From lip augmentation or cheiloplasty to lip reconstructive surgery, surgical facial plastic surgery has been known to be a permanent solution to cosmetic issues. Another treatment called lip reduction procedure involves removing some of the lips to enhance duck lips and give a more youthful appearance. The newest one? The lip lift. In this article, I will discuss more about lip lifts and ideal candidates. What Is a Lip Lift? An in-office surgical option called lip lifts shortens and improves the space between the nose and the philtrum and the cupid’s bow. It targets the amount of visible pink soft tissue in the treatment area, making the lips look more pronounced. This results in brighter facial features and a younger-looking appearance. Instead of adding volume to the lips to make them look plumper, it increases the lip height for facial improvements. Who’s a Good Candidate for a Lip Lift? In general, individuals seeking to reduce the gap between their nose and upper lip might find a lip lift suitable. This aesthetic concern often appears in older individuals as lips tend to thin with age. Meanwhile, some younger individuals opt for this procedure due to unsatisfactory results from alternative lip treatments like dermal fillers. It’s essential to note that the changes from this procedure are permanent. Types of Lip Lift Procedures and Recovery Kinds of Lip Lifts Upper Lip Lift This is a prevalent surgical method focusing on the upper lip. The goal is to lift the upper lip, resulting in a rejuvenated appearance and a more compact lip look. Corner Lip Lift A corner lip lift elevates the downward pointing of the lip corners of the mouth to produce a smilier, happier-looking face. In this procedure, two small incisions are made at both treatment sites to target and remove the excess skin at the corners of the mouth. This type can be done with other cosmetic procedures in the lip area to achieve the desired results. People with downturned lips are ideal candidates for this procedure. It can also be done with other cosmetic procedures like facelifts, rhinoplasty, and blepharoplasty. DIRECT Lip Lift A direct lip lift is done to define the lip borders better. Sometimes referred to as a gullwing lip lift, this procedure repositions the upper lip skin upwards so that the pink part of the lips is more prominent. It usually leaves a scar on the upper lip area. CENTRAL Lip Lift The central lip lift shortens the space between the nose and lips. An incision line at the lower area of the nose is made to achieve the desired results. Variants of this cosmetic treatments such as the subnasal lip lift and Italian lip lift, can also lead to the same outcomes. Recovery Avoid moving your lips too much Let your mouth and skin rest for 245 to 48 hours after the cosmetic treatment. If possible, avoid talking for a long period of time and communicate using body language, writing on a board, or your phone. Avoid strenuous physical activities Don’t do heavy exercise like weightlifting and manual labor for one week to two weeks after your lip lift. This will give your body enough time to repair itself and heal from the strain caused by the procedure. It’s also best to limit your movements, including light exercise like walking and jogging, for three to four days after the lip lift. Consume soft food Avoid food that requires plenty of chewing, high-temperature liquids, and salty meals during this time. Lie down elevated Never put your face head down on the mattress when sleeping. Doing this will put too much stress on the operated area. Instead, elevate your head by using more pillows than usual when sleeping and face up. Of course, don’t forget to get at least eight hours of sleep each night, so your body can recover more quickly and properly. Moisturise and drink supplements Moisturise the lips using Vaseline and other similar products up to three weeks after the surgery. Be careful when applying the product in the treatment area and dab lightly. Consuming vitamin C in the first two weeks can hasten the healing process and prevent bruising. What’s the Procedure Like? To ensure the success of lip lift surgery for your mouth corners, several measures must be followed before and after the procedure. Before surgery, make sure you don’t eat or drink for six hours. Additionally, your surgeon will recommend that you stop smoking weeks before the procedure. You should also avoid drinking alcohol 48 hours before. Both can interfere with anaesthesia. Minimise opening your mouth during this time, and make sure to moisturise the treatment area as much as possible. How Much Does a Corner Lip Lift Cost? Depending on many factors, lip lift surgery can cost between £4,000 to £7,000. The price heavily depends on the location, professional credentials, type of surgery (plastic and reconstructive), and techniques used during the surgical treatment. How Long Do the Effects of a Corner Lip Lift Last? A corner lip lift has a permanent effect on your lips. It can last for more than a decade, depending on your skin condition, skincare routine, sun protection habits, and overall diet. Younger patients can enjoy the effects of the surgery longer due to the higher elasticity of their skin. Generally, post-treatment maintenance is manageable for years to come. How Do You Lift the Corners of the Mouth? A corner lip lift is a popular surgical procedure for addressing cosmetic issues on mouth corners. It fixes the downturned edges of the mouth for a brighter-looking face. Does Corner Lip Lift Leave a Scar? It is barely visible and can be covered by makeup in the first two weeks. The scars fade within a year. Who Is the Ideal Candidate for a Corner Lip Lift Procedure? People with downturn oral commissures or the downward pointing of the corners of the mouth are ideal candidates for corner lip enhancement. Flat or upturned oral commissures can also be addressed and contoured through a corner lift. What Are the Potential Side Effects of a Corner Lip Lift Procedure? Minimal swelling, bruising, and numbness after the treatment are potential risks of the corner lip lift procedure. There is also a risk of poor wound healing and mild bleeding in the treatment area. Your doctor will recommend your course of action after observing the results of your surgery. How to Find a Cosmetic Surgeon The treatment is a surgical procedure done with anaesthesia. Hence, your must select the best-trained plastic surgeons to achieve the best results and maximum safety. Visit Julian de Silva – Cosmetic Surgeon, London A downturned mouth can produce an aged appearance and lower your self esteem. A plastic surgeon can help you with those. I, Dr. Julian De Silva, am a board certified plastic surgeon that enhances the drooping corners of the mouth. I use specialised surgical techniques to eliminate scarring on the surgical site. Book a consultation with me now! As an alternative, you may visit my clinic at 23 Harley St, London W1G 9QN, UK.