What Is an Upper Lip Lift (Cheiloplasty)?
Are you unhappy with your thin lips? Maybe you have had enough with the hooded teeth. As we age, the upper lip tends to stretch/elongate, resulting in lost lip volume. The distance between the base of the nose to the top of the lip can also increase, leaving a reduced red lip show. These lip changes can make you appear older, unattractive, and less friendly.
A lip lift (or cheiloplasty) is performed to shorten the distance between the nose and upper lip and increase the fullness of a thinning lip for a broader, more beautiful smile.
Am I a Candidate for a Lip Lift?
A lip lift is ideal for both younger and older patients who have expressed frustrations about the appearance of their lips and seek to create a more defined upper lip. You are an excellent candidate if you are looking for permanent improvement in lip volume instead of the temporary filler alternatives.
Good candidates should also be in good overall health and have realistic expectations of the procedure’s outcome.
Dr. Goldschmidt may also recommend a facial filler such as JUVÉDERM® or Restylane® to help provide volume.
How Is a Lip Lift Performed?
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, either awake or under local anesthesia for absolute patient comfort. Many patients at the Cosmetic Surgery Center will choose twilight sedation to be most comfortable.
Your surgeon will make an incision just below the nose to remove excess skin. As a result, the upper lip is elevated by suturing the cut edges together. This gives a poutier lip appearance with an increased red show.
The procedure takes around an hour and is associated with minimal discomfort that is easily managed with ice and over-the-counter pain medicine.
What Is Lip Lift Recovery Like?
Patients can expect to experience mild discomfort, swelling, and redness, but this should subside within a week.
Rest is critical for the next 48 hours to facilitate optimal healing. Additionally, patients are required to restrict any activities around the treated area for at least two to three weeks after surgery for the incisions to heal completely. Full results will start to become apparent in about one month, but you can look forward to seeing more significant lip definition over the next couple of months.
What Results Can I Expect From a Lip Lift?
Following a full recovery, most patients can expect to achieve fuller “ideal” lip characteristics with increased tooth show and sensuality of the mouth. You will love the new shape of your lips and feel more confident in your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lip Lift
Is there scarring after a lip lift?
The incision is cosmetically hidden right underneath the nose, in the crease where the nose meets the upper lip. The technique used is designed to promote healing and prevent scarring, so there is little to worry about as scarring will be very minimal.
Is a lip lift right for me?
The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for the surgery is to consult with an experienced, board-certified cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Matt Goldschmidt.
For more information about Lip Lift in Cleveland, OH or to schedule your Lip Lift in Cleveland, OH consultation with Dr. Matt Goldschmidt, please call (216) 264-8100.