LIP LIFT SALT LAKE CITY

Lip Lift Surgery

As we age, the portion of upper lip that lies between the nose and the lip border (vermillion border) tends to get longer,flatter and contour-less, giving it an aged look. This is due to the progressive loss of collagen and elastin in the peri-oral skin, resulting 

The specific aging changes are:

1. Lengethening of the distance between the nose and the upper lip

2. Thinning of the upper and lower lip skin

3. Vertical lip lines

4. Loss of the vermillion border

5. Loss of lip volume

6 Downward turning outer corners of the lips

7. Loss of the cupid’s bow

8. Loss of philtral columns and loss of inter-columnar depression

Dr. Patel will discuss which of these changes may be present and how they can be helped. 

Although these changes are more pronounced with age, in some people they are present from youth to some degree and are familial characteristics (genetic).

Management of these changes include:

1. Surgical lip lift with the incisions placed just inside the nostrils and around the alar cartilages: this helps reduce the vertical distance between the nose and upper lip border and also allows creation of change in lip structure. The scars are pink for some weeks but heal beautifully.

2. Fat grafts are used to give volume to the lips but also the subcutaneous tissues where a subcission is performed to reduce the vertical lip lines.

3. The Co2 laser is a powerful adjunct to improve lip lines, thicken collagen and provide a subtle lift by extending the laser all the way to the vermilion border.

4. Fillers may be used in conjunction with any of the above to give shape to the lips.

5. Surgical facelift techniques help to elevate the corners of the mouth and also to improve the nasolabial and melo-labial folds.

The Lip-Lift Surgery is a relatively small surgical procedure to address this problem and restore a more youthful look.

How is the procedure performed?

Upper lip shortening is a procedure where we remove about 3 or 4 mm of carefully marked, upper lip skin, just beneath the nose. This has the effect of shortening the distance between the nose and the lip border (vermillion)  to give the upper lip a gentle “pout” and restore the “cupid’s bow”. Like upper eyelid surgery, the scar is hidden and is generally very well concealed.

What is the down time?

Initial swelling and bruising associated with this procedure is generally settled with in a week. The sutures are removed at the 5th day after the operation. Potential risks and complications are few and are discussed at the time of the initial consultation. Most patients are able to go back to work within 7 days.

Is it for me?

Upper lip shortening is an effective and relatively simple procedure to restore a more youthful appearance to the upper lip with a well concealed scar. It avoids the excessive “trout pout” appearance seen sometimes when fillers are used in this area. Please see some of the before-and-after photographs above. 

How long do the results last?

Although aging continues, the surgical lift tends to leave the lips up-turned and the vertical distance between the nose and the upper lip shorter and lasts for more than a decade. Lip lines, especially in smokers, may need adjunct and sequential CO2 laser treatments. 

Important: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Before/after photos are for reference purpose only. Individual results may vary.

Note: We always recommend that our patients review all the information presented and think about the options before booking surgery. 

Contact us today to discuss your options. To book an appointment, please click here.

www.englishsurgeon.com: Site of the "English Surgeon" website. Dr. BCK Patel MD, FRCS, Salt Lake City, St. George, Layton, Orem, Mid-Town, Utah; London, England

Originator of London Blepharoplasty, London Facelift, London Browlift, Patel Hammock Lift, SMURF Festoon Correction. Created by Patel Plastic Surgery - Dr. Bhupendra C. K. Patel MD, FRCS

Dr. BCK Patel MD, FRCS 1025E 3300S Salt Lake City, Utah 84106, USA (801) 413-3599 (phone/text) E: in**@pa*****************.com

Dr. BCK Patel MD, FRCS 585 E Riverside Dr Suite 201 Saint George, UT 84790 (435) 215-0014 E: dr********@gm***.com

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