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This blog has been authored by “Dr. Joe” Gryskiewicz MD, FACS.

About Dr. Joe Gryskiewicz:

Dr. Joe Gryskiewicz is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing aesthetic surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and belongs to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Aesthetic Society, The Rhinoplasty Society, and many other national institutions.

In addition to being in private practice, Dr. Joe is a writer and international speaker. He has traveled the world delivering over five hundred presentations to professional organizations on plastic surgery topics such as breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, hot topics, and ethics. He writes for a number of medical journals, society newsletters, and academic publications.

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Types of Lip Lift Surgery: How Can Lip Surgery Make Me Look Younger?

March 14, 2025

Luscious, plump lips are the latest trend in the beauty industry, but not everyone is blessed with naturally full lips. If you’ve always longed for a fuller pout, then a lip lift surgery could be the answer you’ve been searching for. A lip lift can also help reduce your philtrum – the area between your upper lip and nose – which tends to elongate with aging.

This guide will walk you through lip lift surgery, including the benefits, risks, and recovery process. We’ll also discuss the different types of lip lift procedures available, so you can choose the one that’s best suited for your needs.

It is time to say goodbye to thin lips and hello to a more confident, beautiful you!

Minnesota Plastic Surgeon Dr. Joe Gryskiewicz is known for his personalized approach to patient care. With his extensive experience and expertise, Dr. Joe has earned a reputation as one of the top plastic surgeons in the region, and is committed to helping his patients look and feel their best.

What Is Lip Lift Surgery And How Does It Work?

Lip lift surgery is a cosmetic procedure that involves reshaping the upper lip to make it appear fuller and more defined. During the surgery, your surgeon will make an incision just below the nose, and then remove a small amount of skin and tissue. This shortens the distance between the nose and the upper lip, creating a more lifted and voluminous appearance. The procedure takes less than an hour to complete, and is usually performed under local anesthesia or IV sedation.
There are two main types of lip lift surgery: the bullhorn lip lift and the corner lip lift.

The bullhorn lip lift involves making an incision just beneath the nose, and then removing a small strip of skin and tissue. This creates a more pronounced Cupid’s bow and a fuller upper lip.
The corner lip lift, on the other hand, involves making incisions at the corners of the mouth, and then lifting the corners of the mouth to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

The Benefits of Lip Lift Surgery

One of the main benefits of lip lift surgery is that it can provide a more natural-looking and long-lasting solution for thin lips. Unlike lip fillers, which need to be repeated every few months, lip lift surgery provides a permanent solution that can last years.

Additionally, lip lift surgery can help to reduce the length of your under nose area (philtrum) and balance out the proportions of the face, and create a more harmonious appearance. The surgery can also help to correct a downward turn of the corners of the mouth, which can make you look sad or angry.

Another benefit of lip lift surgery is that it can be customized to suit your individual needs and preferences. Depending on the type of lip lift procedure you choose, your surgeon can create a more pronounced Cupid’s bow, a fuller upper lip, or a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

However, it’s important to note that lip lift surgery is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it may not be suitable for everyone. If you have certain medical conditions or health issues, or if you have unrealistic expectations about the results of the surgery, then your surgeon may advise against the procedure.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Lip Lift Surgery?

If you’re considering lip lift surgery, then there are several factors that your surgeon will take into account when determining whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure. Generally, good candidates for lip lift surgery are individuals who:

Are in good overall health, and do not have any medical conditions that could interfere with the surgery or the healing process;
Have thin or flat lips, and are looking for a more permanent solution than lip fillers;
Have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery, and understand the risks and potential complications;
Are willing to follow the post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon, and are committed to a healthy lifestyle that will help to maintain the results of the surgery.

Preparing For Lip Lift Surgery

If you’ve decided to undergo lip lift surgery, then there are several steps you can take to prepare for the procedure and ensure a smooth and successful recovery.

First, you should schedule a consultation with a qualified and experienced lip lift surgeon, who can assess your individual needs and determine the best type of procedure for you. During the consultation, you should also discuss your medical history, any medications you’re taking, and any allergies or sensitivities you may have.

In the weeks leading up to the surgery, you should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, as these can impair the healing process and increase the risk of complications. You should also eat a healthy and balanced diet, and stay well-hydrated to promote optimal healing.
Your surgeon may also recommend that you stop taking certain medications or supplements in the days leading up to the surgery, as these can increase the risk of bleeding or other complications. Additionally, you should make arrangements for someone to drive you to and from the surgery, as you may be groggy or disoriented from the anesthesia.

The Lip Lift Surgery Procedure

On the day of the surgery, you will be given local anesthesia or IV sedation, which will help to keep you comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure. Your surgeon will then make an incision just below the nose, either in the shape of a bullhorn or at the corners of the mouth, depending on the type of procedure you’ve chosen.

Your surgeon will then remove a small strip of skin and tissue from the area, and reposition the remaining tissue to create a more lifted and voluminous appearance. The incisions will then be closed using sutures or surgical glue, and a dressing will be applied to the area to protect it and promote optimal healing. Although the procedure takes only about an hour to complete, you should plan to spend several hours at the surgical center or hospital to allow for adequate recovery time.

