Lip Lift

If you want to enhance the contour of your lips with a more permanent treatment than dermal fillers, a lip lift may be exactly what you’re looking for.

What is a lip lift?

With age, the lips begin to become longer and thinner. Because of this, in the past, only older patients typically underwent a lip lift. However, with today’s focus on soft, youthful, sensuous lips, the lip lift has become very popular for patients who are as young as their 20s. This surgical procedure removes a small portion of skin just underneath the nose, shortening the philtrum. This pulls the top lip up and lifts it slightly higher, which makes it look fuller and more attractive in a very natural way. A lip lift can be customized to meet the specific needs of each individual patient, such as an uneven smile and other asymmetries.

How is a lip lift different than lip augmentation?

The terms “lip lift” and “lip augmentation” often get used interchangeably, but in reality, they are two completely different procedures:

A lip lift is a surgical procedure with permanent results where the lip is pulled slightly upwards.
A lip augmentation may refer to either a non-surgical procedure (dermal fillers) with temporary results, or a surgical enhancement surgery where implants are used.

A lip lift is a great option for those who want a more youthful appearance, but who don’t necessarily want their lips to be made much larger. It’s also an excellent option for those who want improvement to the lips but don’t want foreign substances in their body. Essentially, a lip lift makes the top lip appear slightly larger and with a better contour, but nothing is introduced to the body.

Before & After

What happens during the lip lift procedure?

It’s best to stop the use of blood-thinning medications and supplements for a couple of weeks before surgery. Patients have also found it effective to take arnica Montana several days before the procedure in order to reduce bruising. Dr. Bloom can perform a lip lift with the patient under local anesthesia only.

He will raise the skin just beneath the nose to cause the upper lip to lift up, which results in a fuller, poutier, more sensuous and contoured look for the lips and smile. Sutures are then placed along the incision line under the nose, concealing the scar. The procedure takes about one hour to complete.

Recovery

A lip lift requires approximately one week of recovery time. Your sutures will be removed in 5-7 days. As with any surgery involving incisions, it’s very important to be mindful of them while they’re healing.

During recovery, try your best to refrain from making big expressions with your lips (laughing widely, yawning, etc.). Common side effects include a pulling sensation at the mouth; swelling; bruising; redness, and tightness.

These side effects are usually temporary and mild. The incisions will heal in 6-8 weeks, with swelling resolving in one month.

Why choose Bloom Facial Plastic Surgery for a lip lift?

If you’re in the Bryn Mawr and Philadelphia area and you’re considering a lip lift surgery, you’re in the perfect place. Dr. Jason D. Bloom, MD, FACS has been double board-certified by the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery and the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. He is an assistant professor at Penn and Temple, as well as a well-respected consultant, author, teacher, and trainer within the industry. He founded Bloom Facial Plastic Surgery to offers a comprehensive facial rejuvenation experience — combining expert surgeons, a fantastic aesthetician team, and the most advanced energy-based devices and skincare services. The comprehensive nature and synergy of our team provides our patients with unparalleled results, and it’s our mission to deliver the most advanced cosmetic and facial surgery techniques and technologies to all patients, coupled with the highest level of outcomes in a caring and safe atmosphere.

Lip Lift FAQ:

How much will a lip lift cost?

The cost of lip lift can vary based on factors like the surgeon's expertise, location, and extent of the procedure, but generally around $7,500 by Dr. Bloom and $6,000 by Dr. Shtraks.