PROCEDURE
Lip Lift Surgery
A lip lift is a refined surgical procedure designed to reduce the space between the nose and the upper lip, a distance which can increase with age. As time passes, this elongation can lead the upper lip to curl inward, giving an impression of thinness or absence. In many cases, the lip hasn’t actually thinned but is simply concealed due to this inward turn.
By creating a meticulously crafted incision beneath the nose, followed by the removal of surplus skin, Mr Kshem Yapa can elegantly elevate your lip and reinstate a youthful contour to the face.
While often associated with the ageing process, lip lift surgery isn’t solely for those who feel the years have impacted their lip volume or shape. Suitable candidates for a lip lift are generally healthy adults wanting to accentuate the beauty of their upper lip. Additionally, it’s a fitting option for those who find the gap between their nose and top lip to be more than 1.5 cm, for those frustrated by lipstick that bleeds into the fine lines around their mouth, or for individuals striving to achieve a balanced proportion between their upper and lower lips. Or, if you want a more permanent, longer-lasting solution compared to the fleeting effects of dermal fillers, then a London lip lift procedure may be your best option.
Techniques Used in Lip Lift Surgery
Your lip lift procedure will be performed as a day case, often in the clinic, meaning that you can go home on the same day. The clinic where the procedure takes place will be sterilised and prepared to the same standard as any hospital operating theatre, so rest assured you’ll be in safe hands.
A lip lift is a rather intricate surgical procedure that incorporates several techniques depending on your anatomy, desired results, and your surgeon’s preference. Here are the common surgical techniques used for a lip lift, the type of which used on the day of your surgery will depend on the outcome of your consultation:
This method involves removing a strip of skin directly from the border of the coloured part of the lip (the vermilion). The incision runs the length of the lip. Once the excess skin is removed, the lip is stitched back together, resulting in a fuller appearance. This technique is less common today as it leaves a scar on the lip border.
This is one of the more popular methods. It involves removing a bullhorn-shaped strip of skin from the area directly beneath the nose. Elevating the central portion of the lip reveals more of the pink vermilion, giving a fuller appearance to the lip and reducing the distance between the nose and the upper lip.
As the name suggests, this technique focuses on lifting the corners of the mouth. Small incisions are made at the corners, and a tiny triangle of skin is removed. Once sutured back, the downturned corners of the mouth are lifted, offering a more cheerful or neutral expression.
While not a surgical ‘lift’, fillers or fat transfers are sometimes used in conjunction with lip lifts or as an alternative to adding volume to the lips. These methods involve injecting materials into the lips to enhance their shape and size.
Recovery
Sutures will be used to hold your new lip shape in place for around a week after your procedure.
During the initial days post-surgery, an antibiotic ointment may be prescribed for the incision, followed by the use of some moisturisers. By the end of the second week, any redness or raised appearance of the incision should diminish, allowing for easy concealment with makeup.
We recommend that you rest at home for about a week post-procedure. Sun protection is paramount; especially for the incision area. You should see your full results after a couple of weeks.
