Dr. Kiran Gill is known throughout Naples, FL for her exceptional skill in facial cosmetic procedures like lip lift surgery. This simple in-office procedure is ideal for patients looking to enhance the size and proportion of the upper lip. Our surgeons can achieve beautiful and natural-looking results with lip lifts, as well as other cosmetic surgery procedures like facelifts, neck lifts, and non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments including Botox and laser skin resurfacing.
Due to aging or genetics, some people find that the space between their upper lip and the nose lengthens.1 Lip lifting, also known as lip shortening surgery or a subnasal lip lift, can reduce the space between the nose and the lips (philtrum), create a more defined cupid’s bow, and restore a more youthful shape to the upper lip. Our surgeons are highly experienced in lip lift surgery and can dramatically improve the size and contour of the upper lip with this procedure.
Good candidates for a lip lift are typically individuals who have inadequate tooth show or lack visibility of the upper teeth when their mouth is at rest, those who have a disproportionately elongated upper lip, or those that desire more fullness in the upper lip.2 Lip lift surgery is ideal for both older patients and younger patients, and can often be combined with dermal fillers, as well as other surgical and non-surgical treatments for an overall more aesthetically pleasing, balanced, and youthful appearance.
A lip lift is an in-office procedure that can be performed by Dr. Gill under local anesthesia or under general anesthesia when performed in conjunction with another surgery such as a facelift in our state-of-the-art surgery center in Naples, FL.
This procedure involves removing a mustache or gull-wing (bullhorn) shaped flap of skin directly under the base of the nose to reduce the size of a long upper lip. The remaining skin is then pulled upwards and secured into place with sutures, creating a more pronounced pink area of the top lip (vermillion) and addressing any lip asymmetry. By shortening the philtral distance between the top of the upper lip and the nose, a more volumized appearance is created as it causes the red lip to unfurl outward. If a corner lip lift is desired, this can entail several additional incisions to lift the corners of the mouth.
Following lip lift surgery, there is no downtime required however patients can expect the upper lip and area where the strip of skin was removed to swell for approximately 1-2 weeks. In general, lip lift incisions take roughly 6-8 weeks to look good. Tightness in the surgical area is common and generally dissipates gradually over 2-4 months.
When performed by an experienced facial plastic surgeon, lip lift surgery is considered safe. As with any surgical procedure, however, there are some risks that include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, asymmetry, and suboptimal scarring.
For most patients, lip lift surgery is a permanent solution for a thin upper lip.
The cost of a lip lift can depend on a variety of factors, including whether you choose to combine your lip lift with any other procedures such as injectable lip filler. The best way to determine your exact costs is to schedule a consultation where you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your goals and receive a detailed treatment plan and cost estimate.
Lip lift procedures typically do leave a scar but our surgeons will make sure it is well hidden in the border where the nose meets the upper lip and is virtually undetectable.3
If you want to shorten the length between the bottom of your nose and the border of your upper lip, or have concerns about a thin upper lip, a lip lift may be an ideal procedure for you. To learn more about lip lift surgery please contact our office today to schedule a personal consultation. Please call us at (239) 946-4193 to schedule your appointment.
The Doctors at Naples Aesthetic Institute have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
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