How much does lip lift hurt?

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Dr. Majewski will recommend the best choice for you.

The goal of the lip lift procedure is to remove excess skin in the upper lip area, thereby shortening its vertical length. There are two techniques that can be used. In the first technique, an incision is made along the red lip border (also called a lip roll), from which a small section of the skin can be removed.

Because this first technique is more likely to create visible scars in some patients, most surgeons prefer to use a different technique called a subnasale lip lift. In this approach, an incision is based below the nose, which creates a less prominent scar. The excess skin is removed, then the upper lift is lifted by attaching the cut edges together using sutures.

The sutures are placed in layers (beneath the surface of the skin) to ensure that the lip maintains its proper shape. Then, Dr. Majewski carefully aligns the skin edges and sutures them together to make the incision as undetectable as possible.

Lip Lift Surgery is an aesthetic plastic surgery procedure that enhances the length and shape of your upper lip. Many factors lead to loss of upper lip volume and plumpness that makes it look too thin compared to your overall facial features. This can make you look older than you really are.

Genetics, age, hormonal imbalances, and environmental factors can lead to an aged, longand sagging upper lip or longer philtrum. The upper lip lift treats sagging, disproportionate, and poorly shaped upper lip area. This helps show more of your upper teeth and can help you look younger.

When discussing this surgery, the upper lip refers to the area between the nose’s central pole and the rosy-pink area of the lip. The area is generally between 12 to 15 millimetres. However, if the area is above 15 millimetres, it can be corrected with a bullhorn upper lip lift surgery.

Dr Michael Kernohan is a specialist plastic surgeon and top facial surgeon in Southwest Sydney and Southern Highlands. Find out more about what an upper lip lift procedure involves, the recovery time, the benefits and risks of surgery.

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What is Upper Lip Lift?

An Upper Lip lift can alter the change and enhance the size/shape of your lips, without the need to undergo repeated lip filler injections. The lip surgery will reduce the size of your philtrum and improve your overall facial proportions while minimising the signs of ageing.

This rejuvenating facial procedure helps reveal your upper teeth and enhances your smile. Many cosmetic dentists recommend the procedure to help show off your teeth.

There are multiple lip lift procedures available that alter the shape and volume of your upper lips. A bullhorn lip lift is one of the most popular procedures. A curved incision line is created along the nostril area that reduces the philtrum. The surgery can sometimes be combined with lip filler or other lip augmentation procedures and can have a rejuvenating effect on your face and smile.

Are You the Right Candidate for Upper Lip Lift Procedure?

A lip lift procedure is a cosmetic procedure that can enhance the overall appearance of your lips and face. Before you decide to undergo the procedure, you have to meet certain eligibility criteria. You are an ideal candidate for the procedure if:

You are dissatisfied with the appearance of your elongated philtrum
You do not like the appearance of your thin lips
You want your lips to look naturally plump and want to avoid using more lip fillers
You are in a physically and mentally healthy condition
You do not smoke or can quit it for a specified duration
You have realistic expectations from the treatment
The space between your nose and upper lip is longer than 1.5 centimetres

“If the area between the nose and the upper lip seems too long and your upper lip too thin, you might just be a good candidate for the upper lip lift surgery. The procedure is performed in about half an hour and the results can completely change your facial harmony.”
Dr Michael Kernohan Plastic Surgeon in Campbelltown, Sydney

Benefits of Upper Lip Lift Surgery

Some of the benefits of upper lip lift surgery include:

This procedure can dramatically improve your smile and make your face more harmonious
The surgery can reduce the appearance of wrinkled and sagging skin below the nostrils and minimize the ageing appearance of the face
It can minimise the prominence of your ‘bottom teeth’ when you smile if it is caused by an elongated philtrum
The lip lift procedure will reveal more of your upper teeth if they are hidden due to an elongated philtrum
It will improve your overall facial appearance and make you look youthful
The surgery can also reduces the impression of having a protruding lower jawline/ lower teeth-line when covered by a sagging or elongated philtrum
The surgery can dramatically improve the appearance of your lower face by creating balance between the upper, mid and lower face
Your lips can appear fuller or plumper, yet very natural after the treatment

The Upper Lip Lift Surgical Journey

Consultation with Dr Kernohan

The first step of your lip lift journey, like in the case of any other procedure, is consultation. During this initial consultation, you should be honest with Dr Kernohan about your expectations and goals regarding the surgery. During this time, Dr Kernohan will ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and will also provide you with a quote.

Lip Lift Procedure

The upper lip lift surgery can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. The procedure will begin with the administration of local anaesthesia that is sometimes coupled with intravenous sedation. You will be allowed to go home on the same day of the surgery.

Dr Kernohan will create an incision just below the nose. Then a portion of skin will be removed below the nose to shorten the distance between your nose and upper lip. This will elevate your lip. The incision will be closed with the help of absorbable sutures and you will be allowed to return home on the same day.

