Generally speaking, common characteristics of youthful, sensual lips include fullness, a well defined Cupid’s bow, and some degree of “tooth show” when the mouth is relaxed and the lips are slightly parted. Over time, however, these features tend to fade due to natural aging and various other factors. For many, the upper lip begins to lengthen, gradually reducing tooth show until the teeth are no longer visible when the mouth is relaxed. Additionally, the upper lift may curl inward to the point that much of its volume and pout is lost.
A lip lift—also known as an upper lip lift—is a minor surgical procedure designed to address these aesthetic concerns by elevating the upper lip, enhancing its volume, and improving the definition of the Cupid’s bow for a rejuvenated overall appearance. If desired, outer corners of the mouth that appear downturned can also be re-angled neutrally or slightly upward for a more youthful aesthetic.
At our practice, board-certified plastic surgeon Jon Kurkjian, MD is highly skilled in customizing lip lift surgery to meet each patient’s needs and goals, always prioritizing comfort, safety, and natural-looking results. For more information about this treatment, we invite you to continue reading the details provided below, or contact our practice today to schedule an in-person consultation with Dr. Kurkjian.
What Are the Most Notable Lip Lift Benefits?
The benefits of lip lift surgery can be numerous, including:
- Reduced space between the nose and top of the upper lip
- Increased tooth show
- Better Cupid’s bow definition
- More prominent central upper lip visibility
- Improved lip volume and fullness
- Enhanced pout and sensuality of the lips
- More youthful, upturned angles at the corners of the mouth
In addition, a lip lift can often help diminish lipstick bleed lines and wrinkles on the lips, as well as create far longer-lasting results than dermal fillers used to augment and enhance the lips.
How Is the Lip Lift Procedure Performed?
Dr. Kurkjian will generally begin the lip lift procedure by making a small incision concealed at the base of the nose. He will then remove excess skin, followed by slightly elevating and everting the upper lip for optimal fullness, visibility, and prominence of the Cupid’s bow. If necessary, he will also excise a small amount of skin near the corners of the mouth to improve a downturned appearance, helping to achieve a more neutral—or even moderately upturned—angle. This is known as a “corner lip lift.”
Depending on the extent of treatment, lip lift surgery can be performed either in-office using a local anesthetic or at an outpatient surgical center under general anesthesia. In most cases, the procedure takes approximately 30 minutes to one hour to complete, and patients can return home the same day.
What Does the Lip Lift Recovery Process Entail?
Following lip lift surgery, some minor bruising, swelling, and tenderness throughout the treatment region can be expected, but these side effects should dissipate gradually over time. Dr. Kurkjian generally advises patients not to open their mouths too widely for about seven to ten days, as excessive tension on the area during this period may negatively impact the final outcome. While notable pain is rare, any discomfort potentially experienced can usually be relieved with medication until fully resolved. For most patients, a return to normal, non-strenuous daily routines is usually possible within two to five days of the lip lift procedure, but strenuous activities will need to be avoided for at least a few weeks.
How Much Does a Lip Lift Cost?
The cost of lip lift surgery at our practice typically costs $6,000 depending on whether treatment is performed with local anesthesia in-office or under general anesthesia in the operating room. If you are interested in financial assistance, we partner with CareCredit®, ALPHAEON™ CREDIT, and various other healthcare lending institutions to offer plastic surgery financing. Once you have received a custom quote based on Dr. Kurkjian’s personalized lip lift plan, our patient care coordinator can discuss all payment options and help you find something that works for your unique budget.
Contact Our Office
If you have additional questions about lip lift surgery, or if you think this procedure is right for you and wish to book a consultation, please contact our office today.
