Lip lift is a cosmetic procedure that aims to shorten the distance between the upper lip and nose, enhancing the natural shape of the lips and improving overall facial appearance. This procedure creates a softer and more balanced lip shape without the need for artificial fillers. 

Different from other options that offer permanent results, lip lift will offer natural results that last a very long time. The same as any cosmetic procedure, this treatment requires good planning, realistic expectations and good aftercare. In this blog post, we will discuss the results of lip lift, factors that can affect them and after and prior care.

What Is Lip Lift, And How Does It Work?

Lip lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that aims to lift the upper lip by shortening the distance between the nose and lip.

This procedure improves the position of the lip, revealing more of its natural shape and emphasising its contours. Different from other procedures, lip lift will not add a lot of volume, but it will significantly affect the balance of the upper area of the face.

The procedure is performed under the effect of anaesthesia, and it includes the removal of a small part of the skin under the nose. After that, the lip will be pulled up and placed in a new position, more lifted. The procedure will take 30 to 60 minutes, and the patient will be able to leave the clinic on the same day. 

Who Is A Suitable Candidate For This Procedure?

People Who Have A Visible Space Between The Lips And Nose

Lip lift is the ideal solution for patients who have a visible distance between the lips and the upper lip, which makes the lips look smaller and the face less balanced. This distance will either be present since birth, or it has become more visible as a result of ageing and its effects. Minimising this space surgically will help emphasise the upper lip shape and improve the overall facial appearance. 

People Who Are Not Happy With The Appearance Of Their Lips

Suitable candidates for a lip lift are also those who are not satisfied with the appearance of their upper lip, especially when it is visible while talking or smiling. In some cases, the upper lift can cover a huge part of the teeth, making it difficult for patients to express emotions. Lip lift will naturally expose the upper teeth and create a more symmetrical smile without adding that fake volume.

Those Looking For Long-Lasting Results

Different from other lip treatments that add only volume, last only a couple of months and require constant treatments, lip lift will offer long-lasting results without the need for additional treatments. This makes the procedure the perfect choice for patients looking for permanent results and those who want to avoid repeated procedures. Additionally, the results are more natural since they just change the position of the lip; they don’t add more volume. 

Healthy Patients

The same as any surgical procedure, it is important for the patient to be in good general health to avoid any complications during or after the treatments. The best candidates are those who do not suffer from uncontrolled chronic diseases, such as advanced diabetes or blood clotting disorders, which could compromise safety during the procedure or slow down the healing process. A detailed medical evaluation from the surgeon before the treatemtns is necessary to make sure the patient is suitable for the treatment.

People Who Do Not Smoke Or Are Willing To Quit

Smokers are more prone to complications during and after surgical procedures, including lip lift. Smoking will slow down blood circulation in skin tissues, which will negatively impact the healing process and increase the risk of infection or unwanted scars. For this reason, a suitable candidate for this procedure is one who does not smoke or is willing to quit for at least a couple of weeks before and after the procedure. This will guarantee a safe recovery and successful results. 

People Who Have Realistic Expectations

Lip lift doesn’t aim to completely transform the appearance of the lips, but to improve their position and facial balance. Ideal candidates are those who understand what the procedure achieves and view it as a way to enhance their upper lip, not to make significant changes to it. Suitable patients should have realistic expectations and should be informed about the results, and will be left satisfied with the end results. 

How Long Will The Lip Lift Results Last?

The results of a lip lift are considered long-lasting, and in most cases, they are permanent.

Different from other techniques that aim to add volume, which need to be performed every couple of months, lip lift will change the position of the upper lip by removing excess skin and lifting it higher. For this reason, the effect created does not fade quickly and does not require frequent maintenance.

However, even though the results are long-lasting, they can be affected by factors such as normal skin ageing, the condition of skin tissue, sun exposure and lifestyle. As time passes, the skin can start to lose its elasticity, but the lip will not return back in its original condition. 

Overall,  patients who stick to a careful routine for the skin and avoid risk factors such as smoking will be able to maintain results for years, without the need for additional procedures. 

Factors Affecting The Results

Natural Ageing Process

Ageing is an inevitable factor that affects all surgical procedures. As time passes, the skin loses its elasticity, and the face tissues begin to droop. Even though lip lift offers long-lasting results, its effects will begin to fade after a while due to normal facial ageing, especially if the patient does not maintain proper skin care. 

