While injectable lip augmentation is a popular and effective way to enhance lip volume, a surgical subnasal lip lift is an excellent procedure to help patients change the shape or proportion of their lips. A subnasal lip lift is often appropriate when there is a very thin and/or disproportionate upper lip– cases in which an injectable could often look unnatural or provide minimal results. Surgery is often the best option for patients who have a very long upper lip and cannot see their upper teeth when their mouth is slightly open. Surgical lip enhancement can also be a very rejuvenating procedure because the upper lip often elongates with aging and can sometimes lose its feminine contour.
Our board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Jess Prischmann, MD, can talk with you about your concerns and help you achieve your lip enhancement goals with results that look both beautiful and natural.
Benefits of Subnasal Lip Lift
- Achieves a more proportional upper lip
- Provides a subtle lift at the corners of the mouth
- Reduces the length of the philtrum
- Enhances the shape of the lips
- Provides a more defined lip line
- Rejuvenates the aging mouth and restores more youthful lips
- Offers permanent results
Good Candidates for Surgical Lip Enhancement
Most patients who are good candidates for surgical lip enhancement are those who:
- Have a long upper lip
- Have an upper lip that is disproportionately smaller than their lower lip
- Have limited visibility of upper teeth when mouth is slightly open
- Desire a more youthful appearance in the lips
- Are looking for lip enhancement options that yield long-lasting results
Before
After
Your Lip Lift Consultation
During your initial consultation, Dr. Prischmann will evaluate your needs and help you determine whether surgical lip enhancement, injectable lip augmentation or another option may be best for your goals. If you are an ideal candidate for surgical lip enhancement, Dr. Prischmann will develop a customized treatment plan designed to meet your expectations.
Preparing For Lip Lift Surgery
To prepare for lip lift surgery, it’s important to avoid any blood-thinning medications, vitamins, and herbs for at least two weeks before surgery. Additionally, smokers should quit smoking cigarettes at least two weeks before surgery, and those who drink alcohol should refrain from any alcoholic beverages for 48 hours before surgery.
Surgical Lip Lift Procedure
Surgical lip enhancement is performed in a procedure room or operating room under mild sedation and local anesthesia. For a subnasal lip lift, the incision is planned under the base of the nose. A small amount of skin is removed, sutured, and the upper lip is “lifted,” resulting in more show of the red portion of the lip.
The procedure can be done on its own, or combined with other procedures, such as facelift.
Lip Lift Recovery
Sutures are removed on day 5 following surgery. Local skincare is performed until the incisions completely heal. The upper lip can look distorted for 2 or 3 weeks after surgery. During this time, it is important to keep a “stiff” upper lip and not stretch the scar. For patients with darker or thicker skin, sometimes BroadBand Light is used to help fade the scar after surgery.
FAQs About Surgical Lip Lift
Will I have scars following lip lift surgery?
Yes, any incision made in the skin will result in a scar. However, in most cases, the incisions fade very well and are relatively inconspicuous. For patients with skin of color, the scar is something to consider. Dr. Prischmann will provide realistic expectations during your consultation.
Will I have more “tooth show” after a subnasal lip lift?
After lip lift surgery, the distance between your top lip and the base of your is shortened. This essentially increases the height of the upper lip, and thus reveals more of the upper teeth. If you have a natural overbite, showing more of your upper teeth may not be ideal. However, in most other cases, it is a preferable benefit of surgery.
Does a lip lift add volume?
No, lip lift surgery does not directly add volume but, because it increases visibility of the red portion of the upper lip, it adds the illusion of additional volume. Many of our patients combine lip lift surgery with lip filler to achieve optimal enhancement.
How much does surgical lip enhancement cost?
The cost of a surgical lip lift is approximately $4500. Following your consultation, we’ll provide you with a detailed quote that includes all fees associated with this procedure. We also offer flexible financing plans for qualified patients.
Schedule A Consultation for Surgical Lip Lift
If you would like more information on surgical lip enhancement or other procedures available at our practice, please contact us today. We will be happy to answer your questions or assist you with scheduling a consultation.
1 ASPS. Lip Shortening Surgery Often Overlooked in Facial Rejuvenation, ASPS Study Reveals. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/press-releases/lip-shortening-surgery-often-overlooked-in-facial-rejuvenation-asps-study-reveals. Accessed March 14, 2022.