Lip Lift

Enhancing the lips has been a hot topic in cosmetic procedures in recent years, with more and more people turning to injectables like Juvederm. However, plastic surgeons have adjusted familiar techniques to offer permanent lip enhancement.

The lip lift has, for years, been performed as part of a facelift for patients seeking to reverse signs of aging. However, modern advances to the technique have made the procedure a great option for patients at any stage of adulthood to augment their lips. Dr. David Gilpin offers the lip lift procedure so that his patients in Nashville can enjoy long-lasting results.

What is a lip lift?

A lip lift uses a combination of surgical and non-surgical methods to reshape the lips, enhancing their appearance and increasing fullness. The procedure ultimately shortens the space between the bottom of the nose and the upper lip, creating a fuller, youthful appearance.

The lip lift primarily consists of reducing the tissue of the philtrum, the space between the nose and upper lip, by making a small incision and removing excess skin. This is performed either directly under the nose or along the lip line to minimize visible scarring.

In addition to creating a fuller appearance, the lip lift procedure can alter the shape of your cupid’s bow, the curve at the top of the lip, or your smile. Some patients find that their lip lift results in more of their teeth showing when they smile, which they prefer.

Finally, the lip lift can create a more youthful appearance. The lips often lose volume as we age, which this procedure restores. In addition, a lip lift will remove excess skin that creates a sagging look around the mouth.

Check out Dr. Gilpin performing a lip lift procedure here:

Non-surgical lip lift

A true lip lift involves surgically shortening the space between the mouth and nose, but some patients choose non-surgical options either instead of or alongside their lip lift.

Dermal fillers are an option for non-surgically augmenting the lips. These include products such as Juvederm, which can be injected into the lips to increase their size and augment their shape. Unlike lip lift surgery, however, dermal filler injections are not permanent. Some patients choose a lip lift because they are tired of repeating injections for their desired results.

Who is a candidate for a lip lift?

Before opting for lip lift surgery, it’s important to be in generally good health and, ideally, a nonsmoker. This allows for the fastest healing and avoids complications.

Patients who choose lip lift surgery typically are dissatisfied with the appearance of a thin upper lip and the elongated space between their upper lip and nose. They may also feel dissatisfied by minimal teeth showing when they smile. Finally, some people with drooping or sagging skin around the mouth may be good candidates for lip lifts.

What is recovering from a lip lift like?

Recovery from a lip lift is fairly minimal. Most patients do not require prescriptions to manage pain but should use ice to reduce swelling and may take over-the-counter medications. Any stitches can be removed in about a week. As the incision continues to heal, patients can expect some redness, which can be covered with makeup.

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FAQs

How long do lip lifts last?

Unlike lip fillers, a lip lift lasts for the long term. Once the procedure is completed the results will last forever.

Do lip lifts look natural?

A lip lift performed by a board-certified facial plastic surgeon can look completely natural and undetectable. Not all patients are able to have the bullhorn lip lift procedure based upon age and facial structure. Once the aging process has occurred or if you have a space between your nose and upper lip greater than 16mm then you are most likely a candidate for a bullhorn lip lift.

How painful is a lip lift?

Lip lifts can be performed awake or asleep based upon your preference. This is typically not considered a painful procedure. A lip lift only comes with minor discomfort and swelling for a few days after surgery. Any pain is easily managed with over-the-counter medicine, prescriptions if needed as well as Epsom salt soaks. Patients who have this procedure on Friday are back to work on Monday.

Can you get a lip lift without surgery?

A non-surgical lip lift, or a lip flip, can be performed using neurotoxins like Botox. Lip fillers are another option for your lip goals. Our talented team can recommend your best options during your consultation. See lip flip photo below.

Does a lip lift change your nose?

Although this is a risk, a properly performed lip lift will only shorten the length of the philtrum and enhance the look of the upper lift. Always choose a board-certified facial plastic surgeon for your lip lift procedure. See lip lift photo below.

Can you talk after lip lift?

YES. You can talk after this procedure. After your lip lift, you should make sure to avoid excessive facial movements during your initial recovery. Your lips will be swollen for a couple of days post operatively. Please avoid drinking through a straw during this time. After 48 hours your lips swelling will go down. Stiches will come out at one week post procedure.

How long does it take for a lip lift to heal?

You can expect your initial recovery period to last about one week, after which you can generally return to your regular schedule and avoid sun exposure directly on your incision.

                            Lip Flip                                                    

lip-filler-photo-DLM Lip Lift Nashville, TN

                            Lip Lift

lip-lift-photo Lip Lift Nashville, TN

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