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Enhance the Appearance of Your Lips and Smile

A lip lift is a surgical procedure that enhances the appearance of the upper lip by shortening the philtrum, the space between the nose and upper lip. This is achieved by removing a small strip of skin beneath the nose, lifting the lip, and creating a fuller, more youthful appearance. The procedure enhances the natural curvature of the upper lip, improving the definition of the lip border. It also increases the amount of visible pink lip tissue, helping correct a thin or elongated upper lip for a more balanced facial profile.

What a Lip Lift Can Do for You

A lip lift enhances your facial appearance by creating a fuller, more defined upper lip. It can improve symmetry, add youthful volume, and balance facial proportions. This surgical procedure offers transformative results for various concerns, such as:

  • Correcting a long philtrum for a more youthful look
  • Increasing visible lip tissue for fuller lips
  • Enhancing lip symmetry and balance
  • Improving the definition of the upper lip border
  • Creating a more pronounced smile by lifting the corners of the mouth
  • Shortening the space between the nose and upper lip
  • Creating better lip proportions without the need for fillers

Am I a Good Candidate for a Lip Lift?

You may be a good candidate for a lip lift if you want to enhance your lip shape, reduce the philtrum length, or achieve a fuller upper lip without fillers. The ideal candidates are generally in good overall health, non-smokers, and free from medical conditions that could impair healing. A lip lift can be particularly beneficial if you seek long-lasting results to improve lip symmetry.

Dr. Stein will evaluate your candidacy through a detailed consultation, considering your facial anatomy, aesthetic goals, and medical history. He will ensure you meet the necessary health criteria and discuss the best options for achieving your desired results.

What Happens During the Lip Lift?

The lip lift begins with administering IV sedation and numbing the area between your nose and upper lip. Dr. Stein makes a precise incision along the base of the nose, typically following the curvature of the alar crease (where the nostrils meet the face) to create a natural result and minimize visible scarring. This incision technique, often referred to as a “bullhorn” or subnasal lip lift, allows for optimal lifting of the upper lip without altering the nasal shape.

Once the incision is made, Dr. Stein removes a measured strip of skin and underlying tissue, which shortens the philtrum and enhances the vermilion (the red portion of the lip). The skin is then carefully sutured in layers using fine, dissolvable sutures to ensure a secure and precise closure. This closure technique reduces tension on the incision, which reduces scarring. The entire process takes approximately 30 minutes, and the results are visible immediately.

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    Your Consultation With Dr. Stein

    During your consultation with Dr. Stein, he will thoroughly examine your facial structure, focusing on the area around your lips and nose. He’ll discuss your aesthetic goals and explain how a lip lift can address your concerns. Dr. Stein will review your medical history, including any conditions that may affect healing, evaluate your skin’s elasticity, and create a surgical plan tailored to your unique facial anatomy. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss potential outcomes in detail.

    What Can I Expect From Recovery?

    After your lip lift, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort around the incision area for the first few days. Dr. Stein will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including keeping the area clean and applying any prescribed ointments to aid healing. Most patients experience peak swelling in the first 48-72 hours, which gradually subsides over the next week.

    Within 5-7 days, Dr. Stein will remove any external sutures, though some dissolvable sutures may remain beneath the skin. You should be able to return to normal activities within a week, but it’s important to avoid strenuous activities for 2 weeks. Full healing of the incision can take several months, with the final results becoming more refined as the swelling resolves.

    Complementary Procedures

    A lip lift can be combined with other facial procedures to enhance your overall results. You may consider pairing your lip lift with a facelift, rhinoplasty, or eyelid surgery to achieve a more balanced and rejuvenated appearance. Dr. Stein can help you determine which complementary procedures best align with your aesthetic goals during your consultation.

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    Request Your Consultation With Dr. Stein

    Dr. Stein is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with decades of expertise in creating natural, refined results through personalized surgical care. During your consultation, he will carefully evaluate your facial structure and discuss how a lip lift can enhance your appearance. After your procedure, you’ll receive his personal cell phone number for direct, around-the-clock communication. Schedule your lip lift consultation today to learn how Dr. Stein’s surgical expertise can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

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