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Precision Lip Enhancement From Experts

With experience performing thousands of facial surgeries and a commitment to natural-looking results, Athēnix helps patients in Brentwood achieve beautifully enhanced lips that complement their unique features. Our AAAHC-certified surgical centers provide the safety, technology, and care you deserve throughout your aesthetic journey.

Before & After Clinical Imagery

All clinical Before & After Images represent real Athēnix Patient Results. None of the results have been edited or modified outside of cropping or placement of watermark.

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What Is a Lip Lift?

Unlike lip fillers, which add volume, lip lift surgery changes the actual shape and position of your lips by removing a small amount of skin beneath the nose and elevating the upper lip. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, this procedure enhances the natural curves of the lips and increases the amount of visible pink lip tissue (the vermillion).

The science behind lip lift surgery involves understanding the aging process and anatomy of the perioral region. As we age, the upper lip elongates, and the vermillion border becomes less defined, creating a thinner appearance. The distance from the nose to the upper lip border (measured as the "cutaneous lip") should ideally be 13-15 millimeters in women and slightly longer in men. Lip lift surgery strategically removes tissue to restore these youthful proportions while maintaining natural lip movement and function.

Benefits of Lip Lift Surgery

Patients who choose lip lift surgery at Athēnix enjoy numerous aesthetic improvements:

  • Creates fuller-looking lips without injectable fillers
  • Reveals more of the pink portion of the upper lip
  • Enhances the natural cupid's bow and lip definition
  • Shortens an elongated upper lip for better facial proportions
  • Provides permanent results that don't require maintenance
  • Creates a more youthful appearance in the lower face
  • Improves smile aesthetics by showing more upper teeth when smiling
  • Complements other facial rejuvenation procedures beautifully
  • Offers natural-looking enhancement that maintains lip function

Are You a Candidate for Lip Lift Surgery?

Lip lift surgery may be right for you if you:

  • Have a long upper lip (more than 15-16 millimeters from nose to lip border)
  • Notice thin-looking lips despite having adequate lip volume
  • Want to show more of your upper lip when smiling
  • Desire permanent lip enhancement without ongoing filler maintenance
  • Have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes
  • Are in good overall health without conditions impairing healing
  • Do not have active cold sores or lip infections
  • Understand that a small scar will be present beneath the nose

Why Choose Athēnix for Your Lip Lift?

Selecting Athēnix for lip lift surgery means choosing:

  • Surgical Precision: Our board-certified plastic surgeons have completed extensive training in facial plastic surgery at prestigious institutions. They understand the intricate anatomy of the lip region and use meticulous technique to create beautiful, natural results.
  • Customized Approach: We offer several lip lift techniques and tailor the procedure to your unique lip anatomy, facial proportions, and aesthetic goals, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
  • Natural-Looking Results: Our philosophy emphasizes enhancing your natural lip shape and proportions rather than creating an artificial or overdone appearance. We preserve your ability to smile, speak, and show expression naturally.
  • Comprehensive Care: From initial consultation through complete healing, our patient care coordinators and clinical staff provide attentive support, answering questions and ensuring you feel confident throughout your journey.
  • Advanced Facilities: Every Athēnix location is AAAHC-certified, meeting rigorous standards for patient safety, equipment quality, and surgical excellence.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Lip Lift

Consultation and Cost

Your lip lift starts with a comprehensive consultation at our Brentwood practice. Your surgeon will examine your lip anatomy, measure proportions, discuss your goals, and review your medical history.

Lip lift surgery typically costs between $3,000 and $5,000, though pricing varies based on the specific technique used and whether you combine it with other procedures. We provide transparent cost estimates and offer financing options to accommodate your budget.

Procedure Steps

On surgery day, you'll arrive at our AAAHC-certified surgical center, where our team will prepare you for your procedure.

Lip lift surgery typically takes 45 minutes to one hour under local anesthesia with optional sedation. Your surgeon will carefully mark the incision line along the base of your nose, following the natural curves for optimal camouflage.

They make a precise incision, remove a calculated strip of skin, and elevate the upper lip to the planned position. The incision is meticulously closed with fine sutures to minimize scarring. Some surgeons use absorbable sutures, while others use non-absorbable sutures that are removed after about five days.

Recovery and Results Timeline

You'll go home the same day with detailed aftercare instructions and any necessary medications. Expect moderate swelling and bruising around the lip and nose area for the first few days. Most patients experience tightness and some numbness, which gradually resolve over several weeks. According to the Cleveland Clinic, most swelling subsides within two weeks, though subtle swelling may persist for several weeks longer.

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Types of Lip Lift Procedures

  • Subnasal Lip Lift (Bullhorn Lip Lift): The most common technique involves an incision hidden along the base of the nose. Removes skin from the center and lateral portions of the upper lip.
  • Corner Lip Lift: Targets the corners of the mouth to address downturned lips that create a sad or aged expression. Removes small triangles of skin at the mouth corners.
  • Italian Lip Lift: Makes two vertical incisions beneath each nostril rather than one continuous incision. May result in more visible scarring, but provides excellent central lip elevation.
  • Direct Lip Lift: Removes skin directly above the lip border. This technique is less commonly used due to more visible scarring, but may be appropriate for certain patients.

Related Procedures to Consider

Many patients combine lip lift with complementary treatments, such as:

  • Lip Filler: Can be used conservatively after lip lift surgery to add volume while the lift provides shape and positioning.
  • Chin Augmentation: Improves facial balance and proportions when addressing the lower face.
  • Rhinoplasty: Comprehensive harmony between the nose and lips for optimal aesthetic results.
  • Facelift or Neck Lift: Complete facial rejuvenation for patients addressing multiple signs of aging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my lip lift scar be visible?

How is a lip lift different from lip filler?

Can I still smile naturally after lip lift surgery?

Can men get lip lift surgery?

Will my lip lift scar be visible?

The incision is carefully placed in the natural crease at the base of your nose, where it's well-camouflaged. With proper care and time, scars typically heal to a thin, barely noticeable line. Most patients find that their scar is easily concealed with minimal makeup after a few months.

How is a lip lift different from lip filler?

Lip filler adds volume to the lips using injectable hyaluronic acid and requires maintenance every 6-12 months. Lip lift surgery permanently changes the shape and position of your lips by shortening the upper lip and revealing more pink tissue.

Can I still smile naturally after lip lift surgery?

Yes. When performed by an experienced surgeon, lip lift preserves natural lip movement and expression. There may be some tightness initially as you heal, but normal animation returns as swelling resolves and tissues settle.

Can men get lip lift surgery?

Absolutely. Men undergo lip lift surgery to address elongated upper lips and improve facial aesthetics. Surgeons adjust the technique to maintain masculine lip proportions and positioning.

Schedule Your Consultation

Contact Athēnix today to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons in Brentwood. We'll evaluate your lip anatomy, discuss your goals, and create a personalized surgical plan to help you achieve beautiful, lasting results.

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