PROCEDURE
Lip Lift Surgery
Lip lift surgery is a 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 thinned but is simply concealed due to this inward turn.
Book in today for your lip lift consultation in London.
Natural, Long Lasting Lip Transformations
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. For example, patients of a younger age who perhaps have opted for lip filler to add volume to their lips can benefit from the lip lift due to its ability to create a plumed lip appearance, without weighing the lower face down with filler.
At a glance
Procedure Length:
Typically 1-2 hours.
Hospital Stay:
An outpatient procedure.
Anaesthesia:
Local anaesthesia.
Downtime:
Normal activities can be resumed within 24 hours. Full results/healing in 1-3 weeks.
Sleeping:
Elevate the head for the first few nights to reduce swelling.
Make-up:
Should be avoided on the surgical site for at least 10 days.
Driving:
Should be avoided for 48 hours post-procedure and while on pain medication.
Smoking:
Should be avoided for at least 2 weeks prior and 2 weeks post-procedure.
Sun Exposure:
To be avoided for at least 2 weeks post-procedure. A high SPF is essential thereafter.
Ideal Candidate For Lip Lifts in London
For lip lifts in London, Kshem Yapa is recognised for his truly exceptional work. He has over a decade of experience in performing plastic surgeries which patient confidence and provide them with a newfound admiration for their appearance. Kshem Yapa favours natural yet notable facial rejuvenation procedures above anything else. As one of his areas of expertise, Mr Yapa performs surgeries such as lip lifts, rhinoplasty and blepharoplasties to create facial harmony, while enhancing youthfulness.
As a GMC-certified London-based consultant plastic surgeon, Mr Yapa has worked within both NHS and private roles, holding a plethora of experience. He is a recognised member of The BAAPS, BAPRAS and also ISAPS, so you can rest assured that you are in the hands of a highly qualified professional.
Ideal Candidate For Lip Lifts in London
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 surgery may be your best option.
Benefits of Lip Lift Surgery
A lip lift is a procedure that has multifaceted advantages, from permanent results to accentuating your youthful features. Below are just a few of the many benefits this procedure has to offer:
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Lip Fullness and Contour:
Lip lift surgery can result in full, well-defined lips often resembling charm and youthfulness. A lip lift provides a lasting elevation to the upper lip, enhancing its volume and shape, be it a more pronounced Cupid’s bow or a rounder appearance.
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Defined Lip Border:
The contrast between the lip’s red hue and the surrounding skin, known as the vermilion border, draws attention to the lips. The lip lift emphasises this border, further enhancing the lips’ allure.
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Enhanced Smile:
By raising the upper lip, a lip lift not only beautifies the lips but also unveils more of the teeth, thereby enhancing the overall radiance and charm of your smile.
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Countenance Uplift:
The lip lift procedure can gently elevate the downturned corners of the mouth, leading to more approachable “happier” facial expressions, even when at rest.
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Enhanced Confidence:
Following your lip lift procedure, many individuals experience a renewed sense of self-assuredness, with this newfound confidence being evident in their interactions and overall demeanour.
Same-Day Procedure in London
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. Kshem Yapa performs his transformational lip lifts in the accredited Lindo Wing situated in St Marys Hospital. 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.
Techniques Used in Lip Lift Surgery
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 lip lift surgery will depend on the outcome of your consultation:
This upper lip lift 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.
The ‘Bullhorn lip lift’ is one of the most popular and common 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 upper 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. Often, patients opt for lip filler/ fat transfers before the lip lift to add missing volume. Excessive use of filler can result in ‘migration’ of the filler, which can further enhance the prominent gap between the lip and nose, hence why the lip lift is considered.
Risks and Complications
While every precaution is taken to ensure the risks are kept to a minimum during a lip lift procedure, it’s vital to understand that no surgical intervention is without potential complications. Here are some of the risks and complications associated with a lip lift:
Though rare, reactions to anaesthesia can occur. This can range from minor allergic reactions to more severe complications.
Any surgical incision can become infected if not properly cared for post-surgery. It’s crucial to follow post-operative care instructions, and if signs of an infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus, are noticed, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately.
Improper healing or complications during lip lift surgery could lead to unwanted distortion or unintended elongation of the lip.