Skin Quality And Genetics

Skin quality plays an important role in the longevity of the lip lift results. Patients with elastic and healthy skin will be able to maintain the new shape of the lips for a longer time. Genetic factors will also affect the way that the body reacts to the surgery and how quickly ageing signs develop. 

Sun exposure

UV sun rays will accelerate skin ageing and affect skin quality in the long term. People who don’t use sunscreen are more prone to losing the elasticity of the skin around the lips, which will eventually affect the results of the lip lift. 

Lifestyle Quality And Skin Care

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will significantly affect the results. Proper hydration, healthy diet, managing stress, and regular sleeping hours are all factors that help maintain skin elasticity and protect the new lip shape. 

Smoking 

Smoking is one of the most damaging factors for the skin. It damages blood circulation and slows down collagen production, leading to premature skin ageing. Patients who smoke after a lip lift will notice that the results will fade faster, and the risk of complications will be higher. 

Following The Surgeon’s Instructions

Following the surgeon’s instructions after the procedure is crucial if you want a successful recovery and long-lasting results. Proper care during the first few weeks after the surgery, such as avoiding pressure in the lips, proper hygiene and using sunscreen, will directly affect the end results.

Post-Procedure Care And Recovery Process

After the lip lift procedure, post-procedure care is essential for a smooth recovery and successful results. 

Even though the procedure is simple and often performed on an outpatient basis, the area around the lips and nose requires careful care during the first days and weeks. Immediately after the procedure, the patient will experience swelling, bruising and light pressure on the treated area. All normal and expected responses. 

During the first week, it is important to avoid any unnecessary movement of the lips, such as forcefully smiling or speaking. Using cold comprises will help reduce swelling, while the surgeon may also recommend the use of an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. 

The stitches are usually removed after 5–7 days, but the thin scar under the nose may be visible for several weeks, gradually fading over time.

Most patients will feel better after 7 to 10 days, and they will be able to return to their normal activities; however, full aesthetic recovery will take weeks. 

During this time, it is recommended to avoid direct sun exposure, intensive physical activities and the use of makeup in the sensitive area. By carefully following the surgeon’s instructions, the recovery will be quicker and there will be no scars left. 

Possible Risks And Side Effects

Lip lift is a surgical procedure that should be performed by experienced surgeons. However, as with any treatemtns, it also has its own possible side effects and risks.

It is important for the patient to be aware of these risks to make an informed decision and to be prepared for any situation that can occur during the healing process. Some of the most common risks include: 

• Infection in the treated area.
• Prolonged bleeding or bruising.
• A visible scar under the nose.
• Asymmetrical lip shape after the treatment.
• Numb feeling or loss of sensitivity around the treated area.
• Delayed wound healing or wound irritation.
• The results are not what the patient expected. 
• The need for a second intervention in rare cases.

Choosing a qualified surgeon and following the aftercare instructions will help minimise the possibility of these risks. 

Häufig gestellte Fragen

Is The Lip Lift Procedure Painful?

No, the procedure will be performed under local anaesthesia, making sure that the patient doesn’t feel anything during the treatment. Once the procedure is over, the patient will have a slight feeling of pressure, but this will eventually go down in a matter of days and can be easily managed with painkiller medications. 

How Long Will Full Recovery Take?

Initial healing will usually take about 3-7 days. However, the complete disappearance of swelling and the softening of the scar may take several weeks. The patient will be able to return to their normal everyday activities in a matter of days, and the final results will be noticeable after 1-2 months. 

Will I Have A Scar After The Lip Lift Procedure?

Yes, in most cases, the patients will have a small, faded scar under the nose, which will be less visible as time passes. When the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon, the incision will be placed in a strategic position, blending perfectly with the nose contour. 

Is Lip Lift A Better Choice Compared To Other Lip Treatments?

This will depend on what the patient wants to achieve. Lip lift procedure offers permanent results, lifting the upper lip in a natural way, while other treatments, such as fillers, offer temporary volume. If you are looking for long-lasting results without having to fill the lips every couple of months, prefer the lip lift procedure. 

Can Lip Lift Be Combined With Other Treatments?

Yes. The lip lift procedure will often be combined with other treatments such as blepharoplasty (removal of eye bags), facelift or even with dental treatments such as teeth whitening for a more comprehensive transformation of the face. This will all depend on the patient’s needs and what the surgeon advises. 

Am I Suitable For A Lip Lift If I Previously Had Lip Filler?

Yes, but it is usually recommended that the fillers are dispersed or removed prior to the procedure to more clearly assess the natural position of the lip. This helps the surgeon achieve a more accurate and natural result.