Upper lip lift is a surgical procedure designed to shorten the area between the upper lip and lower nose. The skin in this area slackens with age, and the upper lip can start to look excessively long in relation to the rest of the facial features. The upper lip lift gives the mouth a more pleasant expression and plumps the lips so they look more youthful. Dr. Guyuron is pleased to offer upper lip lift at his facial plastic surgery practice.
Upper lip lift candidates have an unusually long upper lip — so much so that it draws the attention of others. Candidates may also complain that their upper lip looks thin, or that it covers a significant portion of the upper teeth, so that the teeth aren’t adequately visible while smiling.
Some candidates are born with naturally long upper lips, and many others experience lengthening in this area as a result of aging. Over time, the facial bones deteriorate and the flesh of the face becomes saggy. Facial fat and soft tissue also atrophy, so the skin droops.
Candidates for upper lip lift may be curious whether fillers can provide the desired results. Unfortunately, fillers cannot lift the lips; they will fill the lips out (they will project from the face) instead of up. This will not have an effect on the space between the upper lip and nose.
Upper lip lift is performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia.
Dr. Guyuron will begin by making an incision at the base of the nose where it meets the upper lip. The shape of the incision slightly resembles a bull’s horn, which is why some refer to the procedure as a bull horn upper lip lift. The upper limb of the incision closely follows the natural contours of the upper lip where it meets the nose; the lower limb of the incision mirrors the upper limb. The distance between the upper and lower limb will determine the amount of skin that will be removed.
Dr. Guyuron will remove a segment of skin in between the upper and lower incision limbs. This will “pull” the upper lip upward and shorten it. Then, he will suture the remaining skin together using a layered pattern of sutures to support the lip’s new shape.
The treated area may look swollen for up to three days after the procedure; cold compresses are helpful to minimize swelling. Any pain can be controlled by medication as prescribed by Dr. Guyuron. Patients should consume a soft foods only diet for the first few days.
Dr. Guyuron will schedule a follow up appointment to check the healing progress and remove the sutures approximately five days after the procedure. Residual swelling may take several weeks to completely subside.
After the lip has healed from surgery, it will look fuller and the cupid’s bow will have more definition. The lips will look more balanced with the rest of the facial features, and will reveal the teeth while smiling.
Scarring is typically minimal.
Are you interested in learning more? We invite you to schedule an appointment with us at Zeeba Clinic and Medspa. When you have a consultation, we’ll talk about your aesthetic goals and help you decide which type of treatment is right for you. Contact us today to get started!
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The Upper Lip Lift procedure offers several aesthetic benefits, primarily focused on enhancing facial harmony. By shortening the distance between the upper lip and the nose, this surgery can create a more youthful and balanced appearance, allowing for a more pronounced smile and increased visibility of the upper teeth.
In addition to improving the overall facial proportion, many patients report increased confidence and satisfaction with their appearance post-surgery. This procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals who feel their upper lip is too long or thin, as it can restore volume and definition to the lip area, ultimately achieving a more attractive facial contour.
As with any surgical procedure, the Upper Lip Lift carries certain risks that potential candidates should be aware of. Common risks include infection, scarring, and dissatisfaction with cosmetic results. It is crucial for patients to discuss these risks with their surgeon during the consultation to ensure they have realistic expectations and understand the recovery process.
Additionally, candidates should consider their overall health and any pre-existing conditions that may affect healing. A thorough evaluation by Dr. Bahman Guyuron will help determine if an Upper Lip Lift is the right choice for the individual, ensuring safety and optimal results.
The consultation for an Upper Lip Lift is a vital step in the surgical process, allowing patients to express their aesthetic goals and concerns. During this meeting, Dr. Bahman Guyuron will assess the patient's facial structure, discuss the desired outcomes, and outline the procedure in detail, including the surgical technique and recovery expectations.
Patients are encouraged to ask questions and voice any apprehensions they may have. This open dialogue not only helps build trust but also ensures that patients leave the consultation feeling informed and confident about their decision to proceed with the surgery.
After undergoing an Upper Lip Lift, proper post-operative care is crucial for a smooth recovery. Patients will receive detailed instructions on how to care for the surgical site, manage pain, and recognize signs of complications. Adhering to these guidelines can significantly enhance healing and the overall outcome of the procedure.
Follow-up appointments with Dr. Bahman Guyuron will be scheduled to monitor the healing process and address any concerns that may arise. These visits are essential to ensure that the lips are healing correctly and that the desired aesthetic results are being achieved.