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What Is Lip Lift Surgery?
A lip lift surgery is a cosmetic procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the upper lip by reducing the distance between the lip and the base of the nose, known as the philtrum. Dr. Bapna and the expert team at Ohio Facial Plastics have performed hundreds of surgical upper lip lifts, understanding how to create improved lip shapes, fullness, and symmetry.
This procedure’s subtle adjustment results in a fuller, more youthful lip contour without the need for injections or fillers, which don’t, on average, last as long.
A surgical upper lip lift procedure at Ohio Facial Plastics is performed under local anesthesia and involves removing a small strip of skin just beneath the nose, then surgically repositioning and lifting the subsequent tissue upward.
There are several types of lip lift surgeries, with the most common being the bullhorn lip lift (subnasal lip lift), where an incision is made along the base of the nose in the shape of a bullhorn, allowing for a natural-looking enhancement. Dr. Bapna works with every patient to create your fullest personalized lip lift results.
What Can Lip Lift Surgery Address?
A lip lift surgery specifically enhances the patient's face by:
- Increasing the prominence of the upper lip.
- Improving the definition of the Cupid's bow.
- Creating a more balanced, symmetrical facial appearance.
- Enhancing the visibility of the upper teeth when smiling.
Who’s the Best Candidate for a Lip Lift?
Ideal candidates for a lip lift in Columbus are individuals who desire a more youthful, tailored, and fuller appearance of the upper lip and don’t want to just rely on fillers.
This procedure is most common among women aged 30 and above, as the philtrum tends to lengthen with age, leading to a thinner upper lip. However, younger individuals with naturally thin lips or those dissatisfied with the results of lip fillers may also benefit from surgical upper lip lifts. Additionally, Dr. Bapna has worked with patients whose lip shapes lack definition or have minimal Cupid’s bow prominence; those who have experienced facial trauma affecting the upper lip’s appearance; and those with facial scarring or scar tissue, all of which can see significant improvement through a lip lift.
The Benefits of Lip Lifts in Columbus
A lip lift offers a minimally invasive solution to a small, specific part of the face — yet has the ability to bring dramatic results
Larger, Fuller Lips
By shortening the philtrum, the more vibrant, fuller pink part of the lip is revealed, creating a naturally plumper lip appearance without the need for fillers.
Corrective Lip Shape
Lip lifts can help correct asymmetries in lip shape or contours.
Nose, Facial Proportion Rebalancing
By adjusting the upper lip's position and restructuring tissue just beneath the nose, the procedure enhances overall facial proportions. It’s why lip lifts and nose jobs (rhinoplasty) are commonly paired procedures.
Improved Smile
Lifted upper lips reveal more of your teeth when smiling, enhancing the warmth and expressiveness of your natural grin.
Reduce Lip Wrinkles
The procedure smooths fine lines around the mouth, combatting one of the most common areas where dynamic wrinkles form as you age.
Why Improve Your Lips With Surgery?
Lip lift surgery is a safe and effective way to achieve long-lasting, ultra-personalized enhancements not only to your lips, but your face’s entire appearance. This procedure is more common than you might think, offering a permanent solution compared to temporary fillers. With advancements in surgical techniques, artistry, and the expertise of double board-certified reconstructive facial plastic surgeon Dr. Bapna, patients can expect natural-looking results with less than a week of downtime.
Getting a Lip Lift at Ohio Facial Plastics
Have your lip lift journey be guided with precision. Here’s what you can expect choosing a lip lift at Ohio Facial Plastics.
Initial Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Bapna will assess your facial anatomy, discuss your lip, Cupid bow, and nose tip aesthetic goals, and determine the most suitable lip lift technique for you. He will review your medical history and answer any questions to ensure you are well-informed about the procedure.
Lip Lift Planning
In preparation for surgery, Dr. Bapna will provide personalized instructions, which may include lifestyle modifications such as avoiding certain medications and ceasing smoking to promote safer healing. Detailed preoperative guidelines will be provided to ensure you are fully prepared for the procedure.
