What Is A Lip Lift?
A lip lift is a minimally invasive plastic surgery aimed at creating a fuller, shapelier upper lip. As we get older, our upper lip tends to curl in, creating a larger gap between the nose and mouth. Lip lift surgery corrects this condition to restore a more balanced, youthful appearance to the face. At Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery, our providers have extensive experience performing lip lifts using their skills and artistry to create natural-looking results for Chicago, IL patients. To find out if lip lift surgery is right for you, schedule a consultation at our plastic surgery practice today.
How Is Lip Lift Surgery Performed?
During your consultation, we'll discuss your needs and examine the shape of your lips to decide on an approach for your lip lift. The specifics of your procedure may vary based on your anatomy, but we generally perform lip lift surgery using the sub-nasal method. First, we'll numb the lip area (or provide general anesthesia). After that, one of our plastic surgeons will carefully remove some of the skin under the nose before closing the gap and stitching your upper lip into a lifted position. When we're finished, we'll discuss aftercare instructions, after which you can go home and start the healing process. Most patients experience mild swelling and discomfort over the first few weeks after their lip lift, but this should fade as the area heals.
What Can I Expect After a Lip Lift?
After your lip lift, it’s normal to experience some mild swelling, tightness, or tenderness near the incision site, which is typically located just under the nose. These symptoms usually improve steadily over the first couple of weeks, and any residual bruising or discomfort can often be managed with cold compresses and over-the-counter medication. Additionally, our team will provide thorough aftercare guidance to make your lip lift recovery and healing as efficient and comfortable as possible, including how to keep the surgical site clean, what activities to avoid, and when to return for follow-up. Most patients return to daily routines within a few days, though full recovery can take several weeks or more.
What Are the Benefits of Lip Lift Surgery?
If you're unhappy with the proportions of your face, lip lift surgery at Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery may provide a solution. This advanced procedure can deliver subtle yet noticeable results with benefits that include:
- Lifts the corners of the mouth
- Creates a refreshed look
- Little to no recovery period
- Minimizes the appearance of smoker's lines on the top lip
- Minimal scarring
- Produces rounder lips
- Creates a fuller, more confident smile
Lip Lift Reviews
I recently had a Lip Lift procedure with Dr.Schierle and couldn’t be happier with my results!!! From the first consultation with Dr. Schierle he was incredibly detailed, patient and genuinely compassionate. He took time to listen to my concerns and goals explaining the procedure and the healing process throughly. He made sure I felt comfortable and informed every step of the way.His attention to detail was exceptional and is apparent in my outcome. My results look natural, balanced and are exactly what I was hoping for-refreshed without looking odd or overdone .The care didn’t stop after the procedure either , follow up appointments were just as thoughtful and reassuring.If you are considering a Lip Lift and want a physician who is not only skilled but meticulous, compassionated and truly cares about their patients I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Schierle.
I recently had a Lip Lift procedure with Dr.Schierle and couldn’t be happier with my results!!! From the first consultation with Dr. Schierle he was incredibly detailed, patient and genuinely compassionate. He took time to listen to my concerns and goals explaining the procedure and the healing process throughly. He made sure I felt comfortable and informed every step of the way.His attention to detail was exceptional and is apparent in my outcome. My results look natural, balanced and are exactly what I was hoping for-refreshed without looking odd or overdone .The care didn’t stop after the procedure either , follow up appointments were just as thoughtful and reassuring.If you are considering a Lip Lift and want a physician who is not only skilled but meticulous, compassionated and truly cares about their patients I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Schierle.
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Am I a Candidate for Lip Lift Surgery?
A lip lift may be an excellent option for patients who feel that their upper lip has become elongated or thin with age or for those who have always had less definition between the base of the nose and the lip line. Our experienced team looks at both form and function, assessing the natural balance of your facial features to determine whether a lip lift would be appropriate for addressing your specific concerns. Generally speaking, you may be a good candidate for lip lift surgery if you're in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and are hoping to shorten the distance between the nose and upper lip or increase lip visibility without using synthetic fillers. For some patients, a lip lift can also enhance the results of other facial procedures. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your facial anatomy, aesthetic goals, and any prior treatments or procedures to ensure a personalized approach that best helps you achieve your desired outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get a lip lift vs. fillers?
While both lip lifts and dermal fillers can enhance the appearance of the lips, they work in very different ways -and choosing between them depends on your goals. Fillers temporarily add volume and shape, making them a great option for patients looking for short-term enhancement or subtle adjustments. A lip lift, on the other hand, is a surgical procedure that shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip, resulting in a more defined and naturally fuller-looking upper lip without adding volume. If you're seeking a permanent improvement in lip shape or want to restore youthful proportions lost over time, a lip lift may be more appropriate. During your consultation, our team will help you weigh your options based on your anatomy, previous treatments, and desired outcome.
Are lip lift scars visible?
Lip lift incisions are typically placed discreetly along the natural crease at the base of the nose, where they tend to heal remarkably well and become barely noticeable over time. Our skilled plastic surgeons take great care to close incisions meticulously, using fine sutures and techniques that minimize scarring. Most patients find that once healing is complete, any scar is subtle and easily camouflaged with makeup if needed. We’ll also provide detailed postoperative care instructions to help support optimal healing and scar fading.
How can I balance my top and bottom lip after a lip lift?
Balancing lip proportions is an important focus of every lip lift procedure at our practice. By lifting and reshaping the upper lip, we can restore harmony between the top and bottom lips, particularly when the upper lip has become elongated with age. For patients whose bottom lip appears disproportionately full after surgery, or those who want additional refinement, our team may recommend complementary options, such as a small amount of filler to the lower lip or other nonsurgical enhancements. Every treatment is carefully tailored to your features so that your final look feels natural, balanced, and aligned with your goals.
Enjoy A More Balanced Look
When it comes to lip lift surgery, you want to choose a plastic surgeon with years of experience and an artistic eye. If you're looking for lip enhancement in the Chicago, IL area, we invite you to schedule a consultation at Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery to learn more about our services. We're dedicated to helping you discover your most confident look.
