BEYOND Collective offers upper lip lifts in Nashville to men and women who desire natural-looking, fuller lips. Learn more about this popular facial plastic surgery by contacting our talented team today.
What Is an Upper Lip Lift?
An upper lip lift in Nashville is a surgical cosmetic procedure in which a small amount of skin is removed from under the nose. The upper lip is lifted to give the illusion of added volume and provides a more youthful appearance. As aging occurs, the upper lip lengthens and loses volume. This technique shortens the space between the upper lip and nose, making the upper lip appear more full and youthful.
What Are the Benefits of an Upper Lip Lift?
Benefits of getting a Nashville upper lip lift with Dr. Olivia MaDan at BEYOND Collective include:
- Youthful-looking lips
- The appearance of increased volume and “lip flip”
- Avoids use of implants or dermal fillers in the lips
How Is an Upper Lip Lift Performed?
Your upper lip lift surgery in Nashville can be performed under local anesthesia. Some patients are more comfortable with IV sedation in the surgery center. This is to ensure you remain as comfortable and pain-free as possible throughout the duration of your upper lip lift procedure. Dr. MaDan will then make the necessary incisions around your nose and mouth, removing a small amount of skin and tightening facial muscles, to create your desired look. The incision is well-hidden in the base of the nose. This technique will be completely tailored to your current features and your desired results. Dr. MaDan will be able to go over the more specific details of your upper lip lift during the time of your consultation.
What Is the Recovery Time for an Upper Lip Lift?
Because the upper lip lift is a surgical procedure, patients in Nashville usually take between five and seven days to make a full initial recovery. During this time, you may experience swelling, bruising and discomfort around your treated areas. Most discomfort will likely subside after 72 hours, at which time most patients return to their normal daily activities including work. We ask that you do not resume any physical activity until Dr. MaDan gives you clearance, as it will contribute to excess swelling.
Lip Lift FAQ’s
How long does lip lift last?
A lip lift should provide long-lasting results to rejuvenate the lower face. The ideal longevity of results is usually around 10 years. A lip lift does not stop the aging process. The same factors contributing to the elongation of your upper lip with age (loss of bone mass, effects of gravity, genetics, etc) are still in play. Minimizing environmental exposures (UV, nicotine, etc.) and using a medical-grade skincare routine can improve your overall skin health and protect the investment you’ve made in yourself.
What is the recovery process for lip lift treatment?
The surgical site will be closed with a combination of dissolvable and permanent stitches. The permanent stitches are usually blue or black. These sutures are removed around 5 days post-op. The incision and suture line should be cleaned twice a day and covered with a thin layer of antibiotic ointment. A half-strength peroxide-water solution can be used to clean any crusts.
Post-operative restrictions include avoiding strenuous activities and exercise for 2 weeks. Avoid all sun exposure to the scar for as long as possible. Our medical scar regimen consists of topical therapy with SPF. Immediate swelling is normal due to the amount of local anesthetic used for the procedure. Post-surgical swelling usually peaks at 72 hours and will gradually improve. Mild bruising is not uncommon. Lingering effects of the local anesthetic may make articulation and use of your upper lip more difficult. It is important to avoid foods of extreme temperatures until the numbness has worn off.
Your lip may feel tight at rest, and when smiling, this is expected and will subside as the tissues soften and heal.
Am I a good candidate for a lip lift?
An ideal candidate for a lip lift is a healthy patient who desires a shorter upper lip length. There is no age requirement/limit for a lip lift. Young patients may have a longer upper lip simply due to genetics. Older patients have lost bone mass behind the upper lip, which gradually lengthens as we age. The lip lift is a powerful procedure that can rejuvenate the entire lower face. We believe it is one of the most underutilized surgical procedures for facial aging and facial harmony.
What can I expect during a lip lift procedure?
The lip lift is a surgical procedure extremely well tolerated in the office. You will receive oral medication to keep you comfortable and relaxed. Topical and injectable anesthetic is used to numb the area. While you will feel pressure, you should not feel any pain during the procedure. A small piece of skin at the base of your nose is removed. The deeper structures are often lifted and suspended before the placement of the final stitches. Sometimes, a corner lift is also performed. Incision placement is along the vermilion border or natural line of your red lip. A combination of dissolvable and permanent stitches is placed precisely and meticulously to ensure a thin, inconspicuous scar. The permanent stitches may be blue or black in color and are removed around the 5th day after your surgery. These stitches ensure minimal inflammation during the healing process.
Immediate swelling is normal due to the amount of local anesthetic used for the procedure. Post-surgical swelling usually peaks at 72 hours and will gradually improve. Mild bruising is not uncommon. Lingering effects of the local anesthetic may make articulation and use of your upper lip more difficult. It is important to avoid foods of extreme temperatures until the numbness has worn off.
What are the different types of lip lifts?
Some lip lifts differ from others with scar placement within the nasal sill. We prefer to avoid the nasal sill as it can become flattened or obliterated, resulting in an unnatural appearance. Some lip lifts include a corner lift. We use anatomic measurements, including the nasal base width and upper lip length, to determine if a corner lift is indicated. The corner lip lift scar is located along the vermilion border of the upper lip.
Will a lip lift change my smile?
Initially, your smile may feel or look different due to post-operative swelling and the natural healing process. Swelling will decrease and the tissues will soften over time. Your smile will still look the same but may show more upper teeth. Your lip lift results will reveal a youthful lower face when smiling, talking, laughing, and resting.
Schedule Your Upper Lip Lift Procedure in Nashville
If you are looking for a plastic surgeon for your upper lip lift in Nashville, Brentwood, Hendersonville, Franklin, Smyrna, and the nearby areas of Tennessee, entrust your care to Dr. MaDan, a plastic surgeon with more than 10 years of experience. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.