Lip Lift Tampa, FL
While you may have heard of lip enhancement (through the placement of implants or the administration of injectable products), it’s likely that you are unfamiliar with a procedure designed to “lift” the upper lift. If you have an abnormally long upper lip or a volume-less pout, upper lip shortening can create a more pleasing facial aesthetic. This is called upper lip shortening, or lip lift, and it is a procedure available with Midwest facial plastic surgeon Dr. Ahmed Abdullah.
What Upper Lip Shortening (Lip Lift) Corrects
Upper lip shortening, or lip lift, is commonly performed on patients with an excessively long upper lip. An excessively long upper lip is problematic because it may:
- Obscure the teeth when speaking and smiling
- Age the rest of the face
- Draw the eye’s attention away from other attractive facial features
To correct these issues, the upper lip shortening procedure removes excess tissue, skin and muscle from the area just underneath the nose for a shorter, more youthful lip contour.
If you are self-conscious of a long upper lip, Dr. Abdullah encourages you to schedule a consultation at his practice so he can discuss the procedure with you and evaluate you as a potential candidate. During your consultation, he will examine your upper lip and its proportion to the rest of your facial features. He will note your skin tone and quality. Dr. Abdullah will also ask you about your goals and expectations of surgery. He may review before-and-after photographs with you to give you a clearer idea of what is possible.
The Upper Lip Shortening (Lip Lift) Procedure
Upper lip shortening or lip lift is an outpatient procedure performed with anesthesia. You will not feel any pain during the procedure, and you will be able to recover at home afterward.
To begin, Dr. Abdullah makes an incision just under the columella (strip of skin separating the nostrils) or right above the upper border of the lip, where the pink of the lip and the surrounding flesh meet. The incision is shaped like a mustache or a “bull horn.” Through the incision, he removes excess tissue, skin and muscle (if necessary). Dr. Abdullah then brings the remaining skin closer together, which reduces the distance between the nose and the upper lip, and carefully stitches the skin together with sutures. Finally, he places a bandage or surgical tape over the treated area.
Who is the Best Candidate for a Lip Lift?
A lip lift can significantly improve one’s appearance, but it is important to determine if you are an ideal candidate before the procedure.
Ideal candidates for a lip lift include:
- Individuals who want to reduce the space between their upper lip and nose
- Older individuals who have experienced lip thinning due to aging
- People who wish to have thicker, fuller lips
- Those who have had lip fillers but are not satisfied with the result
It is important to note that a lip lift is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and the best way to determine if a lip lift is right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Abdullah. He will assess your needs and desires to determine if a lip lift is the best solution for you.
Recovering from Surgery
Arviv Plastic Surgery will provide detailed aftercare instructions that include how to manage any post-operative pain, when to return for follow-up and how to care for the incision line.
You will likely have some swelling and bruising in the treated area, but these side effects are only temporary. After several days, Dr. Abdullah will remove your sutures.
The upper lip typically heals within a week, and the scars fade after about 30 days.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Discover the answers to frequently asked questions about lip lift procedures in Tampa, FL.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING LIP LIFT SURGERY
During the procedure, Dr. Abdullah will remove a small strip of skin between the nostrils and the upper lip to shorten its vertical length. Depending on the patient’s needs and preferences, Dr. Abdullah may opt to perform the sub-nasale upper lip lift technique, which involves making an incision below the nose.
Before the procedure, the patient will undergo a thorough pre-operative evaluation to ensure they are in good health and to discuss the details of the procedure. On the day of the surgery, the patient will receive local anesthesia to numb the area and ensure comfort during the procedure.
Once the excess skin is removed, Dr. Abdullah will carefully lift and suture the edges of the upper lip to enhance its appearance. He will also place deep sutures to ensure the incision is as inconspicuous as possible. After the procedure, patients must follow a specific post-operative care plan to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.
The recovery period is usually quick, and most patients can return to their daily activities within a week. However, the treated area may have some swelling and tenderness during this time. If necessary, Dr. Abdullah may prescribe pain medication to manage any discomfort.
It’s important to remember that, like any surgical procedure, there is a risk of complications associated with lip lift surgery. However, these risks are generally rare and manageable with proper post-operative care. During the pre-operative evaluation, Dr. Abdullah will discuss any potential risks and how these risks will be managed if they occur.
Why would I need a lip lift?
A lip lift provides a fuller lip appearance and can enhance your facial appeal. It’s a permanent solution compared to temporary dermal fillers.
What are the benefits of a lip lift?
Lip lifts can result in fuller lips, improved lip length and shape, a lifted appearance at the corners of the mouth, reducing fine lines on the upper lip, and an overall boost in self-confidence.
Is anesthesia required for a lip lift?
Anesthesia is highly recommended for a painless lip lift experience.
How long does a lip lift last?
A lip lift is a one-time procedure, and the results are permanent.