Recovery from Upper Lip Lift

The recovery phase after Upper Lip Lift is pretty simple and straightforward. The stitches will dissolve on their own in about a week and the recovery period lasts only about two weeks.

It is advised to stay at home and rest as much as you possibly can for the first few days post-surgery. Stay clear of all sorts of strenuous exercises during this time as it can put excessive pressure on your wounds and interfere with the healing process.

Stay clear of smoking as it can increase the risk of infections and lead to prominent scarring. Be very careful while sleeping and avoid putting pressure on your incisions.

Avoid opening your mouth really wide and yawning for at least the first two weeks after the surgery as it can complicate the healing process. Impaired healing will alter the results and ruin the outcome.

Moreover, Dr Kernohan will hand you over a list of instructions and precautions to follow post-surgery. It is important to stick to all of the instructions and use a smaller toothbrush while brushing your teeth. Keep your lips moisturised at all times.

Do not consume alcohol for at least 4 weeks post the procedure and avoid eating anything for at least six hours post the procedure. Make sure you attend the follow-up appointment to ensure you are healing at the right pace.

Upper Lip Lift Surgery Before and After Photos

Taking a look at previous upper lip lift procedures can help see the expertise of a specific surgeon, and Dr Kernohan is no exception. You can see photos of upper lip lifts when you visit Dr Kernohan’s clinic.

Risks/ Complications of Upper Lip Lift Procedure

Some of the possible risks and complications include allergic reaction to anaesthesia, bleeding, accumulation of blood, nerve damage, visible scarring, and poor wound healing.

Most of the risks/complications can be minimised greatly if you choose the right surgeon and follow all the pre/post-care instructions religiously. Dr Kernohan will discuss the potential risks in detail so that you can weigh the pros and cons of the surgery and determine whether the procedure is the right fit for you or not.

Check the plastic surgery risks page for more details.

Results of the Upper Lip Lift Surgery

Lip lifts are an elective cosmetic procedure that can make your lip appear more pronounced and plump. The results of the treatment are natural-looking, permanent and won’t regarded as long lasting.

Upper Lip Lift Costs Sydney – How much is Upper Lip Lift Surgery in Sydney?

The cost of upper lip lift surgery varies significantly based on what needs to be done. It has to be performed in an accredited hospital thetre under local anaesthesia.

Book a consultation to get a customised surgery quote done prior to performing the procedure. Post the consultation, Dr Kernohan will give you a precise cost with all the charges.

The average cost of the procedure will be around $5,000 to $10,000 based on the hospital and the location.

Learn more about plastic surgery fees on Dr Kernohan’s pricing page.

Alternatively, you can contact Dr Kernohan’s team for a price estimate or to set up an appointment today.

How to Find the Best Upper Lip Lift Surgeon in Sydney

An upper lip lift surgery isn’t as complicated as most cosmetic surgery procedures. However, it is important to choose a facial plastic surgeon who has the right skills and expertise to perform the surgery.

Always choose a specialist plastic surgeon who has the experience and good reviews. Your surgeon should be highly skilled as it greatly minimises the risks and complications.

Surgeons who have extensive experience in performing bullhorn lip lifts can deliver better results compared to doctors who have little to no experience performing this procedure.

1. Do Your Own Research

If you have just started your search, it is best to look up the surgeons in your area and visit their websites one by one. The website is like a portfolio for surgeons. You will be able to find all sorts of valuable information about the surgeon’s background.

That will give you something to work with during the consultation. Make sure that the surgeon has private hospital privileges as this speaks volumes about the credibility of the surgeon. Avoid any so-called ‘cosmetic surgeon’ operating in a backroom clinic or day surgery centre.

2. Read Reviews Online and Offline

Ask your local GP to refer you to a plastic surgeon, ask around in your circle of friends and see if somebody has gotten an upper lip lift surgery, read their reviews online and you will surely be able to find a couple of surgeons that fit your requirements.

3. Trust Your Instinct

During the consultation, ask all the questions you have and make sure you are fully satisfied with the answers you get. Your gut can tell you a lot about a surgeon.

How painful is a lip lift?

Lip Lift surgery is not painful. We administer a local anesthetic into the upper lip area to begin the process. This works quickly to numb deeper layers of the skin and the superficial tissue that will be repositioned for a more youthful appearance.

How long does lip lift surgery take?

In most cases, this process is performed under local anesthesia but can be under IV sedation and takes about one hour to complete. Since aging will not cause the lips to return to their natural position after a lip lift, you can expect your upper lift to remain lush once you've undergone this procedure.

Are lip lifts risky?

Bullhorn lip lifts are usually done under local anesthesia and are considered safe and effective. As with all elective surgeries, there are risks and potential complications, including: scarring. bleeding.

Is a lip lift easy?

As far as cosmetic surgeries go, a lip lift is relatively simple for you. It's done in the office under local anesthesia, and the procedure takes 45 minutes to an hour. Any surgical scars are well hidden under the nose. However, although it's a relatively quick procedure, expect it to require some healing time.