Lip Lift

A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the distance between the nose and the upper lip to create a fuller look. These changes can impact the overall balance and aesthetics of the face, leaving many individuals seeking effective solutions to restore harmony to their features. If you are seeking to enhance your facial aesthetics, you could be a candidate for a lip lift procedure.

Seeking the best treatment possible is an important factor in any cosmetic procedure. Dr. Mario Imola, Dr. David Kowalczyk, and the Colorado Facial Plastic Surgery team are some of the best cosmetic surgeons in Colorado and have an impeccable reputation for achieving satisfactory lip lift results.

Contact our office online or by calling (303) 839-7980 to schedule a consultation and begin planning your lip lift treatment.

About Lip Lift Procedures

A lip lift is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the upper lip. Unlike temporary solutions like dermal fillers, which require regular maintenance, a lip lift offers a long-lasting improvement by addressing structural concerns. The procedure involves removing a small amount of skin from the area between the upper lip and the base of the nose (philtrum) to lift the lip and expose more of the pigmented lip tissue, also known as the vermillion. ⁽¹⁾ This technique redefines the lip’s contour and improves the overall proportions of the face. Shortening the philtrum can create the appearance of a smoother upper lip. Dr. Imola and Dr. Kowalczyk tailor each lip lift procedure to the individual’s unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals, ensuring natural and harmonious results that complement the rest of the face.

Benefits

Patients who undergo procedures at Colorado Facial Plastic Surgery often report benefits that include:

The aesthetic improvements associated with lip lift procedures are shown to be long-lasting and are directly associated with high patient satisfaction rates. ⁽²⁾ The benefits of lip lifts are not just physical, either, as many patients report a noticeable increase in self-confidence.

Ideal Candidates

Lip lift procedures are ideal for individuals who are not satisfied with the appearance of their upper lip. Ideal candidates might include individuals who:

Dr. Imola and Dr. Kowalczyk will help you decide if a lip lift is a good fit for you during your consultation. You must have realistic expectations about what we can achieve with the procedure. If you want to add volume to your lips, we can discuss including dermal fillers in your treatment plan for your desired look.

To learn more about our additional treatments, see the blog!

Personal Consultation

Your consultation with Dr. Imola or Dr. Kowalczyk is an opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns and help you learn more about the lip lift procedure. This consultation is also an opportunity for Dr. Imola and Dr. Kowalczyk to get to know you. During this consultation, Dr. Imola and Dr. Kowalczyk will assess your facial anatomy, your current health, and discuss your goals regarding cosmetic procedures. They will craft a personalized treatment plan once they have enough knowledge about you and what you hope to achieve.

Lip lift procedures are often combined with other facial rejuvenation treatments, such as rhinoplasty or forehead lifts, to help improve overall facial aesthetics. If you would like to restore volume to your lips, we can include fillers in your treatment plan. Fillers are fluid formulas that distribute themselves evenly beneath the skin and move fluidly with your facial movements. We can provide natural-looking volume, define the cupid’s bow, and diminish lip lines with injectable formulas that provide lasting results.

Schedule your consultation today by submitting our online contact form or calling our Englewood office at (303) 839-7980.

Preparation

Dr. Imola and Dr. Kowalczyk will provide you with detailed preoperative guidelines to ensure you are fully prepared for your surgery. Adhering to these instructions is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful procedure and subsequent recovery process.

You will need to avoid excessive sun exposure that could damage your skin. You must also temporarily stop taking blood thinners for 1-2 weeks. If you smoke, you will need to stop smoking temporarily. Patients will also need to stop drinking alcohol for 24-48 hours before. Dr. Imola and Dr. Kowalczyk will provide specific instructions based on your lifestyle and aesthetic goals to help you achieve the best results. They may also recommend that you discontinue certain medications that could interfere with the preparation or recovery processes.

Procedure

A lip lift is a relatively straightforward outpatient procedure, typically lasting anywhere between one to two hours, but it can last longer depending on whether or not other procedures are added. Patients will receive local anesthesia to ensure their comfort throughout the procedure.

The procedure begins with precise measurements and markings to guide the incision placement. Dr. Imola or Dr. Kowalczyk will make a small, carefully placed incision at the base of the nose to remove excess tissue. This creates the appearance of a fuller upper lip. After making adjustments, your surgeon will close the incision with fine sutures to minimize visible scarring.

Recovery

After your procedure, you can return home to rest. The recovery process from a lip lift procedure will depend on your personalized treatment plan and whether or not you need additional treatments to achieve your aesthetic goals. Patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the days following the procedure, although these are natural and will subside relatively quickly for most people. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a week.

Dr. Imola and Dr. Kowalczyk will provide a detailed set of guidelines for the recovery process to ensure a smooth and successful recovery. Your recovery and results will be assessed during follow-up appointments in the subsequent weeks.

Results

The results from lip lift procedures can be long-lasting and life-changing for many patients. When utilizing the techniques used by Dr. Imola and Dr. Kowalczyk, lip lift procedures are directly associated with high patient satisfaction rates. ⁽²⁾ Many patients notice that their lips appear fuller and more youthful-looking. It may take several weeks for the full results to be noticed as results become increasingly more apparent as swelling subsides and healing progresses. Once fully healed, patients can expect a more defined and proportionate upper lip and enhanced facial harmony. The results of a lip lift can last for years.

Cost of a Lip Lift in Denver

The cost of a lip lift procedure at Colorado Facial Plastic Surgery will depend on the complexity of the surgery and whether or not you need additional procedures to achieve your desired look. Dr. Imola and Dr. Kowalczyk will provide a fully transparent, detailed estimate of the price of your procedure during your personal consultation. Colorado Facial Plastic Surgery also offers financing options to help make treatments more accessible. Do not hesitate to contact the office and learn more about the simple procedure that can rebalance your facial features and help you achieve long-lasting results.

Take the first step in your lip lift treatment by scheduling a consultation online or by calling (303) 839-7980.

FAQ

References

1. Zhao H, Wang X, Qiao Z, Yang K. Different Techniques and Quantitative Measurements in Upper lip lift: A Systematic Review. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Published online March 1, 2023:1-13. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-023-03302-5
2. Raad Alnami, Ahmed S, Alashrah AS, et al. Aesthetic and Functional Outcomes of Simultaneous Rhinoplasty and Lip Lift Surgery: A Systematic Review. Cureus. Published online November 10, 2024. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.73369