Lip Lift

You may be surprised to learn that the distance between the top lip and the nose can age your look. Over time, the top lip can relax, sag, and even roll inwards toward the teeth making the whole face look older. Minimally invasive procedures such as dermal filler injections can hide the problem by reshaping the top lip, but the results are temporary. A lip lift at United Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach and Temecula provides a lasting, more effective solution for many people.

What is a lip lift?

A lip lift elevates the top lip and rejuvenates and enhances the appearance of the face in a variety of ways, including:

• Exposing more of the upper lip vermillion
• Defining the cupid’s bow
• Revealing the top teeth when smiling
• Lifting downturned corners of the mouth
• Smoothing out vertical lip lines

Can a lip lift be combined with other procedures?

While our board-certified plastic surgeons perform lip lift surgery as an individual procedure, they often combine it with other procedures for more noticeable facial rejuvenation and enhancement. Popular options include:

• Facelift
• Facial fat transfer (autologous fat grafting)
• Buccal fat pad removal
• Chin liposuction
• PDO threads
• BOTOX® Cosmetic
• Dermal fillers

How is a lip lift performed?

Our surgeons perform lip lifts as outpatient surgery in our private surgery center. Depending on patient preference and the specifics of the surgery, they can use a local or general anesthetic. While they are skilled in a variety of lip-lifting techniques, Dr. Larson and Dr. Pham usually perform the surgery by making an incision along the base of the nose and removing enough skin to raise the upper lip to the desired level. The surgeon closes the incision with fine sutures leaving a scar hidden in the natural crease between the nose and the upper lip.

How long does it take to recover from a lip lift?

You may experience mild discomfort after lip lift surgery, and initial swelling can be significant. Cold compresses, pain relievers, and keeping your head elevated can help with these.

Recovery Timeline

While experiences vary, patients typically recover along the following timeline:

• Sutures removed: 5 to 7 days
• Swelling fades: 1 to 2 weeks
• Ready to return to work and nonstrenuous activities: 10 to 14 days
• Resume strenuous activities: 2 to 4 weeks
• Final results: 6 to 8 weeks

How long does a lip lift last?

Lip lift results are long-lasting. The aging process will continue, so the lip may descend over time.