The lip lift is a cosmetic surgery used to give your lips a fuller and more consistent appearance than that achieved with lip fillers. Lip lifts shorten the space between your nose and upper lip, enhancing the symmetry of the overall face.

The procedure is successful for those who want to add height instead of volume to their lips. 

During a lip lift procedure, the philtrum, the space between the nose and the top of the lip, is surgically shortened. Lip lifts are performed as in-office procedures or can be a valuable addition to a comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Shortening the philtrum pulls up the top of the lip so that more of its pink tissue is visible, making the upper lip look fuller and more pronounced. 

Lip lifts are frequently performed in conjunction with facial rejuvenation procedures, as mentioned. However, in recent years, surgeons have modified the cosmetic procedure to make it an appealing stand-alone option for younger patients. It is an excellent option for people who want fuller lips but are tired of going back for multiple injections.

It is recommended you do not eat or drink anything for several hours before surgery. If you are a smoker, you may also be advised to abstain from smoking in the weeks before and after surgery. 

If you have diabetes or are on any blood-thinning medication that may interfere with wound healing, please talk to the doctor during your pre-surgery consultation.

The lip lift procedure is performed in our in-office, state-certified aesthetic surgical center. You will be given local anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the procedure.

Dr. Greco will then remove a small piece of skin from between the nose and mouth, depending on the type of lip lift you get. Sutures are placed to close the incision, which is placed at the base of the nose.

The surgical technique used to perform a lip lift is based on the shape and size you desire for your lips. These techniques form the various types of lip lifts. Dr. Greco will discuss your options for the procedure during your consultation.

A direct lip lift adds definition to the lip border. During the direct lip lift procedure, a thin strip of skin is removed just above the upper lip, and the skin is pulled upwards. This makes the lip look fuller since more of the pink tissue of the lips becomes visible. 

The direct lip lift is also known as the gullwing lip lift. It will leave a scar on the upper lip area.

During a subnasal bullhorn lip lift, Dr. Greco will make an incision below the base of the nose. The incision location, in this case, ensures the scar is hidden. 

The procedure gets its name from the way the incision is shaped like a bullhorn, where the center, right, and left sides of the lip are all pulled up. This is one of the most commonly performed procedures.

The central lip lift is similar to the subnasal bullhorn lift. The difference is that only the center of the lip is lifted during a central lip lift. It is ideal for patients who want a more pronounced cupid’s bow. 

During a corner lip lift, the left and right corners of the lip are lifted surgically using small triangular incisions just above the corners of the lips. This procedure is ideal for patients with drooping lip corners that may give them a sad or frowning appearance.

This type of lip lift is also known as a “grin lift” because it creates the appearance of an always-smiling countenance.

An Italian lip lift is an alternative to the bullhorn lip lift. However, during this lift, only the left and right sides of the lip are lifted using small incisions under both nostrils. This procedure does not typically create any noticeable scar.

Recovery after a lip lift is usually quick and relatively painless. It is normal to have mild swelling and bruising around the surgical site for about a week after the procedure. 

Over-the-counter pain medication can help deal with any discomfort you may feel immediately after the procedure. The sutures used to close the incision will be taken out after five to seven days.

Dr. Greco offers two types of lip-enhancing procedures for patients looking to restore a youthful pout with fuller lips. Although lip lifts and lip augmentation may be occasionally used synonymously, they are two different procedures.

The lip lift is performed by removing a small piece of skin under your nose -- or above your lip -- and reshaping it to create a lifted, youthful look.

On the other hand, lip augmentation is used to plump up the lost volume in your lips. It may be performed using hyaluronic acid-based lip fillers or using surgical implants.

A lip lift is a more comprehensive procedure than lip augmentation. It aims to resolve asymmetry and provides more permanent results. Discuss your options with Dr. Greco during your consultation to know what option is best for you.

Dr. Timothy Greco is Philadelphia’s leading facial plastic surgeon, skilled at all types of cosmetic procedures that help counter the effects of aging. He is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery (ABOto). 

Dr. Greco focuses solely on plastic and reconstructive surgery of the face, head, and neck at his in-office, state-certified aesthetic surgical center. If you're considering a lip lift procedure, Dr. Greco can help!

Get in touch today to schedule a consultation with Philadelphia’s leading facial plastic surgeon. For appointments, call (610) 664-8830 or check the doctor’s schedule online.