Lip Lift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of London, United Kingdom and Hamburg, Germany

Lip Lift London

A lip lift is a surgical procedure that permanently increases the height of the upper lip. A lip lift addresses excess space between the top of the upper lip and base of the nose, the appearance of a drooping upper lip, or a thin upper lip.

Pucker Up

The ageing process can result in the thinning of the lips as the natural stores of fat degrade, and collagen stores become depleted. This can also cause lips to take on a lined, wrinkled appearance. A lip lift, or cheiloplasty, smooths and extends the surface of the upper lip. The surgeon removes a small section of skin from the base of the nose, and the remaining upper lip area is lifted and the edges of the incisions are sutured closed. The result is a larger, even upper lip. A shorter distance between the lip and the base of the nose, which conceals any lingering evidence once healed. (1)If you’ve been unhappy with the lip plumping achieved with fillers or Botox, a lift lip can be a way to enjoy a more generous mouth for many years to come. To learn more, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Aoife Turner. She combines medical expertise and precision with a feminine touch to achieve beautiful results for each of her patients. Call +442038838174 to reach her Harley Street offices in London.

About the Lips

When we talk about lips, we are usually referring to the “vermillion” area of the lips. This skin is thin, and highly vascularized, which is what gives them a rosier color than the rest of our facial skin. They’re also loaded with nerve endings, which makes them sensitive to temperatures, and an erogenous zone! (2) It’s no wonder that full, shapely lips are in high demand, with more patients exploring their options for lip enhancement procedures than ever before. (3) But the other factors that contribute to a pretty pout are the anatomical features surrounding the vermillion of the lips. A curvacious cupid’s bow graces the centre of the lips and marks the midpoint of the vermillion border of the upper lip- where the pink-hued skin ends and the rest of your cutaneous lip skin begins. The philtrum (from the Greek word for “love charm”) stretches up from the cupid’s bow as a nuanced groove. These shapes, colours, and angles are in a significant focal point of the face, and an age-old symbol of beauty and sensuality.

It’s crucial to choose a plastic surgeon that understands the delicate balance of proportions between the upper lip, the lower lip, the contours of the vermillion edge, and the rest of the face. Dr Turner understands that one size does not fit all, and takes the patient’s natural and unique facial features into consideration when determining the details of a lip lift. The overall surface area of the lip and its outlines can be carefully adjusted, whether you want a high-impact mouth or a subtle improvement.

Why Lift Your Lip?

Whether you’re countering the effects of ageing, or just seeking an enhancement, a lip lift procedure offers many benefits:

  • Fuller, smoother upper lip
  • Raises downward turned corners of the mouth
  • Creates a more curvaceous edge to the upper lip
  • Shortens the length of the lip between the nose and mouth
  • Grant a more youthful appearance
  • Reveal more of your teeth when smiling for a bigger, brighter smile
  • Reduce the signs of ageing around the mouth
  • Create a more symmetric and balanced lip and facial appearance
  • Better definition of the philtrum and cupid’s bow

Candidates

Candidates for a lip lift are adults in good health. Often, those considering a lift lip weren’t satisfied with the effects of fillers or botox, or simply couldn’t get enough, and wanted a more permanent solution. A lip lift can correct the flattening that ageing inflicts on an upper lip, and improve the lip’s curvature and height for those of all ages. To learn more about the other cosmetic procedures that Dr Aoife Turner has delighted patients with, read her reviews!

Personal Consultation

When you get to Harley Street, be prepared to pout! Dr Turner will listen to your lip goals, and explain more about the lip lift procedure and outcome so that you can make a confident decision. She’s one of the few female plastic surgeons in London, but she’s one of the top in her field. She’s also no stranger to liner and lipstick! Together, you’ll determine the optimal effect for your lip lift. You’ll be given detailed and personalized instructions as to how to prepare for your surgery to ensure a smooth procedure with stunning results.

