There are generally two types of candidates for lip lift surgery: those that often get lip fillers and want a way to adjust the appearance of their lips without having to continue getting lip fillers and those that are unhappy with the amount of space between their nose and top lip (the area called the philtrum). A lip lift will give the lips more vertical volume without creating lips that protrude or push out.

Lip lifts are permanent so they may be a good option for someone that gets regular lip fillers. You are not a good candidate for a lip lift surgery if you are a smoker and not committed to quitting, or if you don’t have about 1.5 centimeters between the base of your nose and the top of your upper lip.

There are a few different types of lip lifts to meet your aesthetic needs:

Direct Lip Lift
This type of lip lift creates a more defined border around the lip. A thin strip of skin will be removed above your upper lip, pulling the skin upward, creating a more pronounced upper lip.

Subnasal Bullhorn
This is probably one of the more common lip lifts. For this surgery, Dr. Hanz will make an incision along the base of your nose and pull your lips closer to your nose.

Central Lip Lift
This lip lift gives you a face that appears to be more smiley, which is why this lift is often called the “grin lift.” Two incisions will be made at the corners of your mouth, and a small amount of skin will be removed. Once sutured, your lips will appear more smiley.

Italian Lip Lift
This lip lift is very similar to the subnasal bullhorn lip lift; however, there are two incisions made below each nostril.

During your consultation, Dr. Hanz will discuss your concerns and desired outcome to help you choose which lift would be best for you.

Before your surgery, you will likely get local anesthesia to help minimize the pain; however, the pain typically isn’t so intense that general anesthesia is needed. You will need to rest for at least one day after your lip lift, and avoid exercise for the next few weeks. You’ll want to make an effort to sleep on your back and try to keep your mouth as closed as possible while you sleep.

It’s very important that you keep your lips moisturized and that you use a small toothbrush while you brush your teeth very carefully. Dr. Hanz or someone on his staff will go over after-procedure care on how to clean your incision properly.

The cost of your lip lift will depend on the technique and if you will be receiving any other treatments at the same time. Rather than focus on cost, it’s important to make sure you are using a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Hanz. Kevin R. Hanz, M.D. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery can help you find a payment plan or low-interest financing option to make your surgery affordable for you.

You can expect to have some swelling for a few weeks, and you may experience some bruising. As you continue to heal, these will subside and you will be left with beautiful lips.

While you will see some results almost immediately, it takes about 6 – 8 weeks for your lip lift to be fully visible. Once your lips are fully healed, you can expect long-lasting results.

It may take your scarring about six months or longer to fade and should be unnoticeable since the incisions are very small.