Lip Lift

A lip lift is a cosmetic surgery designed to enhance the appearance of the upper lip by shortening the distance between the nose and the upper lip. Also known as a cheiloplasty, a lip lift is a permanent way to increase the length of the upper lip, creating more youthful, lifted, and defined contours. Dermal fillers are a popular way to enhance the lips, but while they can add volume, they can’t address the actual size and shape of the lips. As a result, the additional volume can cause the upper lip to bulge outwards, creating the dreaded “duck lips.” And even when performed by the most skilled injector, results are temporary. A lip lift focuses on the shape and proportion of the upper lip, so that it harmonizes with the rest of the face.

At Alluring Aesthetics, Dr. Wendie Grunberg and Dr. Edward Gronet have extensive experience in performing lip lifts with natural-looking results. During your consultation, we will examine your lips and discuss your goals to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. Your surgeon will create a customized treatment plan that suits your unique needs and desired outcome.

If you’re looking to enhance the shape and symmetry of your lips, a lip lift may be the perfect solution. Contact Alluring Aesthetics at (210) 714-5390 to schedule a consultation today.

About the Lips

The lips are one of the most prominent features of our face, and they play a crucial role in our speech, expression, and overall appearance. Generally speaking, when we talk about the lips, we’re referring to the darker-colored tissue around our mouth, which is called the vermillion. The outer contours of the vermillion upper lip, called the cupid’s bow, are formed by the philtrum, the groove that runs down the center of the area beneath our nose. This area of the upper lip that is covered by skin, rather than vermillion, is called the ergotrid. Fun facts, right?

Well, everyone wants full, well-contoured lips. But, having a beautiful set of lips isn’t just about having lips that are a certain size, it’s also about the proportion of the vermillion upper lip to the skin above it. In fact, scientists that study what we perceive as attractive have found that the ideal upper lip is ⅓ of the total distance between the bottom of the vermillion and the top of the ergotrid.

As we age, the lips lose volume. Changes in our skin with age and gravity cause the upper lip to descend. This causes a thinner-appearing upper vermillion and a longer distance between the nose and upper lip. At the same time, the filtrum flattens, making the curves of the cupid’s bow less pronounced. The result is an upper lip that appears thinner, elongated, or downturned, resulting in an older-looking or less attractive appearance.⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾

At Alluring Aesthetics, we offer a range of cosmetic procedures to enhance and restore the lips’ shape, size, and proportion, including lip lift surgery. In addition to lip lift surgery, we also offer non-surgical lip augmentation options such as dermal fillers, which can add volume, definition, and hydration to the lips. We use only FDA-approved fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane, which are safe, effective, and long-lasting. These treatments are perfect for patients who want to enhance their lips’ appearance without undergoing surgery or experiencing downtime. However, for patients who want a permanent enhancement to their upper lift, a lip lift can be an excellent and more cost-effective solution.

How is a Lip Lift Surgery Performed?

Lip lift surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves shortening the upper lip’s skin to lift the vermillion, creating a fuller, more youthful appearance. This is accomplished by removing a small piece of skin from just beneath the underside of the nostrils. Once the incisions are sutured shut, the upper lip is elevated, exposing more of the vermillion portion of the upper lip. This creates a more defined cupid’s bow and a shorter distance between the nose and upper lip, making the lips look fuller. Once healed, the incision is completely concealed under the nose. Lip lifts are ideal for patients who have naturally thin lips, or who have noticed that their lip has become narrower with age.

At Alluring Aesthetics, we are committed to providing our patients with exceptional care and results. Our state-of-the-art facility features the latest technology and equipment, and our friendly and knowledgeable staff is dedicated to ensuring your comfort, safety, and satisfaction. If you’re interested in learning more about lip lift surgery or other cosmetic treatments, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Benefits

A lip lift is a minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure that can transform the appearance of your lips, making them fuller, shapelier, and more youthful-looking. At Alluring Aesthetics, Dr. Grunberg and Dr. Gronet are experienced surgeons who can help you achieve the perfect pout using innovative approaches to the lip lift procedure. Here are some benefits of a lip lift:

• Enhanced lip contour: These surgical techniques can improve your lip shape by lifting and defining the Cupid’s Bow and enhancing the vermilion border.

• Natural-looking results: The lip lift procedure is customized to suit each patient’s unique facial features and desired outcome, resulting in natural-looking results that enhance your overall appearance.

• Minimal downtime: Lip lifts require little recovery time, so you can return to your daily activities soon after the treatment.

• Long-lasting results: The results of a lip lift last for many years, providing you with long-lasting lip enhancement.

• Improved confidence: By achieving a more youthful and defined lip shape, you’ll enjoy greater self-confidence and feel more comfortable showing off your smile.

• Minimized scarring: Lip lift incision techniques ensure that any scarring is discreetly hidden along the natural creases at the base of the nose or within the upper lip.

Candidates

A lip lift is a cosmetic procedure intended for people who are unhappy with the shape or size of their lips. The ideal candidates are those who feel that their lips are too thin or long, or those who have difficulty showing their upper teeth when they smile. The procedure is also suitable for individuals who have noticed signs of aging around their mouth area, such as wrinkles and fine lines. It is important to note that the candidate must be in generally good health, a non-smoker, and have realistic expectations for the outcome.

