How Long Does a Lip Lift Last?

A lip lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the lips by lifting them and increasing their prominence. This surgery offers a long-term solution for those looking to improve their lip aesthetics, providing results that can last for many years. In contrast to temporary treatments such as dermal fillers or anti-wrinkle injections, which typically fade after a few months, a lip lift offers a more permanent alteration.

Many patients express great satisfaction with the outcomes of their lip lift surgery. However, for those seeking to further refine their results, options are available. After undergoing a lip lift, you can opt to complement the procedure with additional treatments like a lip flip or lip fillers. This can help achieve a more pronounced effect, tailored to your personal preferences. Here, we offer a detailed guide to help you understand how a lip lift can transform your smile, and what additional treatments you might consider to enhance your results.

Enhancing Your Smile with Lip Lift Surgery

A lip lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that specifically targets the upper lip to rejuvenate its appearance and give the mouth a more youthful look. As we age, the area between the nose and the cupid’s bow—the philtrum—tends to lengthen, and the visible portion of the upper lip, often referred to as the “red lip,” diminishes in size. This natural ageing process can reduce the exposure of the teeth, often termed “tooth show,” when speaking or smiling.

The primary goal of a lip lift is to counter these effects of ageing by creating a shorter, more defined philtrum and increasing the prominence of the red lip. This results in a fuller, more pouty appearance of the lips, enhancing the overall facial aesthetics. The procedure strategically elevates the position of the upper lip, which in turn increases the visibility of the teeth during social interactions, leading to a bigger, brighter smile.

Will a Lip Lift Affect How I Smile?

A lip lift is a cosmetic procedure that does not fundamentally change your smile but rather enhances and restores its youthful aspects. Over time, many individuals notice changes in their smile but may struggle to pinpoint exactly what has altered. Often, these changes include a reduction in the visibility of the teeth (referred to as “tooth show”) and an elongation of the area above the upper lip, commonly known as the “white lip.” Additionally, there can be a general loss of volume in the lips.

While dermal fillers are a popular choice for adding volume back into the lips, they might not adequately address the structural changes that occur with ageing. Fillers can sometimes result in an overfilled appearance, which does not necessarily restore the natural youthful look of the lips. Instead of altering the underlying anatomy, fillers only add volume, which may not be sufficient for those experiencing significant changes.

In contrast, a lip lift targets the actual anatomical structure of the lip area. By shortening the space between the nose and the upper lip, a lip lift enhances the curvature and fullness of the upper lip, increasing the tooth show when smiling. This procedure helps to bring back the natural, youthful contours of the mouth area, making the lips appear more naturally plump and vibrant.

Exploring the Different Types of Lip Lift Procedures

Lip lifts are specialised cosmetic surgeries designed to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the lips, making them appear more youthful and attractive. While there are several types of lip lifts, the Bullhorn lip lift is the most commonly performed, with other techniques used less frequently but tailored to specific aesthetic goals.

Bullhorn Lip Lift

The Bullhorn lip lift, aptly named for the shape of the incision that resembles a bull’s horn, involves removing a strip of skin just under the nostrils. This technique is particularly beneficial for individuals with a longer philtrum—the area between the nose and the upper lip. By excising this excess skin and lifting the remaining skin upwards, the upper lip becomes more prominent and rolls outward. This not only enhances the pout of the upper lip but also increases the visibility of the teeth when smiling, creating a vibrant and attractive smile.

Modified Upper Lip Lift

A variation of the traditional Bullhorn lift is the Modified Upper Lip Lift, where the incisions are strategically made inside the nose. This placement makes the resulting scars less noticeable. This method is often preferred for its subtlety and can be combined with rhinoplasty, as both procedures can utilise the same incisions for a more cohesive facial enhancement.

Gullwing Lip Lift

Named after the seagull’s wings, the Gullwing Lip Lift involves removing a strip of skin shaped like a seagull’s wings along the vermillion border of the upper lip and the skin above. This technique not only makes the lips appear fuller but also enhances the definition of both the upper and lower lips. However, the placement of the incisions can make scars more visible and potentially affect the lip border’s natural definition.

