Lip Lift

Lip Lift

In an ideal youthful upper lip, approximately 2 mm of the upper teeth’s edge is seen when the mouth is relaxed and slightly open. This appearance is termed the ‘tooth show’. Youthful lips should additionally have a measure of poutiness and vibrant fullness, as opposed to being flat and lacking three dimensionality.

As a person gets older, the upper lip ages by becoming progressively longer, and the upper teeth become hidden. Additionally, the lip curls inward, losing some of its natural pout. The appearance of a thin, long upper lip and lack of tooth show is a telltale sign of aging.

A Lip Lift helps to correct the appearance of a long upper lip by elevating it back to a higher position, restoring a natural pout, and re-establishing normal tooth show.

A variation of the Lip Lift is the Corner Lip Lift. This procedure can benefit patients with a downward frown at the corners of the mouth by elevating it to a neutral position, or even a slightly upward orientation.

Another popular type of Lip Lift is the Bullhorn Lip Lift. This type of lip lift is named for its incisions, which are made just below the nose in the shape of a bull’s horns. Bullhorn Lip Lift is performed to elevate the upper lip to a more youthful position, and it also allows Dr. Tong to turn the lip slightly outward, or evert it, for a fuller, pouty appearance.

Learn More About Bullhorn Lip Lift

Lip Lift Benefits

A Lip Lift, also sometimes referred to as Upper Lip Shortening, makes subtle changes to the upper lip that often have a dramatic impact on a person’s appearance. Some of the many benefits of a Lip Lift with Dr. Tong include:

• A more youthful appearance to the lips and lower face
• Improved show of the upper teeth
• Lips that appear more voluptuous
• A better-defined Cupid’s bow
• An improved pout

The Lip Lift Procedure

The procedure is performed under IV sedation (twilight) or local anesthesia. It is a minor procedure and takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete.

The design of the upper lip lift will help determine the degree of lifting. Dr. Tong performs the Lip Lift by making a small incision along the bottom edge of the base of the nose, at the junction between the nose and upper lip. A small amount of skin is removed and the upper lip is lifted and slightly everted. Dr. Tong meticulously places the stitches to close the incision, and the procedure is complete. With years of experience performing this procedure, Dr. Tong has developed methods to minimize the appearance of the scar that are specific to this surgery.

Dr. Tong performs the Corner Lip Lift by making a small incision near the corner of the mouth; he removes a small wedge of skin to change the direction of the corner from a downturned to neutral or slightly upward direction. The corner Lip Lift can be done on its own or in conjunction with the standard Lip Lift.

For a Bullhorn Lip Lift, Dr. Tong makes an incision in the shape of a bull’s horns which is hidden just below the nose for minimized visible scarring. He then removes excess skin which lifts and turns the upper lip slightly outward.

Lip Lift Recovery

Following your Lip Lift procedure, you will be able to return home to rest. You may experience mild to moderate pain after the procedure, and Dr. Tong will send you home with a prescription for pain medication to ensure your comfort. While your lips heal, you should adhere to a soft or semi-solid food diet (eggs, soup, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, etc.) and refrain from using straws for at least one week. Dr. Tong also recommends that you try not to move your lips too much while speaking or opening your mouth during this recovery period.

Most patients return to work 2-5 days after their Lip Lift procedure. You will have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Tong one week after Lip Lift surgery, and will be able to begin light exercise at that time. Avoid strenuous activity for at least 2 weeks following your Lip Lift.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lip Lift

Who is a candidate for Lip Lift surgery?

If you are troubled by a flat appearance to your upper lip, feel that your upper lip looks too long, or would like more of your teeth to show when you smile, you may be a good candidate for a Lip Lift. The best way to determine if a Lip Lift is right for you is to attend a consultation with Dr. Tong.

When will I see my Lip Lift results?

You will see the results of your Lip Lift immediately after your procedure. The initial appearance of the upper lip tends to look a bit short, but the lip stretches out gradually over the first several weeks. Final results usually occur from one to three months after surgery. The scar may be pink for the first 4-6 months but is easily hidden with makeup (if necessary).

How much does Lip Lift cost?

When you attend your Lip Lift consultation with Dr. Tong, you will receive a detailed cost breakdown for your personalized treatment plan.

Can Lip Lift be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Many of Dr. Tong’s patients achieve more profound aesthetic changes by combining Lip Lift with Facelift, Lip Augmentation, BOTOX, or soft tissue fillers.

Your Lip Lift Consultation

Several factors need to be taken into account when contemplating this procedure. These factors include the desired degree of lifting, skeletal length of the midface, the degree of tissue elasticity of the lip, the age of the patient, optimal incision placement, and the likelihood of postoperative stretching. A Lip Lift is a relatively quick procedure that makes subtle changes to the anatomy of the upper lip which often translate into a dramatically more youthful and vibrant overall facial appearance. If you are interested in learning more about Lip Lift, please contact us today to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Tong in Toronto.