Our team of experts will guide you through every step of the process, from pre-operative preparation to post-operative recovery, so that you can make an informed and confident decision about your lip lift procedure.

Personal Consultation

At Alluring Aesthetics, we believe that every patient deserves individualized attention. That’s why we offer a personal consultation to determine whether a lip lift is the right procedure for you. During your appointment, Dr. Grunberg will review your medical history, discuss your cosmetic goals, and examine the current condition of your lips. Factors such as the shape, size, and symmetry of your lips will be taken into consideration, along with any concerns you may have about your smile or facial expression.

Lip lifts are commonly performed, but not all patients are candidates for this procedure. During your consultation, We will evaluate your lip anatomy and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for your unique needs.

At Alluring Aesthetics, we pride ourselves on providing our patients with the highest level of care and attention. We understand that undergoing a cosmetic procedure can be a big decision, which is why we encourage you to ask any questions you may have during your consultation. Our goal is to ensure that you feel confident, comfortable, and well-informed about your options before moving forward with treatment.

To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Grunberg at our San Antonio office, please call (210) 714-5390. We also offer virtual consultations for those who are unable to visit our office in person. To learn more about the other services offered at Alluring Aesthetics, follow our blog!

Preparation

After you’ve decided to undergo a lip lift, there are some important steps you can take to prepare for your procedure.

By following these important steps, you can ensure that you’re fully prepared for your lip lift procedure, so you can enjoy the very best results possible.

Procedure

At Alluring Aesthetics, we offer a comprehensive and customizable lip lift procedure to enhance the appearance of your lips. During your consultation, we will discuss your desired outcome and recommend the best approach for you.

Upper Lip Lift

An upper lip lift is a surgical procedure that involves removing a small amount of skin from the area above the upper lip to lift and reshape the lip. The size and shape of the skin will be strategically shaped so that the lips are enhanced according to the patient’s desires. One common method is the bullhorn technique, which follows the curves along the underside of the nostrils, in the shape of a bull’s horns. This can help create a more defined cupid’s bow, increase the visibility of the teeth when smiling, and provide an overall youthful appearance. Because the incision is made discreetly at the base of the nose, there is minimal visible scarring.⁽¹⁾

Corner Lip Lift

A corner lip lift is ideal for individuals with downturned corners of the mouth, which can make them appear sad or unhappy. During this procedure, Dr. Grunberg will remove a small triangle of skin from the corners of the mouth, resulting in a more lifted and youthful appearance. The incisions are placed at the corners of the mouth, which allow for hidden scars.⁽²⁾

Combination Lip Lift

For patients looking for a more comprehensive solution, we may recommend a combination lip lift, which combines both the upper and corner lip lift procedures. This approach can provide a complete transformation of the lips and mouth area, creating a more balanced and harmonious facial appearance.

Recovery

As experts in lip augmentation, Dr. Grunberg and Dr. Gronet understand the importance of a smooth recovery after a lip lift procedure. After the surgery, you may experience slight swelling and bruising, but this is completely normal. The doctor will provide you with pain medication to help manage any discomfort during the healing process. You may also be given a course of antivirals if you have a history of herpes outbreaks.⁽²⁾ Keep your head elevated when resting to minimize swelling.

It’s important to avoid any strenuous activities for at least two weeks following your lip lift surgery. This includes exercise and any other activities that could increase blood flow to the face. Our staff will schedule follow-up appointments with Dr. Grunberg or Dr. Gronet to monitor your healing progress and make sure everything is progressing as it should.

Results

Once you have fully healed, you can expect to see natural-looking results that enhance the contours of your lips. The scar is usually well-concealed under the nose and fades over time, leaving you with a beautiful and natural-looking smile. With the confidence boost that comes from having fuller lips, you’ll be ready to show off your new look to the world.

How Much Does a Lip Lift Cost in San Antonio?

The cost of a lip lift procedure can vary depending on the individual needs of the patient, such as the extent of surgery required and the type of anesthesia used. At Alluring Aesthetics, we understand that cost is an important factor in any decision to undergo cosmetic surgery. That’s why we offer competitive pricing for our lip lift procedures, providing patients with affordable options that deliver exceptional results.

During your initial consultation, we will discuss your desired outcome and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. This will allow us to provide you with an accurate estimate of the cost of your procedure, so you can make an informed decision about moving forward with the surgery.

To schedule your consultation and learn more about the cost of a lip lift procedure at Alluring Aesthetics, call us today at (210) 714-5390 or fill out our online contact form.

FAQ

References

1. Zhao H, Wang X, Qiao Z, Yang K. Different Techniques and Quantitative Measurements in Upper lip lift: A Systematic Review [published online ahead of print, 2023 Mar 1]. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2023;1-13. doi:10.1007/s00266-023-03302-5
2. Jeong TK. Surgical Method of a Corner Mouth Lift. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020;8(2):e2653. Published 2020 Feb 26. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000002653