Upper Lip Lift

What is Upper Lip Lift?

An upper lip lift is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the upper lip by shortening the distance between the lip and the base of the nose. This surgical technique aims to achieve a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing upper lip contour. As people age, they may notice elongation of the upper lip, which can result in less tooth show and a less youthful appearance. Upper lip lift surgery can effectively address these concerns, resulting in a balanced and harmonious facial profile.

Lip Lift Real Results

*Results may vary per patient

Types of Upper Lip Lifts:

There are two main types of upper lip lifts commonly performed:

Bullhorn (Subnasal) Upper Lip Lift:

In this technique, an incision is made just beneath the base of the nose, following the contour of the nostrils. This method is particularly effective at shortening the upper lip and creating a gentle curve to enhance the cupid’s bow. It is a popular choice for patients seeking a balanced upper lip with increased tooth show.

Direct (Gull-Wing) Upper Lip Lift:

The direct upper lip lift involves an incision directly along the vermillion border of the upper lip. This technique is chosen when a more significant lift is needed, and it offers more flexibility in lip reshaping. It can provide dramatic results by shortening the upper lip and increasing tooth exposure.

How Is Upper Lip Lift Done?

During an upper lip lift, a plastic surgeon carefully removes a small portion of skin from the area just above the upper lip, near the base of the nose. This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. The surgeon makes precise incisions following a predetermined design to ensure minimal scarring and natural-looking results. The amount of skin removed may vary depending on the patient’s aesthetic goals and the surgeon’s recommendations.

Once the excess skin is removed, the remaining tissue is meticulously sutured to create a shorter distance between the nose and the upper lip. This reshaping of the upper lip enhances its appearance, resulting in a fuller and more youthful look. The incisions are strategically placed to minimize visibility, and they tend to fade over time. Overall, the upper lip lift is a precise surgical technique that yields transformative yet subtle changes to the upper lip’s aesthetics.

Why Plano Plastic Surgery?

At Plano Plastic Surgery, our standard is excellence from the first consultation through every follow-up. Our surgical team brings decades of combined experience in cosmetic breast surgery, with a patient-centered approach that prioritizes safety, natural results, and genuine care.

All breast augmentation procedures at Plano Plastic Surgery are performed in our on-site AAAASF-accredited surgical suite — a credential that reflects the highest standards of facility safety and patient care. We customize every treatment plan to the individual patient, recognizing that goals, anatomy, and lifestyle are different for every person who comes through our doors.

Our team also has extensive experience with breast revision surgery, helping patients who have sought correction of results from prior procedures at other practices.

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State-of-the-Art Facilities

We prioritize an individualized approach, ensuring every consultation is thorough, personalized, and informative.

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Customized Treatment Approaches

Recognizing that each patient is unique, our treatments are tailored to individual needs and desired outcomes.

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Patient Care and Safety

Our team is uncompromising in ensuring the highest levels of patient safety and care at every stage of the journey.

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Commitment to Continuous Education

The medical field is ever-evolving, and our dedication to ongoing education ensures we stay at the forefront of advancements.

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Exceptional Results

Our commitment to excellence ensures results that consistently exceed expectations.

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Revisions

Both of these doctors have a combined experience of over 61 years and have vast experience with "revision surgery" with 100's of revisions performed to correct previous surgery that the patient was not happy with from a different doctor and practice.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Upper Lip Lift?

Upper lip lift surgery is ideal for individuals who:

Desire a shorter distance between the nose and upper lip.
Seek to improve the balance and aesthetics of their upper lip.
Have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure.
Are in good overall health and do not have medical conditions that could impair healing.
Are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking before and after the surgery.

Upper Lip Lift Recovery and What to Expect

The recovery process following an upper lip lift is relatively straightforward but requires patience for optimal results:

Immediate Post-Operative Phase (1-2 weeks):

In the days immediately following the procedure, patients may experience mild to moderate swelling and bruising around the upper lip area. Discomfort is typically managed with prescribed pain medications. Special care is taken to ensure the incisions remain clean and free from infection.

Mid Recovery Phase (2-4 weeks):

By the second week, most swelling and bruising should subside significantly. Patients can typically return to their daily activities but should avoid strenuous exercise or activities that put undue stress on the upper lip. The healing incisions continue to improve, gradually fading and becoming less noticeable.

Long-Term Recovery (1-3 months):

Over several weeks, the final results of the upper lip lift become more apparent. The upper lip appears fuller, with increased tooth show and a more youthful contour. Incision lines continue to fade and blend with the natural contours of the face. Most patients can resume all normal activities by this point.

Final Results (3-6 months):

The full benefits of the upper lip lift are realized within a few months. The upper lip's enhanced aesthetics, including increased tooth display, a more defined cupid's bow, and a balanced upper lip, become prominent. The procedure's scars, while permanent, become discreet and well-hidden over time.

It’s important for patients to maintain regular follow-up appointments with their plastic surgeon during the recovery period to ensure proper healing and address any concerns. While complications are rare, any potential issues can be addressed promptly to optimize the outcome of the upper lip lift procedure.