Excess skin and subcutaneous tissue is remove raising the lip by as much as one third of an inch. The result can be very flattering for the properly selected patient. Two types of lip lift surgery are available. One involves and incision made in the lip itself and requires removal of a strip of skin above the lip. This procedure can result in unattractive scars, and we do not recommend it at our center, except in unusual cases, or in older patients who are not as likely to form thick scars.
Skin is removed beneath the nose resulting in elevation of the lip.
The incision is closed with very fine absorbable suture. The scar is inconspicuous after healing. Early redness can be covered with make up. For the first few weeks, there is an exaggerated look due to the swelling, but that usually settles quickly. Complications are uncommon with this operation but could include infection, wound separation or unsatisfactory scarring.