Lip Lift
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A Lip Lift is a surgical cosmetic procedure that involves shortening the distance between the upper lip and the base of the nose (known as the philtrum), which results in lifting the vermillion border and improving the proportions of the lower face. The procedure does not increase the volume of the lip with filler material but changes its exposure and positioning, providing a lasting and anatomically predictable effect. This procedure is often chosen by patients with a long philtrum, drooping upper lip, poor visibility of incisor teeth at rest, and by those for whom filler effects are short-lived or insufficient. Lip Lift requires precise qualification and experienced execution, as it involves intervention in a critical aesthetic area of the face.
Lip Lift – What Is It
Lip Lift is a procedure within the scope of facial aesthetic surgery aimed at permanently lifting the upper lip by resecting a small strip of skin just below the base of the nose. The most commonly used technique is the so-called bullhorn lip lift (incision in the shape of "bull's horns"), which allows the scar to be hidden in the natural anatomical creases.
The anatomical and aesthetic effects include:
- shortening of the philtrum,
- increased visibility of the vermilion without increasing volume,
- gentle exposure of the upper incisors at rest,
- improvement of facial proportions (nose-lip-chin relationship),
- "rejuvenation" of the lower third of the face.
The procedure is not an alternative to lip augmentation with fillers but is a separate procedure with a different mechanism of action. For some patients, both approaches may complement each other, but the decision requires an individual anatomical analysis.
Lip Lift – what the procedure involves
The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and lasts about 30–60 minutes. A crucial step is the precise planning of the extent of skin resection — typically from 3 to 7 mm — taking into consideration:
- the length of the philtrum,
- skin elasticity,
- the position of the alar of the nose,
- the dynamics of the smile.
The procedure involves:
1. Marking the surgical field and the planned incision shape.
2. Local anesthesia.
3. Resection of a strip of skin under the base of the nose.
4. Tissue preparation and elevation of the upper lip.
5. Layered suturing using fine stitches to minimize the risk of scarring.
After the procedure, the following may occur:
- swelling and bruising in the subnasal area,
- a feeling of tension in the upper lip,
- temporary sensory disturbances.
Stitches are usually removed after 5–7 days. The final aesthetic result is evaluated after a few weeks, once tissue remodeling is complete.
Lip Lift - How to Prepare for It
Proper preparation for the procedure significantly influences the safety and quality of healing. Qualification should include a detailed medical history and an anatomical assessment of the face.
Standard pre-procedure recommendations:
- discontinuation of medications and supplements that increase the risk of bleeding (after consulting a doctor),
- avoiding alcohol and nicotine at least 7 days before the procedure,
- stabilizing chronic diseases,
- absence of active infections in the facial and oral areas.
On the day of the procedure:
- the skin should be clean, without makeup,
- a light meal is recommended,
- the patient should plan to rest after the procedure.
Relative and absolute contraindications include, among others:
- coagulation disorders,
- uncontrolled diabetes,
- tendency to keloids,
- active autoimmune diseases in an exacerbation phase,
- unrealistic aesthetic expectations.
Lip Lift - how much does it cost
The cost of a Lip Lift procedure in Poland is not fixed and depends on several objective clinical and organizational factors. The estimated price range usually falls between 5,000–10,000 PLN.
The price is influenced by:
- the experience and specialization of the operator,
- the extent of resection and anatomical complexity,
- the type of anesthesia used,
- post-procedure care and follow-up visits,
- the location of the facility.
It is important to clearly emphasize that a Lip Lift is a surgical procedure, not a simple cosmetic procedure, so the price criterion should not be decisive. The qualifications of the doctor and the safety of the procedure are of key importance.
Lip Lift Treatments
The Lip Lift comes in several technical variants, individually selected according to the patient's anatomy. The most commonly described in the literature are:
- Bullhorn Lip Lift – resection of skin under the wings of the nose,
- Central Lip Lift – shortening of the central part of the philtrum,
- Corner Lip Lift – lifting of the corners of the mouth (a separate procedure),
- Subnasal Lip Lift – a collective term for subnasal techniques.
Each method has different indications and risk profiles. Improper qualification or technique can lead to excessive tooth exposure, asymmetry, or a visible scar, therefore the procedure should only be performed by physicians experienced in facial aesthetic surgery.
