Lip Lift

Many women and men–of all ages–want to have fuller, more defined lips. Some have naturally thin lips. Others want to correct signs of aging; the lips thin and flatten over time, increasing the distance between the upper lip and the nose. Dr. Jerold Olson is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who performs lip lift surgery to give Tucson patients long-lasting lip enhancement and facial rejuvenation.

What is a lip lift?

This surgical procedure, which is often combined with facelift surgery, makes the pink/red part of the upper lip (vermilion border) more visible and defined. Improvements include:

• Enhancing the cupid’s bow
• Making the lip look fuller
• Defining the edges of the lips
• Raising downturned corners of the mouth
• Exposing the upper teeth slightly
• Reducing lip lines (smoker’s lines)

A lip lift can enhance the results of other facial plastic surgery procedures such as a facelift, eyelid surgery, or cheek implants.

Can lip filler be used to lift your lip instead of surgery?

In most cases, lip injections with dermal fillers are not a substitute for a lip lift. Dermal fillers add volume but do not reduce the distance between the top lip and the base of the nose (see patient photos). We often combine lip injections with lip lift surgery for a naturally rejuvenated look.

How is a surgical lip lift performed?

Dr. Olson performs lip lifts in the office with a local anesthetic. During the surgery, he removes a strip/wedge of skin between the bottom of the nose (below the nostrils) and the top of the lip. The resulting scar is hidden along the natural crease under the nose. When enhancing the corners of the mouth, the incisions are placed on the outer edges of the upper lip.

How long is recovery after lip lift surgery?

You should be able to return to work within 4 to 5 days after a lip lift; avoid exercising for at least a week to 10 days. Bruising and swelling are generally mild and may be minimized with ice packs as directed. Most patients feel slight discomfort initially that can be eased with acetaminophen or other over-the-counter medication.

It’s important to choose a knowledgeable and experienced provider for a lip lift. It takes a high level of skill and in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy to achieve natural-looking results.

To learn more about your options for lip enhancement in Tucson, AZ, request a consultation online or call (520) 731-1110.