Lip Lift
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that reduces the amount of skin between the nose and the upper lip, thereby lifting the upper lip, and enhancing the aesthetics of the lip and mouth region. As we age, the space between the nose and the mouth becomes longer and the upper lip itself thins and starts to deflate. Although fillers are commonly used to restore lip volume, patients who desire fuller and more youthful lips can achieve longer-lasting results with a surgical lip lift. Because the removed portion of skin has the shape of bull horns or gull wings, the procedure is also commonly referred to as the bullhorn lip lift or the gullwing lip lift. A variation of the procedure is called the Italian lip lift. Unlike the bullhorn lip lift, which involves a single continuous incision under the base of the nose, the Italian lip lift uses two smaller incisions placed just under the nostrils.
Before and after subnasal (bullhorn) lip lift by Sam Naficy, MD * Individual results may vary.
Subnasal (bullhorn) lip lift
The most common type of lip lift, commonly known as the bullhorn lip lift or the gullwing lip lift, this type of lip lift removes skin from under the nose (thus the name subnasal lip lift) to improve the shape, size, and balance of the upper lip. Depending on how long the space above the upper lip is, the lip lift procedure typically removes a horizontal crescent of skin (shaped like a bullhorn or gullwings, thus the names) about 6 to 7 millimeters in height from under the nose. This type of lip lift shortens the area above the upper lip and lifts the upper lip into a position where more of the red lip is visible. The subnasal lip lift also enhances the curvature of the top of the upper lip, known as the “Cupid’s bow,” and after this type of lip lift typically more of the upper teeth show when smiling.
Before and after subnasal (bullhorn) lip lift by Sam Naficy, MD * Individual results may vary.
Corner lip lift
The corner lip lift (also known as the corner of the mouth lift) corrects the droopy outer corners of the mouth which at times can make a person appear as if they are frowning. With the corner lip lift, a triangle of skin is removed at each corner which subtly lifts the corners of the mouth so they no longer turn downward. The corner lip lift can be performed in isolation or combined with a subnasal lip lift.
Before and after corner lip lift and lip augmentation by Sam Naficy, MD * Individual results may vary.
Before and after corner lip lift by Sam Naficy, MD * Individual results may vary.
Can a subnasal lip lift and a corner lip lift be performed together?
Yes, absolutely! Patients who need both types of lip lift can have both procedures performed at the same time to save on recovery.
Before and after subnasal lip lift and corner lip lift by Sam Naficy, MD * Individual results may vary.
Before and after subnasal lip lift and corner lip lift by Sam Naficy, MD * Individual results may vary.
Is there an ideal age for a lip lift?
Age is less of an important factor in deciding whether someone is a good candidate for a lip lift than the length of the upper lip and the aesthetic proportions of the mouth and chin. We have successfully performed lip lifts in patients ranging from their 20's up to their 70's.
How long does a lip lift last?
Unlike lip fillers or fat grafting to lips, whose results fade over time, lip lift results are permanent. As part of the aging process, the area between the nose and upper lip may gradually droop and lengthen over decades of time at which point a touch-up procedure may be performed.
Before and after subnasal (bullhorn) lip lift by Sam Naficy, MD * Individual results may vary.
What is the recovery after a lip lift?
Typically, pain after lip lift surgery is not severe and can be controlled with over-the-counter painkillers such as Tylenol and occasionally with prescription pain medication. Swelling and/or bruising vary and typically reach a peak around 3-4 days after surgery. Cold compresses and keeping the head elevated are some ways to keep swelling down. The photo below shows a young woman only 5 days after a subnasal lip lift.
Before and only 5 days after subnasal (bullhorn) lip lift by Sam Naficy, MD * Individual results may vary.
How well do the incisions heal after a lip lift?
Plastic surgeons are trained to produce the best possible (i.e. least noticeable) scars possible. Lip lift scars can heal very well if they are placed well and the proper techniques are used for closing the wound. Incisions on the face take time to heal and even scars that eventually heal very well (i.e. are very hard to see), were likely more visible in the early weeks after lip lift surgery. Examples below are patients at different stages of healing after lip lift surgery.
At around a week when the sutures are removed, the incisions will be red and possibly raised and bumpy.
Before and 5 days after subnasal (bullhorn) lip lift by Sam Naficy, MD * Individual results may vary.
By 2-3 weeks the redness will subside but not completely go away. The incision will typically be less raised and less bumpy and it will be much easier to cover it with concealer and makeup.
Before and 3 weeks after subnasal (bullhorn) lip lift by Sam Naficy, MD * Individual results may vary.
By 8 weeks the incisions is typically starting to look very good but there may still be some areas of redness and a few small bumps related to the deep dissolving sutures which can take up to 3-4 months to fully go away.
Before and 8 weeks after subnasal (bullhorn) lip lift by Sam Naficy, MD * Individual results may vary.
By around 3-4 months the incisions is typically close to 90% healed and in most situations is very well hidden in the contours below the nose. Full healing of lip incisions can take up to a year in some indiviuals. In rare situations laser resurafacing can be performed to make the incision appear even less noticeable.
Before and 12 weeks after subnasal (bullhorn) lip lift by Sam Naficy, MD * Individual results may vary.
What type of anesthesia is used?
A number of anesthesia options are available and your anesthesia provider will discuss with you which one is most appropriate for your health status and procedure. Some procedures require general anesthesia, while others may be done with IV sedation. With either, your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and oxygen levels are monitored continuously by your anesthesia provider.
General anesthesia means that you are completely asleep for surgery and the placement of an intravenous line and a breathing tube is required. Frequently, numbing medication is also placed during surgery by your surgeon.
IV sedation is also called “monitored anesthesia care” or MAC. This involves receiving sedation and pain medication through an intravenous line (IV). At the beginning of the procedure, when you will be the sleepiest, your surgeon will be placing numbing medication in the area of the surgery. Once the area is numb you will require less sedation and pain medication but you will continue to receive enough medication to keep you sedated and comfortable during the entire procedure. During your surgery you may be receiving oxygen. Airway devices may be placed during IV sedation to keep you breathing normally.
Anesthesia guidelines [21kb PDF]
What is the recovery like?
There may be some tightness of the surgical site for the first 1-2 days after the surgery. Discoloration and swelling around the lips will typically improve over 5-7 days. Most patients are able to return to work and social activities by 2 weeks after surgery but individual recovery times vary.
Post-operative care instructions [17kb PDF]
I am interested! What do I do next?
If you are considering this procedure we encourage you to complete this Surgical Consultation Intake Form. Our surgeons will tell you whether you are a suitable candidate for this procedure and inform you of the potential risks of the procedure. There is great variety in lip shape and height so that each procedure must be custom tailored for the best possible result. You will also have a chance to view before and after photo albums of our patients who have undergone procedures similar to what you are considering.
