Upper Lip Lift Surgery
The upper lip lift is one of many adjunct surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments performed by Plastic Surgeons who are board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. As the face ages, the skin and soft tissue deflates and sags with time.
The perioral region and specifically the upper lip are not immune to the aging process. The upper lip develops signs of aging and appears deflated, thin, long, and wrinkled.
The tell-tale signs of the aging lip are the increased length of the cutaneous lip, the absence or decrease of upper tooth show at rest and while smiling and a thin vermillion or the red part of the upper lip.
The upper lip lift is a surgical procedure that was pioneered by Plastic Surgeons in the 1970’s and 1980’s to improve the aesthetics of the perioral region in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation procedures. Dr. Parit Patel is considered a top provider of the upper lip lift in Chicago based on his qualifications and experience with this cosmetic treatment.
Self-verified patient of Dr. Parit A. Patel
“I had an Upper Lip Lift procedure by Dr. Patel and I am very happy with my results.”
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR AN UPPER LIP LIFT?
An upper lip lift is a good option for older patients that have developed lengthening of the upper lip over time, deflation, and decreased upper tooth show. For the younger patient, an upper lip lift can be advantageous for patients who have longer upper lips and for patients where fillers are not ideal solutions to improve the aesthetics of the upper lip.
However, for younger patients, many are not good candidates for an upper lip lift since in most cases, the cutaneous lip is not long and the upper tooth show at rest is aesthetically pleasing. Younger patients in most cases are better candidates for lip augmentation with filler since this improves the fullness, symmetry, and overall aesthetics of the vermillion or the red part of the upper lip. Additionally, placing a scar at the base of the nose can be very visible and unnecessary in the younger patient.
The overall goals of an upper lip lift are:
- Shorten the upper lip
- Increase upper tooth show
- Evert the white roll and vermillion of the lip
- Improve asymmetries of the upper lip
- Shorten the appearance of the middle 1/3 of the face
- Improve the aesthetics and youthfulness of the lips and mouth
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A CONSULTATION
When you schedule a consultation with the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago, you will speak with a board-certified plastic surgeon who will review your treatment goals with you and perform a facial aesthetic evaluation to see if you are a good candidate for an upper lip lift. Be prepared to discuss your current and long term aesthetic goals.
HOW IS AN UPPER LIP LIFT PERFORMED?
An upper lip lift is typically performed in the office setting under local anesthesia. Before the start of the procedure, surgical markings will be made of the upper lip, the important landmarks, and upper lip lift design. Local anesthesia will be administered so that you will not feel pain or discomfort during the procedure. Your plastic surgeon will then make precise incisions with a surgical scalpel to perform the procedure and to remove the excess upper lip skin.
The wounds will be cleansed and precisely closed in layers in order to conceal the incision and minimize the appearance of a scar.
The procedure can take approximately 30-60 minutes and post-procedure and wound care instructions will be provided afterwards. Recovery after the treatment is typically 2-3 days. Suture removal is performed at 1 week and scar management instructions are provided afterwards. It is important to follow your post-procedure instructions closely.
RECOVERY AFTER AN UPPER LIP LIFT
Recovery after an upper lip lift is typically 2 to 3 days, after that timeframe patients may resume their normal level of activity. It is important to avoid sun exposure or soaking the treated area in a pool or bathtub for 7-10 days after the treatment. Wound care instructions will be provided after the procedure and should be followed closely. Sutures that are placed at the time of the surgery are typically removed at 5-7 days.
POTENTIAL ASSOCIATED RISKS OF AN UPPER LIP LIFT
There are potential risks that can be associated with any procedure. The potential risks of an upper lip lift may include:
- Redness, bruising, or swelling at the treatment site
- Infection
- Bleeding (hematoma)
- Poor wound healing
- Scarring
- Asymmetries
Overall, an upper lip lift is a safe and effective treatment to improve the aesthetics of the upper lip and mouth. As cosmetic procedures are becoming more popular and more unqualified practitioners are performing them, it is important for patients to do their homework. We recommend finding a practice where a board certified plastic surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is performing the procedure.
Always make sure that the surgeon performing the procedure is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and that the surgery is being carried out in an accredited surgical facility.
All surgical procedures by the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago are performed at top hospitals in Chicago and CMS or AAAASF-certified surgical centers for safety.
WHAT DOES AN UPPER LIP LIFT COST?
The average price of an upper lip lift can range from $2,000 to $5,000. A breakdown of all costs associated with the procedure will be provided at the time of your consultation.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
If you would like to improve the aesthetics of your lips or reduce the signs of aging and have a more youthful appearance, contact our office to schedule a consultation. You will speak with a board-certified plastic surgeon who will discuss your specific cosmetic goals and determine if an upper lip lift in Chicago is the best treatment approach for you.
All surgical procedures by the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago are performed at top hospitals in Chicago and CMS or AAAASF-certified surgical centers for safety.