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What Is a Lip Lift?

A lip lift involves making a small incision under the nose and extracting excess skin, allowing the lip to be pulled up and lifted. Patients walk away with a restored youthfulness in their faces and lips, giving them the pout they have always wanted.

As the name suggests, a lip lift is a procedure designed to lift the upper lip, creating a more aesthetically appealing lower face region. This process involves making a subtle incision below the nose and gently lifting the upper lip. This makes the lips appear shorter and reveals more of their deep pink hue, giving the mouth a more youthful aesthetic. The procedure ultimately creates more definition in the lips while revitalizing them. 

A lip lift is also an effective means of narrowing the space between the upper lip and the bottom of the nose, which makes patients look younger. It also aids in revealing a patient’s smile, further enhancing these rejuvenating effects. After undergoing a lip lift, the upper lip looks fuller, as more of the lip’s surface area is now visible. 

Woman with a finger to her lips

What Are the Benefits of a Lip Lift?

A lip lift can greatly improve the appearance of the mouth, improving the overall aesthetics of the lower face region. It also brings more definition to the lips, often characterized as a ‘cupid’s bow’ shape. Lifting the upper lip is a great way to both rejuvenate the lips and reveal more of the teeth. As such, it has both revitalization benefits and overall cosmetic benefits. 

Some benefits associated with a lip lift include:

  • Fuller lips
  • A lifting of the mouth corners 
  • An improvement in the shape and length of lips
  • A more defined lip outline
  • An improved smile and more visible teeth
  • Reduced wrinkles and lines on the upper lip
  • Results are permanent 
  • A major boost in self-esteem

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for a Lip Lift?

While it is often associated with older patients, lip lift surgery is not reserved for any particular age group. Data has shown that the procedure is popular amongst patients of various age groups, as issues with lip volume can manifest at any age.

That said, there are some criteria that will determine candidacy:

  • Being in good physical and mental health
  • Being a non-smoker (or willing to quit temporarily)
  • Having realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure

What Does a Lip Lift Procedure Entail?

Before the treatment can be carried out, patients must come in for their private consultation. During this meeting, all relevant information is discussed to ensure that the patient’s goals are met. Everything from the patient’s medical history to the medications they are currently taking is evaluated. The face and mouth areas are then measured and examined. ‘Before’ photographs are also taken at this time so that patients will be able to compare their results afterward. 

The lip lift procedure aims to reduce the space between the bottom section of the nose and the upper lip. The first step in this process is to numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic. A small incision is then made just under the nose. This ensures that it stays hidden and fades into a subtle, thin line over time. 

This flap of skin is then lifted, and excess tissue is extracted. Sutures are then used to hold the skin in its new position.

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What Is the Recovery Process Like?

In most cases, the sutures are removed just five days after the procedure. Swelling of the lips may last for up to two weeks. In many cases, it can take as long as six to eight weeks for the incisions to completely heal. Tightness in the affected area is also normal and may last for a few months. 

The results from a lip lift are usually long-lasting. Patients should make sure to attend all follow-up appointments in order to achieve the best results possible and maintain their results long-term.

What Is the Difference Between a Lip Lift and Lip Fillers?

A lip lift can be performed either with or without lip fillers. Lip fillers are effective at volumizing and plumping up both the upper and lower lips. The lip lift procedure is designed to shorten the distance between the nose and the upper lip, leaving patients with a more youthful, yet natural-looking upper lip. Patients will have an opportunity to learn more about these treatment options during their private consultations. 

Why Choose Dr. Nassif?

For years, Dr. Nassif has been using his expertise in the field of cosmetology and anti-aging treatments to provide the greater Los Angeles area with some of the most effective available. While he is highly revered for his extensive knowledge and experience with various cosmetic procedures, it is his dedication to communication with his patients that makes him stand out from the rest.

From the private consultation all the way through the recovery process, Dr. Nassif provides an environment in which his patients feel safe and comfortable expressing any and all concerns. 

Call our office today to set up a private consultation and learn more about our lip lift procedure.

Lip Lift FAQ

How visible is the scar after a lip lift?

Will a lip lift make my lips look unnatural or overdone?

Can a lip lift improve asymmetry in the upper lip?

Is a lip lift reversible?

How soon can I return to work after a lip lift?

Does a lip lift affect speech or eating?

Can a lip lift be combined with other facial procedures?

How visible is the scar after a lip lift?

The incision for a lip lift is carefully placed just beneath the base of the nose, where it naturally blends into the contours of the skin. As healing progresses, the scar typically fades significantly and becomes difficult to notice for most patients.

Will a lip lift make my lips look unnatural or overdone?

When performed by an experienced facial plastic surgeon, a lip lift enhances the natural shape of the lips rather than exaggerating them. The goal is subtle rejuvenation that restores youthful proportions while preserving facial balance.

Can a lip lift improve asymmetry in the upper lip?

Yes. A lip lift can help address mild asymmetries in the upper lip by refining shape and balance. During consultation, Dr. Nassif carefully evaluates lip anatomy to determine whether asymmetry can be improved surgically.

Is a lip lift reversible?

A lip lift is considered a permanent surgical procedure. For this reason, careful consultation and precise surgical planning are essential to ensure the outcome aligns with the patient’s goals and facial proportions.

How soon can I return to work after a lip lift?

Many patients feel comfortable returning to non-strenuous work within a week, once sutures are removed and initial swelling subsides. Residual swelling or tightness may still be present but is typically manageable and continues to improve over time.

Does a lip lift affect speech or eating?

Temporary tightness or mild discomfort is common during early healing, but speech and eating are generally not significantly affected. Any initial changes usually resolve as swelling decreases and the tissues settle.

Can a lip lift be combined with other facial procedures?

Yes. A lip lift is often combined with procedures such as a facelift, neck lift, rhinoplasty, or eyelid surgery to create comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Dr. Nassif customizes each surgical plan based on individual anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Get The Most From Life

Dr. Paul Nassif understands the importance of feeling confident in your appearance. He works with patients to enhance their natural beauty and allow them to get the most out of life. If you are interested in an appointment with Dr. Nassif, contact our office to schedule your consultation.

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