Lip Lift
At Elle Aesthetic Arts in Loudoun County, Dr. Larry Lickstein offers lip lift surgery for patients who want to improve the size and proportion of the upper lip as well as those seeking to restore a youthful appearance. Lip lift surgery may be performed as a standalone procedure or as part of a comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan.
What is a Lip Lift?
A lip lift, also known as an upper lip lift or a subnasal lip lift, is a surgical lip enhancement designed to add fullness and definition to the upper lip. The midline area between the base of the nose and the top of the upper lip is called the philtrum. Experts believe that the ideal philtrum length for women is between 11 and 13 millimeters, but the length of the philtrum increases with age.1 When this area is longer than ideal, the natural groove in the middle, called the philtral dimple, flattens. Studies show that we see people with well-defined philtral contours to be more youthful and attractive.2
Lip lift surgery reduces the length of the philtrum in order to restore an ideal philtral length and enhance the philtral dimple. This procedure also raises the vermilion border of the top lip, which results in a fuller-looking pout.
Benefits of Lip Lift Surgery
Lip lift surgery is a permanent enhancement that can:
- Add volume to a thin upper lip
- Reduce or eliminate the need for injectable lip fillers
- Restore a youthful look to the lips
- Add definition to the cupid’s bow
- Improve smile by increasing tooth show
What Does a Lip Lift Involve?
Deciding if a Lip Lift is Right for You
The first step is a consultation appointment with Dr. Lickstein where he will answer any questions you have about lip lift surgery. After examining your face and discussing your aesthetic goals, Dr. Lickstein will explain your options. If a lip lift is right for you he will outline a customized treatment plan and go over any pre-surgical instructions.
The Lip Lift Procedure
If it is not combined with other more comprehensive procedures, a lip lift can be an in-office procedure performed with local anesthesia and completed in less than an hour. Dr. Lickstein will remove a wedge of skin from underneath the nose in order to raise the upper lip. He will typically use a “bullhorn” incision and ensure that the incision follows the contour of the base of the nose so that any scars are camouflaged. Dr. Lickstein will tailor the procedure to meet a patient’s desired look, taking care to customize it for beautiful and natural-looking results.
Lip Lift Recovery
There is little to no downtime required after lip lift surgery. It is normal to experience mild swelling or redness in the week after surgery. Patients may also experience a feeling of tightness in the area for several weeks after surgery, but this effect is temporary. Dr. Lickstein will provide you with detailed post-op care instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your healing and results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lip Lift Surgery
Who is a good candidate for lip lift surgery?
Ideal candidates are in good general health and are seeking to either correct a long upper lip, enhance the cupid’s bow, or to permanently achieve a fuller-looking upper lip.
Is a lip lift permanent?
Yes, unlike lip augmentation with injectable lip fillers, a lip lift is permanent.
What are the risks of lip lift surgery?
While any surgical procedure carries some risk, lip lifting is generally considered to be a safe procedure. Risks include overcorrection, scarring, bleeding, and infection.
Can lip lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes, for older patients a lip lift is often combined with face lift surgery and for younger patients, a lip lift can be performed with other enhancements such as blepharoplasty. Dr. Lickstein offers a full range of cosmetic surgery options and he specializes in creating custom treatment plans that are designed to enhance your individual beauty. If you have multiple aesthetic concerns, he can review your options during your consultation appointment.
What non-surgical treatments are alternatives to lip lift surgery?
Elle Aesthetic Arts offers several options for patients seeking non-surgical lip enhancement. In addition to injectable lip fillers, patients can benefit from skin rejuvenation treatments provided by our highly trained estheticians, to tighten the skin above the upper lip. Ultherapy and the Plasma Pen are both non-surgical skin tightening treatments that can be used to rejuvenate the area around the lips and address a long philtrum.
Why choose Dr. Lickstein for Lip Enhancement?
Choosing an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon is important in order to achieve optimal results. Dr. Larry Lickstein is board-certified and fellowship-trained with a deep level of artistry as well as surgical experience. He is widely known for his personalized approach and natural-looking results. Patients value his attention to detail and his ability to meet their specific needs and aesthetic goals.
Contact Elle Aesthetic Arts
Dr. Lickstein and his team are dedicated to empowering confidence and enhancing natural beauty. Contact us to learn more about lip lift surgery and to schedule your consultation appointment.
1 Modern Aesthetics. Lip Lifts: Rethinking the Role for this Important Procedure. Available: https://modernaesthetics.com/articles/2018-sept-oct/lip-lifts-rethinking-the-role-for-this-important-procedure Accessed December 29, 2022.
2 Diogo Nunes, MD, Gregor Bran, MD, PhD, The Impact of the Philtrum on Facial Attractiveness, Perioral Proportions, and Perceptions of Facial Aging, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 41, Issue 7, July 2021, Pages 816–825, https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjaa174
