Lip Lift

Skin aging is the primary cause of wrinkle formation. It leads to a decrease in collagen and elastin synthesis. These molecules maintain and provide elasticity to the skin. This results in a reduction of skin volume, suppleness, and firmness. Around the mouth, the upper lip loses its fullness and tends to sag, increasing the length of the area called the white lip (between the base of the nose and the upper lip). The alteration of supportive tissues leads to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Other factors include UV exposure (sun, tanning beds), alcohol, and smoking. The latter is particularly aggravating for perioral wrinkles (barcode wrinkles).

The upper lip lift is a facial surgery with permanent results. It involves reducing the space between the upper lip and the nose to lift the lip. The lip lift can be considered to avoid repeated filler injections, which, when overdone, can give an unnatural look.

It is also indicated for patients with a very hidden, inverted, and flat upper lip. An indirect sign that someone might be a good candidate for a lip lift is often a patient who has repeatedly had lip injections without finding satisfaction.

The lip lift corrects an elongated white lip for:

• Young people who anatomically have almost no upper lip from birth
• Patients with signs of aging causing volume loss and skin sagging. The elongation of this area over time is a classic sign of aging

The lip lift is performed on an outpatient basis at Leman Aesthetic Clinic, with same-day admission and discharge. The procedure is carried out under local anesthesia or sedation and lasts between 30 to 90 minutes. Incisions are made at the base of the nose and sometimes at the corners of the mouth (corner-lift). The scars are thus hidden and will be almost invisible after a few weeks. The procedure does not simply involve removing a bit of skin at the base of the nose but lifting the muscle structure of the lip to ensure an effective lift, an imperceptible scar, and a long-lasting natural effect.

Permanent lip volume augmentation can also be performed simultaneously, whether through fat injection, dermal, tendon, or muscle graft. Before an upper lip lift, certain precautions must be taken to optimize results. It is essential to stop smoking 1 month before and after the operation. Blood-thinning and anti-inflammatory treatments that promote bleeding should be stopped on medical advice. The surgeon will provide you with the best practices and inform you of the operative risks.

What is a corner lift or commissuroplasty?

In some situations, the corners of the mouth (commissures) are very saggy and oriented downward due to the strength of the depressor anguli oris muscle (DAO), giving a sad and severe appearance. A lip lift will improve the central part of the lip but will not have much effect on the corners of the lip. The corner lift is a procedure intended to change the shape and lift the corners of the lip. When combined with a lip lift, it lifts the entire lip in a very harmonious manner. It involves small incisions well-hidden at the corners of the mouth. This procedure is performed alongside the lip lift only if necessary or desired.

The post-care for a lip lift is quite simple. Pain is moderate and relieved by analgesics. Stitches are removed 6 to 7 days after the procedure. A healing cream should be applied afterward to achieve optimal results. The scar remains red for a few weeks, but it can be concealed with makeup. It becomes almost imperceptible within 2 to 3 months. Social activities can be resumed quickly after the stitches are removed.

The results of an upper lip lift are very satisfactory. The mouth is plumped and visibly rejuvenated. The proportions between the lower and upper lips are more harmonious. The aesthetic benefits enhance the smile and the overall appearance of the face, making it look softer and happier.

The cost of a lip lift varies depending on the surgical and anesthetic techniques used. It can be combined with other procedures. A personalized treatment plan and quote are provided by the surgeon for each patient.