Corner Lip Lift

The Corner Lip Lift targets the corners of the mouth, particularly beneficial for individuals whose mouth corners naturally downturn, giving a sad or serious expression. This procedure involves making small, triangular incisions at each corner of the mouth, removing excess skin, and then suturing the area to lift the corners upward. This adjustment helps smooth out the marionette lines (the grooves that develop below the corners of the mouth) and provides a more cheerful and relaxed facial expression. However, due to the frequent movement in this area, the healing process can be longer, and the scars more noticeable.

What to Expect in Terms of Pain and Recovery from a Lip Lift Procedure

While undergoing a lip lift surgery, thorough preparation and post-operative care are crucial to ensuring the best possible outcomes and a smooth recovery. To minimise potential risks and improve healing, it is essential for patients to stop smoking at least four weeks before the surgery and avoid resuming for another four weeks post-procedure. Smoking impairs blood flow to the skin and can delay healing or increase the likelihood of complications. Similarly, alcohol consumption is discouraged for at least 48 hours before the surgery to reduce the risk of bruising and bleeding. Additionally, substances that thin the blood, such as aspirin and fish oil supplements, should be discontinued at least ten days prior to surgery.

The procedure involves making incisions that are strategically placed in and around the creases of the nose to keep them less visible once healed. Post-surgery, normal activities can typically be resumed within 24 hours, though exercise or any strenuous activities should be avoided for at least one to two weeks. Patients are advised to eat softly and avoid using straws or consuming foods that require wide mouth opening for the first week to prevent stress on the stitches. Sleeping on your back with your head elevated can help in reducing swelling more quickly. When brushing teeth, it is recommended to use gentle methods such as a child’s toothbrush or a finger to avoid disturbing the stitches.

Immediately following the surgery, patients may experience swelling around the nose and a feeling of tightness when moving the lips, which can persist for up to 4 weeks. While significant pain is generally not reported by most patients, over-the-counter pain medications are often sufficient to manage any discomfort. To aid in healing, an antibiotic ointment is recommended for application on the stitches, along with an oral antibiotic to prevent infection. Stitches are usually removed seven days after surgery, and any noticeable swelling or bruising typically subsides within a week. However, patients may feel a sense of tightness and swelling for a longer period. Arnica is recommended as a natural option to help alleviate bruising.

Do Lip Lifts Look Natural?

Lip lifts are designed to enhance the natural beauty of the lips while maintaining a subtle and authentic appearance. The procedure is crafted in such a way that it minimises visible scarring, with incisions typically hidden within the natural creases of the nose. This careful placement ensures that any marks are not only difficult to detect once healed but also blend seamlessly with the natural lines of the face.

One of the key benefits of opting for a lip lift over other procedures, such as fillers, is the natural movement and appearance it preserves. Lip lifts adjust the lip’s structure to restore youthful contours and fullness without the risk of looking overdone, which can sometimes occur with excessive filler use. This surgical approach allows for the lips to move naturally, maintaining their functionality and enhancing their aesthetic appeal in a balanced way.

Patients often find that after a lip lift, their lips look rejuvenated and more pronounced, yet in a manner that does not betray the fact that they have undergone surgery. The changes, while significant, are subtle enough that others may notice a refreshed and youthful look without being able to pinpoint that a surgical procedure has been performed. This can result in compliments about looking revitalised without any obvious signs of having had cosmetic work done.

How Much Does a Lip Lift Cost?

The cost of a lip lift can vary, with the average price typically around £3500. However, the exact cost depends on several factors, including the specific type of lip lift procedure chosen and the individual needs of the patient.

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When considering a lip lift, it’s essential to have a detailed consultation with a surgeon who can assess your unique facial structure and aesthetic goals. This consultation is crucial as it helps the surgeon determine which lip lift technique will achieve the best results for your particular case. Based on this assessment, the surgeon can provide a more precise quotation for the procedure.

At our Baker Street clinic, our experienced surgeons conduct thorough consultations to understand each patient’s expectations and desired outcomes. During this meeting, they will explain the different lip lift options available and recommend the most suitable approach for you. This personalised consultation ensures that you receive a clear and accurate cost estimate tailored to the specific lip lift procedure that will best meet your needs.