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What is a Lip Lift?

A lip lift is a simple surgical procedure that raises and unfurls the upper lip to provide a more enhanced, appealing shape to the upper lip. A lip lift shortens the space between the red of your upper lip and your nose, and lifts the lip to let it show more fully and attractively. The upper lip shape becomes more of a cupid’s bow, resulting in more balanced and symmetrical lips.

Benefits of a Lip Lift 

A lip lift is a very popular procedure with patients who would like to enhance their smile without having to get repeated filler or Botox treatments. The benefits include the following:

  • A full, enhanced upper lip
  • Natural-looking results
  • Rejuvenates the lip area and gives a more youthful appearance
  • An attractive smile that shows your upper teeth
  • Permanent lip enhancement
  • Short procedure
  • Short recovery period

Am I a Candidate For a Lip Lift?

Individuals who would like to enhance their upper lip and smile without using fillers or Botox, and are looking for a more permanent approach, are likely candidates for a lip lift in Malibu. Ideal candidates should meet the following requirements:

  • You are in good health and have no serious medical conditions
  • You do not smoke
  • There is adequate distance between the red of your upper lip and your nose
  • You are ready for a permanent, surgical approach to lip enhancement

Why get a Lip Lift?

The upper lip can partially cover the teeth when you smile, either due to genetics or age. The red part of the lip can begin to curve inward, making the lip look thinner and can also affect your smile. A thin upper lip can make your smile look “gummy,” meaning a significant amount of the gums show, and not much of the lip. Or, the lip will hang over the teeth too much, hiding your pearly whites.

Fillers, or sometimes Botox, are a common choice to enhance the lips and resolve this concern. These are effective treatments, but they are limited and don’t last. A lip lift puts the upper lip in proper proportion with the mouth and the rest of the facial features to create beautiful symmetry and fullness, and the results are so long lasting, they can be considered permanent.

What Concerns Does a Lip Lift Resolve?

  • Sagging or drooping of the upper lip
  • The upper lip curving or rolling inward
  • A smile partly covered by a drooping upper lip
  • A gummy smile
  • A thin upper lip
  • A disproportionate distance between the upper lip and the nose
Young woman smiling gently touching her chin

Before & After Lip Lift in Malibu

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What Should I Expect During a Lip Lift?

You will start with an in-depth consultation with Dr. Tansavatdi, who will look at your medical history, examine your lips and skin, and discuss your aesthetic concerns and goals. 

To begin your procedure, Dr. Tansavatdi will inject local anesthesia into the upper lip area, then draw marks under your nose where the incision will be made. Dr. Tasavatdi is careful to make the incision point precisely in the natural folds of the skin to reduce any visible scarring. Once the incision is made, she will carefully remove a small section of skin under the nose, and gently lift the lip upward and secure it with sutures beneath the nose.

This procedure effectively releases and unfurls your upper lip to create a symmetrical, full, enhanced appearance.

Tansavatdi Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery

Recovery After A Lip Lift

Expect your upper lip to be sore and swollen for the first few days. Be sure to keep your incision clean and apply antibacterial ointment to the area as directed by Dr. Tansavatdi for the first week. 

Resting or downtime varies from patient to patient. Some people need a few days to recuperate, while others are able to get around the next day. While you may feel perfectly well, it’s important to avoid exercise or strenuous physical activity for about two weeks while your body completes the healing process. 

The ultimate results will be apparent in about two months, once any swelling is completely reduced. At this point, you will have better a proportioned, enhanced, lifted and shapely mouth.

What Procedures Can Be Combined With a Lip Lift?

A lip lift is easily paired with other procedures because it is such a simple, short procedure. A common procedure that is combined with a lip lift is a facelift, which achieves a more rejuvenated overall look, and provides an enhanced, more youthful appearance. Other common procedures that pair well with a lip lift are rhinoplasty, a brow lift, a neck lift, and an eyelid lift.  Dr. Tansavatdi can talk these options over with you and help you decide based on your aesthetic concerns and goals.

Why Choose Dr. Tansavatdi For My Lip Lift?

Dr. Kristina Tansavatdi is a double board-certified and fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon with more than 15 years of hands-on surgical experience. Her reputation for excellence and outstanding results is why she is highly sought after for treatments. Dr. Tansavatdi has a meticulous, artistic eye and a practiced hand. She dedicates herself to her Malibu patients and their lip lift results, and loves to see the happiness on their faces after they achieve the beautiful lips and smile they wanted. Call today for a consultation.

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*The content/images on this website are not a guarantee of individual results. Individual results may vary. The information provided on this site is for general informational purposes only, and does not replace the need for a formal consultation with a plastic and reconstructive surgeon before undergoing a surgical procedure or skin care treatment.

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