What is a Lip Lift operation?

Lip lift is a surgical procedure, which aims to reduce the distance between the base of the nose and the red upper lip line. It is also known as philtrum shortening. The skin between the upper lip and nostrils is called the philtrum. Reducing the height of the philtrum (upper lip vertical height) can result in a more balanced proportion in the anatomical area between the base of the nose and the chin, and overall can improve the facial aesthetics.

How is it performed?

A lip lift is usually performed under local anaesthesia and lasts approximately 45-60 mins. Thought a small incision hidden below the nostrils, Dr.Jack removes the excess skin, lifts the muscle and improves the appearance of the lips by showing more of the red part of them. The ideal length of the philtrum is 11-13mm.

How is the Recovery after Lip Lift?

The first few days after the surgery the lip and cheek area might be swollen. The pain and swelling can be mild to moderate, and normally the pain is controlled by simple over the counter painkillers.

For the first 48 hours is advisable to use some ice packs at home and sleep with the head up, supported with a couple of pillows. A soft diet is recommended during this initial period and you may find helpful using a straw to drink water for the first couple of days. Any strenuous activities including exercise should be avoided for 2 weeks. 15 days after surgery, when the wound is completely dry and no scabs are present, the scar can be treated with silicone therapy and gentle massage.

Who is a good candidate?

A subnasal lip lift is indicated in patients who have a long philtrum, of more than 13mm, and this height is aimed to be reduced. These measurements however, may vary on individuals and a clinical assessment is essential. The individual facial characteristics and measurements along with the look that the patient wants to achieve will determine the amount of lift required.

Patients with a long philtrum who previously underwent lip augmentation with fillers may have experienced protrusion of the lip forward rather than an increase of red lip show – a condition also known as “duck lips”. In those patients, a subnasal lip lift can achieve a poutier and more natural upper lip. A surgical lip lift can permanently increase the vermillion show, increase tooth display, and generally improve the facial aesthetics and rejuvenate the lower face.

Patients who experience signs of facial aging may also benefit from Lip Lift surgery. As we age, the changes that occur specifically to the mouth and lip include:

• Loss of upper lip volume with soft tissue descent.
• Thinning of the vermillion border with less definition of the cupid’s bow and philtral columns.
• Bony resorption, which makes the lip look less prominent
• Vertical lengthening of the upper Lip complex, which appears deflated.
• Perioral rhytids (smokers or lipstick lines)

Does the subnasal lip lift address the corner of the mouth?

A classic surgical lip lift, also referred as “subnasal”, is very effective in elevating the central part of the upper lip, however it has little effect on the lateral part, at the level of the corner of the mouth. For those patients who have concerns with “downturned mouth” appearance, a corner lip lift may be a better option. A corner lift involves removing a small amount of skin form the corner of the mouth, with the final scar hidden at the junction between skin and vermillion border. Occasionally a subnasal lift can be combined with a corner lip lift for suitable patients.