what does the process look like?

• consultation: schedule a consultation with double-board certified surgeon, Dr. Randy Sanovich, for a personalized evaluation of your unique facial features with an emphasis on your personal goals and preferences.
• pre-surgical prep: time will be taken with a member of our clinical staff to ensure that you have all of the pre-operative and post-operative information that you need to achieve your best results. different recommendations as well as specific guidelines for healing/recovery will be covered in detail, and any questions that you have will be addressed thoroughly.
• surgery: whether you are doing this procedure solo or in combination with other procedures, you’ll schedule your surgery with one of our treatment coordinators. the procedure will be done with local anesthesia, and based on your personal preferences, can also include sedation with general anesthesia for a more comfortable experience.
• recovery: there will be scheduled follow-up appointments for Dr. Sanovich to monitor your progress and ensure that you are healing well and are happy with your results! sutures are typically removed at one week and swelling is to be expected, and Dr. Sanovich and his team will help ensure that your concerns are addressed throughout the recovery process!

types of lip lift procedures

1. bullhorn lip lift:

• specific type of subnasal lip lift that involves an incision shaped like a "bullhorn" under the base of the nose.
• key features of a bullhorn lip lift:
  • incision shape: The incision is typically shaped like a "bullhorn" or "M" under the nose, following the natural contour of the nostrils. This helps to conceal the scar and create a more natural, harmonious look.
  • results: The bullhorn lip lift shortens the upper lip, lifting it to reveal more of the red lip (the pink part of the lips) and creating a more pronounced, fuller upper lip. It also enhances the overall balance of the facial features by lifting the corners of the mouth.
  • subtle scarring: The scar is placed along the natural lines of the nose, making it discreet and less noticeable once healed.
  • improved tooth show: by rolling the lip up and decreasing the philtrum’s length, more of the upper teeth become visible to allow for a bigger smile.

2. corner lip lift:

• designed to raise the corners of the lips, creating a more youthful appearance. It is often performed to address downturned corners of the mouth, which can give a person a sad, tired, or stern expression even when their face is at rest.
• procedure: The surgeon removes small wedges of skin above the corners of the mouth, near the vermilion border (where the lip meets the skin). The tissues are then lifted and sutured to achieve the desired position.

3. bikini lip lift:

• designed to enhance the shape and appearance of the lips, with a particular focus on providing subtle, natural-looking results. It is a variation of the traditional subnasal lip lift or bullhorn lip lift, but with a more refined approach, often resulting in a smoother, more discreet scar. The name "bikini lip lift" comes from the fact that the incision is shaped like a bikini bottom or a subtle, gentle curve, which is typically placed just beneath the nose.
• key features of a bikini lip lift:
  • subtle enhancement: The bikini lip lift provides a more understated result compared to more traditional lip lift methods. It enhances the upper lip’s appearance without drastic changes, maintaining a natural look.

benefits of a lip lift

• enhanced lip aesthetics: Gives the upper lip a fuller, more defined look.
• youthful appearance: Reduces the distance between the nose and upper lip, a common sign of aging.
• permanent results: Unlike dermal fillers, the results of a lip lift are long-lasting.
• improved smile: Creates a more visible and aesthetically pleasing smile by elevating the upper lip.

recovery and aftercare

• swelling and bruising: Swelling and bruising around the upper lip and nose are common, typically resolving within 1-2 weeks.
• stitches: Sutures will be removed after 5-7 days.
• follow-up: You’ll have follow-ups to monitor healing and ensure optimal results.
• post-op care: Avoid strenuous activities, heavy exercise, or sun exposure for at least 2 weeks. Apply prescribed topical agents and follow guidelines for cleaning the incision area to avoid infection and to ensure the best healing of the incision.

risks and considerations

Like any surgery, a lip lift carries potential risks, including:

• infection
• scarring (though scars are typically minimal and hidden)
• numbness or changes in sensation
• over-correction or under-correction
• temporary swelling or bruising that may give the appearance of asymmetry

how long do results last? 

The results of a lip lift are generally permanent, offering a lasting improvement to the appearance of the upper lip. While facial aging will continue, the enhanced lip contour should remain stable over time.

conclusion 

A lip lift is a safe, effective procedure for individuals looking to enhance their facial harmony and restore a youthful, defined upper lip. It can be a life-changing procedure, providing a permanent solution for those looking to improve the aesthetics of their smile. If you're interested in this procedure, schedule a consultation with Dr. Randy Sanovich, a board-certified plastic surgeon, to discuss your goals, expectations, and the best treatment plan for your unique facial features.