing is shown with the upper lip wrinkling and beginning to droop over time, and external environmental factors play a role in this. Another problem that can occur is the loss of definition due to the inner lining of the mouth losing some of its thickness.
Lip lift surgery can help to reverse the signs of ageing on the mouth, resulting in a younger and more natural looking smile.
How is lip lift surgery performed?
There are a number of different methods that can be used to perform a lip lift surgery, but the most common of these is known as the subnasal or bullhorn method. The name “subnasal” comes from the fact that it is performed below (sub) the base of the nose (nasal) and the name “bullhorn” comes from the shape of the excision that is made in the skin.
Once the anaesthetic has been administered and the area is numb, a small strip of skin is removed beneath the nostrils, this is what allows the area below to be lifted. The length, shape and height of the excision depends on the results that the individual patient is looking to achieve and this is modified to match their existing facial features to help create a natural appearance.
Once the skin and tissue beneath the excision has been lifted, it is closed with sutures to give as little tension as possible to aid with the recovery period as a lower level of tension directly lowers the risk of scar stretching and also increases the length that the results of the surgery can last.
How long will the results last?
In the vast majority of cases, lip lift surgery is performed as a “one time” procedure with results that are considered to be completely permanent, but as a bare minimum they will last for several years.
Results can vary depending on your own anatomy, as well as the amount of skin that needs to be lifted to achieve the look that is desired. Results can also be affected by further signs of ageing to the skin, but this is completely natural and a follow up procedure can be performed if it is necessary.
What are the risks associated with lip lift surgery?
One of the most commonly occurring risks is the risk of bruising, swelling or in some cases bleeding at the incision site. These are all manageable at home, but if any bruising or swelling doesn’t fade away naturally then you should definitely seek the advice of a medical professional. If there is any severe bleeding, then medical attention should be sought immediately to avoid any further risk.
There are also other complications such as infection, nerve damage or numbness, but these are much rarer and more unlikely to happen. It’s also worth noting that some people pose more risk than others of developing complications, such as those who are older or have a history of blood clots or bleeding disorders. Prior to surgery, it’s advised to speak with your doctor to see if lip lift surgery is suitable for you.
What is the recovery period after surgery like?
After surgery, the lips and cheeks will likely be swollen and can tend to be painful to the touch. Any pain can be managed using over the counter painkillers, but to avoid any unnecessary stress to the area it’s recommended to avoid moving the mouth as much as possible for at least the first few days.
For the first 48 hours (as a bare minimum) it’s advised to use ice packs to help manage any swelling and sleeping with your head raised and supported by more pillows than usual. It’s also advised to try to stick to a soft or liquid diet for this period as this will allow you to minimize any facial movements whilst eating.
So that’s pretty much everything you need to know about a lip lift surgery without actually undergoing one. If you have any questions, or if you’d like to book a completely free, no-obligation consultation, get in touch with our team today using our contact form, live chat or by calling us on 0800 772 0039.