Lip Lift

Lip enhancement procedures have been very popular in the last few years, with more and more people getting cosmetic treatments for fuller and lifted lip appearance. Lip enhancement procedures add or restore volume to the lips and define the vertical lines around the lips, at the cupid’s bow. Cosmetic lip procedures can be either surgical or non-surgical, but both cases are considered minimally invasive procedures.

There are two types of lip cosmetic services; Lip Augmentation procedures and Lip Lift procedures. These procedures are divided into different types categories; permanent and non-permanent procedures, or surgical and non-surgical procedures.

On one hand, lip augmentation procedures are usually for those people who want to achieve fuller and softer lips and it can be done either surgical/permanent with lip implants or non-surgical/non-permanent with lip fillers (injections).

On the other hand, lip lift procedures are usually for those people who want to achieve a more defined lip and around-the-mouth shape. The lip lift is a permanent minimally invasive procedure that shortens the space between the nose and the upper lip changing the shape of the mouth area.

In both types of lip cosmetic procedures, the results are impressive and instantly visible. The process is very simple and quick with a low risk of complications.

Lip Lift Procedures

Most people typically have lip injections or lip filler, however, recently lip lift surgery has become increasingly popular as it is an alternative procedure that gives permanent results.

A lip lift is a quick and easy cosmetic surgical procedure that shortens the space between the nose and the upper lip, giving a different shape to the lips and mouth area. Lip lifts enhance and contour the shape of the lips and make the lips look fuller and lifted. This surgery aims to increase the visible area of pink tissue (lip’s skin) making the lips look bigger and more defined.

Suitable candidates for lip lift surgeries are those who want to have permanent results of fuller and lifted lips and want to achieve a different shape of their lips and mouth area. Also, older people whose upper lips have started to sagg due to ageing might want to achieve a youthful and lifted lip look.

There are several types of lip lift surgeries, the surgeon will work with the patient to decide which technique is suitable for their desired results, and expectations while bearing in mind which technique will suit the existing natural characteristics.

The most common types of Lip Lift

Sub-nasal Bullhorn Lift

Sub-nasal Bullhorn lift surgery is the most common lift surgery. The sub-nasal Bullhorn surgery targets the crease directly under the nostrils and extends to the outer sides of the left and right nostrils.

In this surgery, the cosmetic surgeon removes skin from right below the nose and elevates the upper lip closer to the nose. The result of this surgery leaves a shorter space between the nose and the upper lip making the lips look fuller and enlarged.

The sub-nasal Bullhorn lift surgery gives permanent results and more natural lips as the shape of the mouth area change completely.

The surgery lasts for about 45 to 60 minutes and it is performed under local anaesthesia. The patient can go back home the same day after having the surgery.

Direct Lip Lift

Direct lip lift, also known as Gullwing lift, creates a more defined and contoured upper lip border. In this surgery, a thin part of the skin above the upper lip is removed and the skin is pulled upwards to create a more defined vermillion.

This surgery aims to make the upper lip look fuller and gives a more pronounced vermilion and contoured lips. It also shortens the distance between the nose and the upper lip.

The surgery is usually performed under local anaesthesia and lasts for about 60 to 90 minutes. This procedure usually leaves a scar on the upper lip area, and most people use makeup to cover it.

Central Lip Lift

A central lip lift surgery is very similar to the sub-nasal Bullhorn lift surgery, as it aims to make the area between the nose and the upper lip shorter making the lips look fuller and lifted.

The main difference between the central lip lift and the sub-nasal Bullhorn lift is that in this surgery only one single incision is made at the base of the nose where the central part of the upper lip is lifted. The results of this surgery are not usually as impressive as the sub-nasal Bullhorn as the sides are not lifted.

The surgery lasts for about 45 to 60 minutes and it is performed under local anaesthesia. The patient can go back home the same day after having the surgery.

Italian Lip Lift

The Italian lip lift is very similar to the sub-nasal Bullhorn lift surgery, with the main difference on the incisions made. In Italian lip lift, two incisions are made at the base of each nostril.

This surgery aims to create more pronounced vertical raised lines located on the upper lip’s dip (philtrum columns). This gives a more defined shape to the upper lip and also makes the distance between the nose and upper lip shorter.

The Italian lip lift surgery duration is about 45 to 60 minutes and is typically performed under local anaesthesia. The patient will be able to return home the same day after the procedure.

What are the possible complications of Lip Lifts?

Lip lift surgeries are usually very safe and have a very low risk of complications or side effects. However, as with every surgical procedure, even if it is minimally invasive can have some potential complications or considerations, these include:

• Infection and bleeding (at the sites of incisions)
• Bruising, loss of sensation, redness or swelling on the lips/mouth area
• The lips may feel tight
• Negative reaction to anaesthesia
• Asymmetry
• Unsatisfactory or poor results
• Full recovery of the lips might take up to 6 months – but typically takes 1-2 weeks to recover from pain or swelling

What is the cost of Lip Lift?

Comparing lip lift surgeries with other cosmetic surgeries, lip lifts are more affordable and easily accessible by many people. The price of a lip lift surgery typically ranges between £1990-£2700 for the upper lip and starts at £5400 for both lips.

Lip lift surgery as well as most cosmetic surgeries are not available on the NHS.