Lip lifts are a permanent solution to improve the shape and prominence of your lips. This cosmetic surgery procedure has existed for a long time, but the techniques have improved through the years. Lip lifts are a type of lift that use a creative incision design to maximize results and reduce scarring.
Dr. Nicole Schrader M.D. is a double board-certified plastic surgeon offering bullhorn lip lifts, corner lip lifts and cupid bow lifts in Princeton, NJ. If you want to permanently improve the appearance of your smile, keep reading to learn more about lip lift procedures, benefits, and recovery.
What is Lip Lift?
A surgical lip lift is a technique used to improve the position and size of the upper lip. The surgeon releases and surgically removes the skin between the upper lip and the nose, which pulls the lip upward and exposes more of the pink tissue of the upper lip. The result is a more sensual-looking upper lip.
Bullhorn lip lifts are named for the incision shape. This lip lift technique provides a more extensive release of the upper lip tissue, a better hold, and more satisfactory results.
Benefits of Lip Lift
The plastic surgeon uses the lift lip procedure to create fuller, more prominent lips. The shape, length, and corners of the mouth are all addressed. Lip lifts can improve your smile and show off teeth. While a lip lift can reduce fine lines on the upper lip, this procedure is not ideal for excessive lip wrinkles. If you are insecure or self-conscious about your lips, a lip lift could be the solution to improving your self-esteem and confidence.
The Lip Lift Consultation
Before your procedure, your provider will meet with you to determine if a lift lip best suits your cosmetic goals. Together, you will go over your goals and objectives for your lip lift. Come prepared with any questions you have about the treatment, recovery, and risks. Your provider will perform a thorough examination of your lip to determine the exact steps needed to get the best results for you!
Preparation for a Lip Lift
Your surgeon will provide a list of things to avoid in preparation for your procedure. You should also avoid alcohol and cigarettes, which can react poorly with anesthetic and prevent a speedy recovery.
Lip Lift Procedure
The lip lift surgery is done in our office or an ambulatory surgical center. The procedure takes about an hour. Twilight and local anesthetics are used for numbing the area.
Once the anesthetic has been administered, the surgeon will make preoperative incisions and vector markings to create a map for removing the skin. An incision is made in the crease right under the nose in the shape of a bull horn. Your provider will then release the deep-plane SMAS tissue and reattach it to the ligaments at the base of the nose. Sutures are used to hold the deep lip tissue in place, and the surgeon closes the incision. The bullhorn and corner incision provides a well-hidden scar once healed.
Recovery from a Lip Lift
Directly after the procedure, the patient should rest for about 24 hours. Avoid exercise, smoking, sleeping on your face, and chewing gum. Brush your teeth carefully and keep incisions clean. Patients should expect one week of healing with 2 to 3 weeks of swelling, bruising and excessive redness at the incision site. If you have naturally full lips, recovery might take longer since more tissue needs to heal than if your lips are thin.
FAQs about Lip Lift
Lip lifts are a cosmetic procedure and not covered by insurance. Please call the office for estimated pricing.
The side effects of bullhorn lip lifts include scarring, nerve damage, allergic reaction to anesthesia, and poor results. To ensure the best possible outcome of your cosmetic surgery, choose a board-certified plastic surgeon for your procedure.
Lip lifts are an excellent option for patients with excessive upper lip length, drooping of upper lip, or thin lips. People with aging lips, lack of tooth show, and loss of cupid’s bow can also benefit from this procedure.
Lip lifts are a permanent procedure that will improve the appearance of your mouth and smile. Results will vary depending on your unique smile and facial structure. You may need a follow up procedure to reduce scarring and improve on your previous results.
Local anesthetic prevents any pain during the procedure. Some pain and swelling are normal during recovery. Most patients can manage the pain without prescription pain medication, and recovery is relatively quick.
Contact Us Today
Dr. Nicole Schrade in Princeton, NJ is committed to providing harmony, balance, and beauty. Each procedure is designed to give you the appearance and confidence you’ve always desired. Surgical lip lifts are a cosmetic surgery procedure that will improve the shape of your mouth and smile. If you are considering a lip lift procedure, contact our office at (609) 279-0009 to schedule a consultation today!