Lip Lift Surgery 101—The Types, Cost, and Recovery
There are various non-surgical ways to add volume to your lips, but if you are struggling with long, thin, and small lips, then lip filler may not provide you with the results you want. Instead, a lip lift surgery may be the ideal solution. Dr. Kitto at Kitto Plastic Surgery offers lip lift surgery in Richmond, VA, designed to achieve lips with the youthful and voluminous pout you are looking for.
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Why a Lip Lift Surgery?
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the space between the top of the lip and the bottom of the nose—eliminating sagging or drooping skin on the top of the mouth. The goal of a lip lift is to create a fuller and more pronounced upper lip. This procedure is ideal for individuals looking to increase the height of the top lip instead of increasing the volume since it increases the amount of pink that shows. In addition to creating a fuller lip, lip lifts can also help reduce sagging caused by age, wrinkles, sun damage, or genetics.
Different Lip Lift Surgery Types
Every person’s lips are different. As such, each lip lift requires a different type of procedure. The lip lift surgery type you choose directly relates to the result you are looking for and the starting point.
Direct Lip Lift
A direct lip lift, also known as a gull-wing lip lift, is used to create a more defined upper lip. In this procedure, a small strip of skin is removed from just above the upper lip. The upper lip is then lifted and stitched to close the gap made by the removed piece of skin. The result provides individuals with a more visible pink area of the upper lip. However, this type of lip lift can create a pronounced scar along the line of the lip and flatten the border of the lip, so it is not typically used.
Subnasal Bullhorn
The subnasal bullhorn lip lift is one of the most common procedures performed on individuals looking for lift lips. With this surgery, a strip of skin is removed directly under the nose—starting at the center and extending to both ends of the nostrils. Then the skin is lifted to bring up the center, left, and right sides of the lips. This lip lift is typical because it provides a shadowy and less obvious area for the scar.
Italian Lip Lift
The Italian lip lift is an alternative to the bullhorn lip lift. By creating two tiny incisions under the nostrils and lifting the left and right sides of the lips, the surgeon can create a lip lift with a little less volume.
Central Lip Lift
A central lip lift surgery is similar to the subnasal bullhorn, except instead of extending the strip of skin to the ends of the nostrils, a small strip is removed just in the center. Because of this, the lip is only lifted in the center and not on the sides. The central lip lift is ideal for individuals looking to increase the pronunciation of their cupid’s bow.
Corner Lip Lift
The corner lip lift does not lift the upper lip but instead lifts the corners of the lips. By creating a small, triangular incision in the corners of the lips, the surgeon can lift the corners and remove any downturned areas. This lip lift is ideal for individuals who have sagging in the corners or are concerned that they appear constantly “sad” or “serious.”
Lip Lift Surgery Recovery and Cost
A lip lift surgery is an in-office procedure that is minimally invasive and only requires numbing cream or local anesthetic. The recovery process is quick and relatively painless, but it is common for patients to experience mild swelling, bruising, and irritation for about a week after the procedure. Any pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications, and all sutures are removed in the office 5-7 days after the procedure. For most individuals, recovery is relatively quick, but it is essential to follow all post-operative instructions from your surgeon to ensure proper healing. In general, a lip lift surgery costs anywhere between $5,200 and $6,800.
Lip Lift Surgery in Richmond, VA
Are you struggling to feel confident because of thin, downturned, or undefined lip lines? A lip lift surgery can help. Kitto Plastic Surgery offers lip lift surgery in Richmond, VA, designed to meet your specific desires. Dr. Kitto is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience in the field. She has an exceptional eye for symmetry which allows her to make decisions that will provide you with the best possible results.
Restore the youthful and attractive pout of your upper lip with help from Kitto Plastic Surgery in Richmond, VA. Call us at (804) 294-1777 or go online to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a lip lift cost?
A lip lift typically costs between $5,200 and $6,800, depending on the surgeon’s expertise, the type of procedure, and your location. Since it’s considered cosmetic, insurance usually does not cover the cost.
What are the different types of lip lifts?
There are several types of lip lift surgeries, each designed for specific results:
- Direct Lip Lift (Gull-Wing): Creates a more defined upper lip but may leave a visible scar.
- Subnasal Bullhorn Lip Lift: The most common type, done under the nose, with minimal visible scarring.
- Italian Lip Lift: Uses two small incisions under the nostrils for subtle enhancement.
- Central Lip Lift: Focuses only on the center of the lip for a more pronounced cupid’s bow.
- Corner Lip Lift: Lifts the corners of the mouth to fix a downturned or “sad” appearance.
- Deep-Plane or V-to-Y Lip Lift: Advanced techniques sometimes used for more dramatic reshaping.
How long is the recovery period for a lip lift?
Most patients recover within 5 to 7 days, with swelling and bruising subsiding within a week. Sutures are removed within the first week, and complete healing generally takes a few weeks.
How is a lip lift different from dermal fillers or implant augmentation?
- Lip Lift: Permanently shortens the space between the upper lip and nose, showing more of the pink lip.
- Dermal Fillers: Temporarily add volume and fullness but do not change lip shape.
- Lip Implants: Surgically insert material to plump the lips, but results can look less natural.
A lip lift is best for people who want a long-term shape change rather than just extra volume.
What are the risks and likely results of a lip lift?
Like any surgery, risks include swelling, scarring, infection, or asymmetry. However, when performed by a skilled, board-certified surgeon, most patients achieve natural-looking, fuller lips with improved balance and symmetry.
Am I a good candidate for a lip lift?
You may be a good candidate if you have a long space between your nose and upper lip (philtrum), naturally thin lips, or lips that have thinned with age. Non-smokers in good overall health tend to heal best. A consultation with a board-certified surgeon is the best way to confirm if this procedure matches your goals.
How long does a lip lift surgery take?
A lip lift is usually a quick, outpatient procedure. Most surgeries take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the type of lift performed. Since it’s done under local anesthesia, patients can typically return home the same day.
What will the scar from a lip lift look like and how visible is it?
The incision for most lip lifts is placed in the natural crease under the nose, making the scar easier to conceal. While some redness is common during early healing, scars usually fade over time and become barely noticeable when performed by an experienced surgeon and with proper aftercare.
