Lip Lift: Types, Surgery, Recovery & Scars
Lip Lift: Types, Surgery, Recovery & Scars
A well-defined lip contour and a youthful smile are central features of facial harmony. As the years pass, the skin in the mid-face loses elasticity, which typically lengthens the space between the bottom of the nose and the top of the lip. This change can cause the upper lip to thin and turn inward, often hiding the teeth when smiling.
While dermal fillers are a popular temporary solution, a lip lift offers a permanent surgical alternative to restore facial proportions. Dr Levente Deak provides expert facial rejuvenation in Dubai for patients seeking a more youthful, naturally voluminous appearance.
What is a lip lift?
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the space between the nose and the upper lip, an area known as the philtrum. By removing a small strip of skin, the surgeon elevates the vermilion border, allowing more of the pink part of the lip to show. This results in an increase in lip height rather than just volume, providing a more defined cupid’s bow and better dental show.
Unlike fillers, which add volume but can sometimes create an unnatural look when overused, lip lift surgery addresses the mid-face’s structural anatomy. It is particularly effective for those who feel their upper lip is too long or those who find that fillers no longer provide the desired aesthetic result.
Exploring the types of lip lifts
Every face is different, which is why there is no single method for refreshing your appearance. Dr Levente Deak will look at your specific features and goals before recommending the right type of lip lifts to help you achieve a balanced look.
- Bullhorn lip lift (Subnasal lip lift): Considered the gold standard of lip lifts, this technique involves a single, bullhorn-shaped incision made at the subnasal base to elevate both the central and lateral portions of the upper lip.
- Central lip lift: This focused procedure utilises an incision at the base of the nose to specifically target and lift the cupid’s bow, enhancing the central lip contour.
- Corner lip lift: Aimed at correcting a permanent downturned expression, this lift elevates the lateral commissures of the mouth to create a more neutral or slightly upward-turned smile.
- Gullwing lip lift (Direct lip lift): In this procedure, an incision is made directly along the vermilion border in a gullwing shape to increase the vertical height and definition of the upper lip.
- Italian lip lift: A more conservative approach that employs two separate incisions beneath each nostril to lift the outer peaks of the lip without altering the central philtrum.
- V to Y lip lift (V-Y advancement): This intraoral technique involves a V-shaped incision that is advanced and sutured into a Y-shape to increase lip volume and projection from within.
What to expect during lip lift surgery?
Understanding the surgical process is essential for any patient considering facial enhancement. Lip lift surgery is generally an outpatient procedure using a local anaesthetic.
However, general anaesthesia is often utilised when the surgery is combined with rhinoplasty or other facial enhancements. The surgery usually takes between 45 to 90 minutes. Dr Levente Deak carefully marks the area to ensure symmetry and natural proportions.
After the skin removal phase is complete, the incisions are precisely closed with fine-gauge sutures to facilitate a discreet and seamless recovery. Because the procedure is precise and minimally invasive compared to a full facelift, the physiological stress on the body is relatively low.
Lip lift before and after
Recovery and lip lift post-surgery care
Proper post-operative care is vital for securing long-lasting results and promoting a smooth healing process after your lip lift. Most patients experience swelling and bruising in the first 72 hours, which are normal parts of the inflammatory response.
- The first week: Patients should stick to soft foods and avoid opening the mouth too wide, such as laughing or yawning aggressively. Cold compresses can help manage initial swelling.
- Suture removal: Sutures are typically removed within five to seven days.
- Activity levels: While you can return to desk work within a week, strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least two to three weeks to prevent increased blood pressure from affecting the incision site.
Dr Levente Deak provides a comprehensive aftercare protocol, including instructions on how to keep the incision clean to prevent infection and promote seamless healing.
Managing lip lift scars
A common concern for many patients is the visibility of lip lift scars. Strategic placement of the incision within the natural subnasal crease ensures that the scar remains discreet and easily masked by the contours of the face. In the first few weeks, the scar may appear slightly pink or raised.
However, with proper scar management, such as silicone gels and strict sun protection, the mark typically fades into a very fine, nearly invisible white line over six to twelve months. The best way to ensure your scars heal as neatly as possible is to choose a highly experienced facial plastic surgeon who knows how to manage skin tension during the procedure.
Why choose Dr Levente Deak for lip lift surgery in Dubai?
Facial surgery requires a deep understanding of both aesthetics and function. As a specialist in both ENT and facial plastic surgery, Dr Levente Deak approaches every procedure with a focus on harmony. His goal is never to create an operated look, but rather to restore the natural, youthful proportions of your face.
Whether you are looking for a subtle enhancement or a significant rejuvenation, your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific facial structure. Book an appointment now.
Some Quick FAQs
A lip lift serves as a permanent anatomical adjustment to the lip area, whereas non-surgical fillers are temporary and must be reapplied periodically to maintain their effect. Furthermore, fillers add volume, while a lip lift changes the actual position and height of the lip. For patients with a long philtrum, fillers can sometimes make the lip look heavier rather than more youthful.
The procedure itself is painless as it is performed under anaesthesia. During the recovery phase, patients may feel tightness or mild discomfort, which is managed with standard medication.
The results are considered permanent. While your skin will continue to age naturally over the decades, the philtrum will remain shorter than it would have been without the surgery.
Yes. Combining a lip lift with rhinoplasty is very common. Since both procedures involve the base of the nose, performing them together allows the surgeon to harmonise the transition between the nose and the mouth perfectly.
A lip lift typically increases incisal show, meaning more of your teeth are visible when you smile or speak. This is generally considered a hallmark of a youthful smile.
As with any surgery, risks include infection or asymmetry. However, these are rare when the procedure is performed by a qualified facial plastic surgeon. Following the post-operative instructions is the best way to mitigate these risks.