Day of Surgery
On the day of your lip lift, local anesthesia will be administered to ensure your comfort. The procedure involves making a discreet incision beneath the base of the nose, removing a small strip of skin, and strategically lifting the lip to achieve the desired plumping and reshaping. The surgery typically lasts 1-2 hours.
Immediate and Post-Treatment Care
After surgery, you may experience mild swelling and bruising, which usually subsides within a few days. Dr. Bapna will provide detailed aftercare instructions to promote healing and minimize discomfort.
Follow-up Appointment(s)
Dr. Bapna offers individualized aftercare plans for all lip surgery patients. During follow-up appointments, he will monitor your healing progress and ensure that the results align with your expectations and aesthetic goals.
Patient Reviews
Discover the experiences of real Columbus-based patients. Read testimonials about their procedures with Dr. Bapna, with stories highlighting the transformative impact and the exceptional care provided at Ohio Facial Plastics.
Read Testimonials
What Is Recovery Like?
Lip lift recovery is generally well tolerated, with mild to moderate swelling and discomfort that subsides within 5-7 days. Most patients describe minimal pain, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Stitches are typically removed within a week during your follow-up appointment, and full healing occurs over several weeks.
- First Week: Swelling, mild discomfort, and tightness; sutures removed around day 7.
- Weeks 2-3: Swelling significantly reduces, and incisions begin to fade.
- One Month: Most visible signs of surgery diminish, and results become more noticeable.
- 3-6 Months: Final results settle, with your natural-looking, fuller lips.
Risks of Lip Lift Procedures
When performed by a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Bapna (American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery), lip lift Columbus surgery is minimally invasive and carries few risks. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential complications to consider.
- Swelling and bruising: Common in the first few days but subsides with proper aftercare.
- Scarring: While incisions are well-hidden under the nose, some patients may experience mild scarring.
- Infection: Rare, but can occur if aftercare instructions are not followed properly, especially when smoking.
- Asymmetry: Slight variations in healing can lead to minor asymmetry, which can be corrected if needed.
- Numbness or lip sensation changes: Temporary numbness in the upper lip is possible but usually resolves within a few weeks.
- Unwanted aesthetic outcome: While uncommon, some patients may desire further refinement, which can be addressed with touch-up procedures.
Lip Lifts and Nose Jobs (and More) With Dr. Bapna
Many patients choose to combine a lip lift with rhinoplasty (nose job) or other facial enhancements for their most balanced, refined, personalized look. Ohio Facial Plastics has become the premier regional destination for these cosmetic procedures, and here are a few reasons why:
- Led by Dr. Sumit Bapna, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon.
- Expertise in facial aesthetics and reconstructive techniques.
- State-of-the-art surgical facility conveniently located in Dublin, Ohio.
Discover More About Lip Lifts in Dublin Ohio
Enhancing your lips can make a world of difference in your confidence. Schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Bapna today to explore your options and take the first step toward a plumper, fuller, more defined upper lip.
Schedule a ConsultationRelated Treatments
Many patients pair lip lift surgery with other facial cosmetic enhancements to achieve their ideal look while minimizing recovery time and costs.
Read Our FAQ
Still have questions? We have answers.
How long do lip lift results last?
Unlike fillers, which require regular maintenance, lip lift results are near-permanent and take years, if not decades, for results to fade.
Will I have visible scars?
The incision is placed discreetly beneath the nose, and with proper care, scarring is minimal and fades over time.
Can I still get lip fillers after a lip lift?
Yes! Some patients choose to add subtle lip fillers for additional volume even after a lip lift. This is perfectly safe for the vast majority of patients.
How soon can I wear makeup after surgery?
You should wait about 10-14 days before applying makeup near the incision site to prevent irritation and infection.
Still Have Questions?
Reach out to our team for more information about our procedures in Columbus Ohio or to schedule your consultation.
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Written by Dr. Bapna
Dr. Bapna is widely considered one of the top facial plastic surgeons in Ohio with over two decades of expertise in aesthetic and reconstructive facial surgery. His work has been recognized through numerous awards, and he continues to stay at the forefront of facial plastic surgery techniques.
Conveniently located in Dublin, Ohio Facial Plastics practice is easily accessible to residents of Columbus, Westerville, Grove City, and surrounding areas.