Recovery and Aftercare for Lip Lift Surgery

After the surgery, you will need to rest and avoid strenuous activities for several days to allow for optimal healing. Your surgeon will provide you with instructions on how to care for the incisions, including how to keep the area clean and dry, and how to change the dressings or bandages.
You may experience some swelling, bruising, or discomfort in the days following the surgery, but these symptoms should gradually improve over time. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medications or anti-inflammatory drugs to help manage any discomfort or swelling, and may also recommend cold compresses or other home remedies to ease any discomfort.

It’s important to follow all of your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully, and to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure that your incisions are healing properly. You should also avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or engaging in any activities that could increase the risk of bleeding or other complications.

Potential Risks and Complications of Lip Lift Surgery

Like all surgical procedures, lip lift surgery carries certain risks and potential complications. These can include bleeding, infection, scarring, asymmetry, or changes in sensation or movement in the lips or mouth.
It’s important to discuss these risks and potential complications with your surgeon before deciding to undergo the procedure. Your surgeon can help you to understand the risks and benefits of the surgery.

Lip Lift Surgery vs. Filler Injections

While both lip lift surgery and filler injections can be used to enhance the appearance of the lips, there are some key differences between the two procedures. Lip lift surgery provides a more permanent solution for thin lips, and can help to create a more lifted and defined appearance.

Filler injections, on the other hand, are a temporary solution that must be repeated every few months to maintain the results.
Additionally, lip lift surgery can be customized to suit your individual needs and preferences, and can create a more natural-looking appearance. Filler injections, on the other hand, can sometimes create an unnatural or overdone appearance, especially if they are not administered properly.

Ultimately, the choice between lip lift surgery and filler injections depends on your individual needs and preferences, as well as your budget and lifestyle. Your surgeon can help you to understand the pros and cons of each procedure, and can work with you to determine the best option for you.

Finding a Qualified Lip Lift Surgeon

If you’re considering lip lift surgery, then it’s important to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon who specializes in cosmetic procedures of the face and neck. Look for a surgeon who is board-certified.
Additionally, you should schedule a consultation with the surgeon to discuss your individual needs and concerns, and to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities. Your surgeon should be able to provide you with before-and-after photos of their previous lip lift surgeries, and should be willing to answer any questions you may have about the procedure.

Lip lift surgery is a cosmetic procedure that can provide a natural-looking and long-lasting solution for thin or flat lips. By choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon, and following all post-operative instructions carefully, you can achieve a more lifted and voluminous appearance that enhances the natural beauty of your face. Whether you choose a bullhorn lip lift or a corner lip lift, lip lift surgery can help you say goodbye to thin lips and hello to a more confident, beautiful you.

FAQs About Lip Lift Surgery

When is a lip lift recommended?

A lip lift is recommended for individuals who want to enhance the appearance of their lips by making them more prominent and youthful. The procedure is commonly done on patients who experience several aging changes such as reduced volume, increased length, and loss of definition in the lips.

Will there be visible scars after lip lift surgery?

There may be visible scars after lip lift surgery, but they are usually minimal and well-hidden within the natural creases of the face. Scar tissue can result from most surgeries, including lip lifts, but occasionally, a lip lift procedure will heal with evidence of the surgery left. Scars from the incision will take upwards of a full year to fully heal, but the upper lip really begins to look pretty good within a few weeks.

What is a good age to get a lip lift?

Advancements in technology and techniques now allow individuals as young as 20 to undergo a lip lift procedure, regardless of skin color. However, it is important to note that the ideal age for a lip lift varies from person to person and depends on individual factors such as the patient’s anatomy, goals, and health condition. Some younger patients prefer the procedure as an alternative to over-plump lips created by fillers, while older patients may opt for it for its anti-aging effects. It is crucial to consult with a board-certified doctor to determine if a lip lift is the right choice for you.

Will my lips look fuller after a lip lift?

A lip lift can help make lips look fuller and more youthful. This is achieved by shortening the distance between the upper lip and the base of the nose, creating a more pronounced “Cupid’s bow” and exposing more of the red lip. The procedure can also reduce wrinkles and sagging skin around the mouth, which can contribute to a more aged appearance. However, it is important to note that the results of a lip lift may vary depending on the individual’s anatomy.

When are the results visible after a lip lift surgery?

The results of a lip lift surgery can be visible immediately after undergoing a sub-nasal lip lift. However, the final results may take three to six months to fully appear after the procedure. During the recovery period, patients may experience some swelling and discomfort, which should dissipate within a few days or up to four weeks. It is important to follow the post-operative instructions provided by a board-certified and experienced surgeon to ensure optimal results and minimize the risk of complications.

Medical References about Lip Lift Surgery

· Lip lifts: Types, results, what to expect – Medical News Today
· Lip Lift – Plastic Surgery – Cleveland Clinic

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