Procedure

This cosmetic procedure is a small surgery and is performed under local anaesthesia, so you’ll be comfortable and relaxed, but awake. This quick procedure takes approximately an hour. Dr Turner will remove a small strip of skin from underneath the base of your nose. Its outlines follow the contours of the underside of your nostrils in what is called the “bullhorn” technique, because of its arched curves. Once this piece of skin is removed, the skin below is lifted upwards, and sutured along the base of the nostrils and septum. That way, any scarring is concealed by the natural crease of the nose. This shortens the length of the philtrum and causes the vermillion of the lip to extend upwards. The tension can be precisely controlled so that the contour of your upper lip is exactly to your liking, and a larger, more luscious surface area is achieved. This procedure doesn’t affect any nerves or muscles, so you can expect a safe procedure with a quick recovery time. 

If you’re considering a lip lift, you’re looking for a permanent way to enhance and rejuvenate your face.

Recovery

After you return home from the clinic, your recovery will begin. You’ll receive detailed instructions on how to care for your incisions, and what to expect during the healing process. As you heal, you’ll need to clean your incisions regularly, and will be given ointments to apply to keep the skin moisturized and healthy. Do not smoke for at least the next two weeks (now might be a good time to quit!). You’ll also need to avoid foods that involve excessive chewing, and use caution when brushing your teeth. Using several pillows to elevate your head at bedtime will help with swelling, as will cool compresses. Your sutures will be removed at your follow-up appointment in about a week. (1)

Results

You’ll be able to see your final results once you’re completely healed and all swelling has diminished, usually in two to three months. Unlike injectable treatments, your results will be yours to keep for years to come. You’ll enjoy improved confidence with a soft, full, sensual lip appearance.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

Cheiloplasty London

If you have other areas of your face that could use a little pick-me-up, but you don’t want to spend time and money on temporary solutions, a facial fat transfer may be a perfect way to complement your plush new lip. This procedure uses liposuction to remove unwanted fat from areas below the chin. Your fat is then processed, and strategically injected to add volume and fill in wrinkles. It’s a win-win. Besides losing that stubborn roll or bulge, you can achieve plumper more youthful cheeks, diminish deep creases, and maybe give your lower lip a boost as well.

How Much Does a Lip Lift Cost in London?

Dr Turner understands that every patient (and their lips) is different and so your lip lift will be customized to suit your features and desires. You’ll be given an accurate cost estimate when your consultation concludes.

FAQ

What does a lip lift do?

A lip lift heightens the vermillion area of the upper lip, reduces the space between the edge of the upper lip and the nose, and imparts a plush, sensuous appearance for those troubled by a thin or drooping lip.

Why is it called a bullhorn lip lift?

This technique uses the crease where the base of the nose meets the skin beneath. The incisions follow the curves of the base of the nostrils to remove a piece of skin that resembles the horns of a gentleman cow. Once the remaining skin is lifted up to cover the missing area, and sutured along the crease beneath the nostrils, any scarring is hidden by the natural curves of the nose.

How is a lip lift different from lip injections?

Dermal fillers can add volume to the vermillion area of the lips, but they can’t improve the proportions of this area of the face. They are also temporary, which means they need to be touched up over time. A lip lift permanently increases the vermillion surface area of the upper lip, and also allows the surgeon to enhance the contours of the cupid’s bow, and shorten the distance between the base of the nose and lip.

References

  1. Raphael P, Harris R, Harris SW. The Endonasal Lip Lift: Personal Technique. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2014;34(3):457-468. doi:10.1177/1090820×14524769
  2. Foutsizoglou S. Anatomy of the ageing lip. The PMFA Journal. Published December 2017. https://www.thepmfajournal.com/features/post/anatomy-of-the-ageing-lip
  3. Abbas HH, Hicks Y, Zhurov A, et al. An automatic approach for classification and categorization of lip morphological traits. PLoS One. 2019;14(10):e0221197. Published 2019 Oct 29. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0221197