Our Practice

Lip Lift

This surgical procedure helps patients gain the appearance of fuller, more youthful lips by reducing the length of the upper lip. The incision is artistically designed and hidden underneath the nose.

What is a Lip Lift?

During a lip lift procedure, Dr. Karimi creates a small incision in the lip area or under the nose and cuts off excess skin to lift and enhance the appearance of the lips, cupid’s bow or other sagging and misshapen areas of the mouth. The upper teeth can then be seen more readily when the patient smiles after an upper lip lift procedure prevents drooping lips from hiding the teeth.

Benefits

A reduction of the length of one’s upper lip everts the upper lip, providing the appearance of more youthful and fuller lips.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER

Directly following your lip lift surgery, there might be a slightly uncomfortable feeling as the mouth swells and feels tight. After a few days or one week, the swelling should dissipate sharply, as almost all swelling should go away within four weeks.

How long will it last?

The results from lip lift are permanent; however, if a patient wants to make a subtle change or tweak to the finished product, they may look at revision lip lift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR A LIP LIFT?

  • Healthy people who want to change their upper lip line and how it affects their smiles
  • People who seek facial rejuvenation as part of feminization or masculinization procedures
  • Those who have an area at the bottom of the nose to the top lip’s vermilion line that is longer than the 1.5 cm ideal length
  • Patients who discover their lipstick bleeds easily beyond the lip line and into wrinkles – Folks who find that the downturned corners of their mouths give them expressions that seem to displease
  • Individuals who want a better balance in size and shape between their upper and lower lips
  • People who desire a more lifted Cupid’s bow and an appearance of fuller lips 
  • Participants who do not want to achieve lip enhancement via temporary dermal fillers
  • Consumers who want permanent results that are visible immediately after surgery
  • Patients who have enough of a lengthy upper lip area whereby excess skin removal is possible

Q: HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A LIP LIFT?

A: Prior to having a lip lift, there are several steps involved to ensure a successful procedure. This procedure can be done under local anesthesia; however, if you prefer a light sedation, you will need consent from your primary care physician. During your consultation, we provide you with a list of preoperative and post-op instructions. Some of the steps to take to prepare for your brow lift involve you stopping any smoking several weeks prior and following your lip lift, and avoiding any medications and supplements that thin the blood a couple of weeks before surgery. Additionally, we ask that you have someone provide transportation to and from the procedure as well as stay with you for the first 24-48 hours following your lip lift.

Q: WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE APPOINTMENT?

A: On the day of your procedure, you will meet with Dr. Karimi before the start of the procedure to discuss the gameplan. Dr. Karimi will plan incision sites and measure the degree of lift needed for optimal results. If you have a ride home, you will be provided medication to relax. Dr. Karimi will numb the treatment area with local anesthetic. This is the only part of the procedure you will feel; however, most patients do not find it painful. Excess upper skin is expertly removed by Dr. Karimi and he will use sutures that will need to be removed 5-7 days later.

Q: HOW LONG DOES A LIP LIFT PROCEDURE TAKE?

A: The entire procedure, including pre-treatment and post-treatment discussion and care, takes approximately 60-90 minutes under local anesthesia. This time may extend by 45-minutes if the patient prefers to have it under sedation.

Q: WHEN WILL I SEE THE RESULTS?

A: Results will be observed immediately after the procedure. However, peak of swelling occurs 2-3 days after surgery. There may be residual swelling for up to two weeks.

Q: WHAT IS THE COST OF A LIP LIFT?

A: The cost of a lip lift is different with each patient as it takes into consideration the method used, the extent of the procedure, and whether it is done in conjunction with another facial surgery procedure. During your consultation, we will review the costs along with payment and financing options.

Q: WILL I HAVE SCARS AFTER?

A: The scar of a lip lift is visible for 2 weeks. It will appear a little pink and can be easily covered up with make-up. Scars on the face heal really well in comparison to the body. It is unlikely to have a poor scar; however, if the scar is healing slowly there are medications and/or lasers that can be used to speed up the recovery of the scar.

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