Consider a traditional Russian stacking doll, crafted from wood. Each layer reveals a smaller doll nested within, creating a playful experience for children. However, let's focus on the doll's lips – typically narrow, red, often thickened at the centre. Ironically, these characteristics mirror the aspects we aim to avoid after a lip lift procedure. Also take into account - as individuals age, the distance between the nose and the upper lip elongates, while the lip's natural redness diminishes.
Various techniques exist for performing a lip lift, each tailored to achieve specific aesthetic goals. Depending on the desired outcome, incisions are strategically placed, either beneath the nose, above the lip, or even in the mouth. The choice of incision is usually what determines the natural and balanced shape.
What is lip lifting?
Upper lip lift, sometimes called upper lip shortening, is a surgical procedure which involves removing excess skin from the upper lip area in order to shorten its vertical length so the lips look firmer and fuller. Moreover, upper lip lifting results in a more balanced and youthful look as the face regains its natural symmetry that may have been lost due to age-related skin stretching etc. It is worth noting that the incision is made underneath the base of the nose thus post-operative scarring is almost non-existent.
Lip lifting is a straightforward and risk-free surgical technique that has both long-lasting results and a very low complication rate and most importantly - instantly visible results.
Can other surgeries be combined with gynecomastia?
For greater facial rejuvenation, an upper lip lift can be easily paired with a number of other cosmetic procedures, such as a facelift, rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, or facial implantation. Nonetheless, a relatively significant area of the face's soft tissues are exposed when multiple surgical procedures are combined, which increases the risk of infection and raises the possibility of wound healing complications.
Who is a suitable candidate for lip lifting?
A person who has a considerably low vermilion border—the space between the upper lip and the regular skin above it—is a good candidate for lip lift surgery. This is the outcome of skin lengthening, which is typically linked to ageing or an individual's natural anatomical characteristics. A lip lift is the ideal option for a broader smile and more noticeable upper lip vermilion if the droopy skin of the top lip hangs over one's teeth, whether they are smiling or not. Finally, but just as importantly, a candidate for lip lifting surgery should have reasonable expectations for the outcome of the procedure and be in generally good health.
Recovery
Following lip lift surgery, recovery is typically quick and easy. Here is some helpful information and post-operative advice that patients should be aware of:
- Following surgery, the recovery period can last up to three weeks overall.
- It is typical for post-operative patients to have mild to moderate pain, which can be controlled for up to one week with prescription medication.
- Usually, the stitches are taken out during the first four to five days following surgery. When using dissolvable sutures, there's no need to take them out later.
- On the other hand, as a clinical representation of a localised inflammatory reaction following surgery, swelling and bruises could persist for one to three weeks. It is advisable to see a doctor if it lasts, as it can indicate a wound infection.
- In order to prevent any disruption to the incision area during the first week following surgery, it is advised to minimise moving the upper lip when eating, cleaning one's teeth, as well as other activities.
- The scar from lip lifting surgery may be visible for a few weeks following the procedure and then gradually fade into a thin, nearly undetectable line. If necessary, a second surgical treatment could be used to correct the unlikely abnormal scarring.
After lip lifting surgery
Just a few more things need to be considered for a more seamless recovery after the procedure:
- Up to 48 hours following surgery, the incision sites must be kept dry and clean. After that, patients are encouraged to continue with their personal hygiene regimen or modify it in accordance with the advice of their doctor.
- For a period of up to 10 days following surgery, it is strongly advised not to wear makeup in order to prevent wound infection.
- It is strongly advised that patients abstain from alcohol consumption and tobacco use, particularly when taking any form of prescribed medication following surgery, since these actions may result in unfavorable side effects and/or complications.
- Similar to any other cosmetic procedure, lip lifting may have some uncommon but potential long-term side effects. These include upper lip stiffness or numbness, smile deformity, and in extremely rare circumstances - speech impairment. Therefore, if a post-operative patient has these or any other unwanted symptoms, they should refer to an operating doctor right away.
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