The skin of the upper lip can appear disproportionately long. A lip lift is the procedure used to remove to reduce the length of the lip, leading to a more harmonious and balanced face. A desirable consequence of this is that it will give some increase in the actual lip show, often creating a fuller lip appearance.
This technique may be combined with a w plasty mucosal advancement to further enhance the lip fullness.
view printable patient information
As every patient has unique concerns and goals, a detailed consultation with a consultant plastic surgeon is essential before undergoing lip lift surgery. During the consultation, your surgeon will discuss any problem areas, desired improvements, options available (including no treatment at all) and expected outcomes.
Should lip lift surgery be agreed upon as the most suitable course of treatment, the procedure will be carried out in our newly refurbished operating theatre.
After careful evaluation and a discussion regarding the desired result, the treatment area is very precisely marked, and reference lines are drawn. Following the administration of local anaesthetic, a sliver of skin is removed from beneath the nose. The incisions are planned so that the resulting scar will sit close to the folds beneath the nose. When the desired reduction is achieved, the wounds are carefully sutured, and antibiotic cream is applied.
Minor swelling can be expected for a couple of days after surgery and the lip may look tight. This quickly settles as healing progresses.
Lip fillers may be used after six weeks.
The incision is placed around the natural crease beneath the nose. The shape and depth of this crease differs from individual to individual, therefore the ability to hide the scar in the fold varies. A small scar will always be visible and will usually settle as a fine line. As with scars in other locations, a small group of people have a genetic susceptibility to forming lumpy scars that may be more noticeable.
Following your lip lift procedure, the surgical area will be a little swollen and may lightly bruise. Antibiotic ointment should be applied sparingly once a day. The sutures are carefully removed after five days, and light tapes are applied to support the wounds for a couple of days to give them time to strengthen.
You will be given full advice on scar management at your appointment.
Upper Lip
Application of local anaesthetic at the treatment site ensures total comfort for the duration of the procedure
90 minutes
Following the administration of local anaesthetic, a sliver of skin is removed from beneath the nose, when the desired reduction is achieved the wounds are carefully sutured and antibiotic cream is applied.
Removal of skin reduces the length of the lip, leading to a more harmonious and balanced face
Minor swelling can be expected for a couple of days after surgery and the lip may look tight. This quickly settles as healing progresses
Excess skin is permanently removed
From£2,495
