Lip lift surgery in Montgomery, AL

Dermal fillers can be a great option for improving the appearance and sensuousness of the lips, but for those who want a more permanent solution, a lip lift is an excellent choice. By removing a small part of skin just below the nose, the philtrum is shortened. This makes the top lip slightly higher, which helps it to appear fuller, more youthful, and more attractive.

What’s the difference between a lip lift and lip augmentation?

A lip lift is frequently confused with a lip augmentation, but they’re two different treatments. Lip “augmentation” refers to any procedure in which the lips are made fuller. This can be via fillers or implants. However, a lip “lift” does not utilize any outside source to make the lips larger; rather, it pulls up on the philtrum to give the illusion of a fuller lip. Lip augmentation and a lip lift are both very popular and effective, but a lip lift is permanent and doesn’t require any foreign substances in the body — two elements that some patients prefer.

Preparing for lip lift surgery

Before your lip lift, we recommend that you stop using blood thinning medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, Aleve®, etc.) and supplements (fish oil, St. John’s wort, etc.) for two weeks. Taking arnica Montana a few days prior to the procedure may also be useful, as this supplement decreases swelling and bruising.

Lip lift surgery details

A lip lift is done with the patient under local anesthesia and takes approximately one hour. Dr. Raggio or Dr. Cawthon will gently and carefully make an incision and remove a bullhorn-shaped portion of skin just underneath the nose. This pulls up the philtrum, which shortens the space between the bottom of the nose and the top of the lips.

This causes the upper lip to lift. The result is a fuller, more youthful “pout” to the resting lips and smile. Sutures will then be placed along the incision line, making any scars well concealed.

Recovery

Because a lip lift is surgical, it requires some downtime. For most patients, the recovery period is approximately one week. During this time, it’s very important to be careful of your incisions. Try your best not to make “big” movements with your mouth, such as yawning, laughing, or smiling.

Once your sutures are removed (usually one week after surgery), your skin will quickly heal and you’ll be able to wear concealer. The healing period will be different for everyone. While some patients only experience a slight pulling sensation with no real discomfort, others experience swelling, tightness, bruising, and redness at the mouth. These side effects normally subside within two weeks. The incisions take approximately 6 to 8 weeks to appear normal, and swelling should be totally subsided within a month.

Lip lift surgery in Montgomery, AL from ALPRS

As the only fellowship-trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon in the Montgomery, AL region, Dr. Blake Raggio is an excellent choice to perform lip lift surgery. Alabama Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is also proud to have Dr. Thomas Cawthon to perform exceptional facial surgeries. Both doctors bring years of experience, an artistic eye, and a skillful hand to provide extraordinary care and service from every touchpoint — before, during, and after surgery — to achieve results that are beautiful, natural-looking, and durable. To schedule your consultation for a lip lift, we invite you to contact us today.

Blake Raggio

Facial Plastic Surgeon

Alabama Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

© Alabama Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. All Rights Reserved. Web Design & Internet Marketing by Studio III

Privacy Policy

Contact Us