Quick Facts
- Procedure Duration: 1–2 hours.
- Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia or sedation.
- Hospital Stay: Day procedure (no overnight stay).
- Results: Noticeable within a few weeks; final results take 3–6 months.
- Longevity: Permanent, with results unaffected by fillers or natural lip aging.
- Best Candidates: Healthy individuals seeking to enhance lip appearance and reduce the distance between the nose and upper lip.
What to Expect
Before Surgery:
Dr. Tim will conduct a thorough consultation to discuss your aesthetic goals and evaluate your facial anatomy. Detailed pre-operative instructions will be provided to ensure you are fully prepared for the procedure.
During Surgery:
The procedure is performed in a fully accredited surgical facility. Excess skin is removed by making a small incision at the base of the nose. Precise suturing techniques ensure minimal scarring and natural results. The surgery typically takes 1–2 hours and is performed under local anaesthesia, with optional sedation for your comfort.
After Surgery:
After surgery, you may experience mild swelling, bruising, and tightness around the upper lip area. This is normal and subsides as healing progresses.
An upper lip lift is a cosmetic surgery that shortens the space between the upper lip and nose, enhancing lip appearance and improving facial proportions.
Good candidates are in good health and have a long upper lip, minimal visible teeth when smiling, or desire a fuller, more youthful lip appearance.
The incision is placed at the base of the nose, where it is naturally concealed. With proper care, scars fade significantly over time.
Most patients return to light activities within a week. Swelling typically resolves within a few weeks, and final results are visible after 3–6 months.
Yes, an upper lip lift can be combined with procedures like rhinoplasty or dermal fillers for a comprehensive facial enhancement.
Yes, the results of an upper lip lift are permanent and unaffected by future filler treatments or natural aging.
Risks
While an upper lip lift is generally safe, potential risks include:
- Swelling and bruising.
- Temporary numbness or tightness in the lip area.
- Scarring (typically well-concealed under the base of the nose).
- Asymmetry or uneven results.
- Infection or delayed wound healing.
Recovery Tips
- Follow Post-Operative Instructions: Dr. Tim will provide detailed aftercare guidelines tailored to your needs.
- Manage Swelling: Use cold compresses to reduce swelling in the initial days.
- Avoid Excessive Lip Movement: For the first week, limit activities such as laughing, chewing hard foods, and speaking excessively.
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Use a gentle mouth rinse as directed to avoid irritation.
- Keep the Area Clean: Gently clean the incision site as instructed to minimise the risk of infection.
- Be Patient. Swelling may take a few weeks to subside, and the final results will become visible after 3–6 months.