What is a lip lift?
A Lip Lift is a simple, in-office surgical procedure to elevate the upper lip. The upper lip gets longer with age and contributes to a droopy, tired appearance. In these patients, filler just weighs the lip down more and makes the problem worse! The lip lift can either shorten the distance between the nose and mouth to give a subtle, beautiful lift or it can increase the amount of “red show” for a lip that is naturally very thin. It can also be helpful in younger patients as well. This can be performed on its own or in conjunction with other procedures like a Facelift, Eyelid Lift, etc.
What are the benefits of a lip lift?
There are multiple benefits to a properly performed lip lift procedure. As we age the upper lip tends to stretch and lengthen with gravity,much like other parts of your face. This usually results in the red part of the lip “rolling” inward which gives the appearance of thinning. Additionally, the upper lip falls downward and covers the upper teeth which can make the mouth appear older. By shortening the upper lip these changes are reversed and the midface takes on a lifted and more rejuvenated appearance. The increased “red show” also provides the lip with a permanent look of greater fullness, which is often desirable in young patients as well.
What techniques are used for a lip lift?
There are several techniques that have been used over the years to perform a lip lift. Original descriptions involve removing skin just above the lip, where the pink portion meets your skin. This can be done across the central part of the lip (the “cupid’s bow”), or at the corners depending on which parts need to be lifted. More modern techniques place the incision just under your nose, allowing the resultant scar to be less visible. A small strip of skin is removed and the area is carefully closed with sutures. The “modified” upper lip lift is the most advanced technique to date and includes more release of the lip and more stable suspension to create a longer-lasting natural result.