While some post-operative pain is expected, prolonged pain or stiffness can be indicative of complications. Over time, stiffness typically decreases, but do let us know if you’re experiencing any ongoing discomfort.
This refers to a burning or prickling sensation that can sometimes be experienced post-surgery. It’s normal and often temporary.
While the aim is always for minimal and well-hidden scars, some individuals might experience more noticeable scarring or numbness in the surgical area. Over time, scars generally fade and sensation may return.
Lip Lift Recovery
Recovery following your lip lift in London may differ from patient to patient. Factors such as age, health, and ability to follow post-surgical instructions can alter the recovery timeline, but on average full recovery will be complete after 6 weeks. Sutures will be used to hold your new lip shape in place for around a week after your procedure.
During the initial days post lip lift surgery, an antibiotic ointment may be prescribed for the incision, followed by the use of some moisturisers. During this time you should avoid any strenuous activity that may cause stress or damage to the surgical site. 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, which would require scheduling time from work or activities that may disrupt this resting period. Sun protection is paramount; especially for the incision area. You should see your full results after a couple of weeks.
24-hour Response Team
You will have direct phone access to our dedicated, experienced cosmetic surgery nurse, available 24/7 to assist with any questions, concerns, or support you may need from the moment your surgery is complete. We are committed to ensuring that you feel fully supported throughout your recovery, and we take great pride in providing exceptional care every step of the way.
Kshem Yapa is recognised by previous patients as showing friendliness and genuine care, all of which stay consistent throughout your surgical journey. You should expect nothing less from him and the entire team at Yapa Plastic Surgery.
Lip Lift in London FAQ’s
Lip lifts are a favoured facial rejuvenation technique for reducing the appearance of ageing, while also adding volume to the upper lip. For any questions regarding lip lifts, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team and we will book you in for a consultation.
Kshem Yapa will endeavour to answer all of your questions or concerns during your lip lift consultation, but for all general enquiries, please see our most asked questions:
A bullhorn lip lift essentially refers to the specific lip lift technique used. The bullhorn lip lift refers to the incision made at the base of the nose which resembles a bullhorn. Excess skin is removed to reduce the distance between the upper lip and nose, and then sutures are placed right beneath the nostrils where the bullhorn incision was made. This is done to conceal any immediate visibility of scarring, and ensure the healing follows a natural contour to the face. As an outpatient procedure, local anaesthesia is commonly used however general anaesthesia is available depending on patient preference.
Determining the effectiveness of lip lifts VS lip fillers comes down to your personal preferences and expectations. For example, if you are looking for a more youthful appearance, combined with enhanced facial harmony and lip-plumping effects, the lip lift can provide just this. A longer-term solution, having a lip lift in London can reduce the thinning of the lips, while maintaining a natural appearance. As a facial rejuvenation technique, the results of the lip flip are often permanent, however adjustments can be made through follow-up procedures. Lip lifts do require downtime of around 1-2 weeks, however.
On the other hand, lip filler is a suitable temporary solution for achieving volume without an invasive treatment, and is easily adjusted through added filler/ filler dissolving. However, it is important to note that lip filler requires topping up every 6-12 months, and dermal filler can migrate beyond the upper lip causing a bulging upper lip. This can also lengthen the gap between the upper lip and nose, which enhances the appearance of ageing.
Yes, you can have lift lift surgery if you have had lip fillers in the past. However, to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment, Mr Yapa may recommend that any remaining filler be dissolved. This can differ from patient to patient, and finer details can be discussed during your lip lift consultation in London.
A lip lift can indeed create a more youthful appearance, despite it being less invasive than other facial rejuvenation techniques such as the facelift.
They can be an excellent choice for those who have noticed their lips becoming thinner or more elongated with age. If you’re looking for a more defined smile and a youthful lip contour, the procedure can provide noticeable yet natural-looking improvements. If you’re unsure whether a lip lift is right for you, a consultation with Kshem Yapa can determine the best approach based on your specific goals.
The cost of a lip lift in London can differ depending on the surgical technique used and recommended anaesthesia and other aspects (all of which will be discussed during your consultation with Kshem Yapa).
