Facial beauty is made of a variety of different factors, many of them subtle. The shape and position of your upper lip are one of the more subtle factors that can make a huge difference in a young and attractive appearance. Many people do not realize that there is a simple surgery designed to improve this aspect of appearance. This procedure is called a lip lift. Dr. Joseph Russell offers this and other facial plastic surgeries to people in the Charleston, SC area.
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What is a Lip Lift?
There are two common types of this surgery.
The first and most common lifts the center of the upper lip, reducing the distance between your upper lip and your nose while making your upper lip appear curvier and fuller.
The second is a lift of the corners of the mouth. This is used in people who feel that their lips are downward turned so they look like they are permanently frowning. Some people even have both procedures performed at the same time to completely rejuvenate their lips and their smiles.
Although this procedure is most commonly performed to give the mouth a more youthful appearance, it can be used in some young adult patients as well. It reshapes the lips and changes the shape of the lower face in an attractive way.
Before and After Lip Lift Photos
Lip Lift Before and After Patient 1:
The lovely patient is now approaching the one-year mark since her facial rejuvenation, expertly performed by Dr. Joseph Russell. This comprehensive transformation included a deep plane facelift, lateral browlift, upper blepharoplasty, and lip lift.
Remarkably, she is a member of a tennis group for women over 50, and none of her fellow players believe she is really in her 50s! In her case, and as is always Dr. Russell’s goal with facial rejuvenation, the aim is to achieve a completely natural look, free from the typical telltale signs of plastic surgery, resulting in vibrant, younger versions of his patients.
Lip Lift Before and After Patient 2:
The lovely patient is now 5 weeks post-surgery, during which Dr. Joseph Russell expertly performed a deep plane facelift, neck lift, brow lift, lip lift, and CO2 laser skin resurfacing. Both the patient and Dr. Russell are thrilled with the outstanding results achieved.
The patient’s primary objective was to avoid any noticeable signs of surgery, and this objective was precisely met. Remarkably, her friends have been commenting on her refreshed and rejuvenated appearance, completely unaware of the surgical procedures until she chose to disclose them.
Dr. Russell consistently aims to achieve this outcome for his patients undergoing such procedures—effectively turning back the clock with surgery, creating rejuvenated versions of themselves, and allowing them the choice of whether to share their transformation with the world or keep it as their personal secret.
Lip Lift Before and After Patient 3:
When Dr. Joseph Russell has a patient considering a lip lift, the most common questions revolve around concerns about scarring. In the majority of cases, Dr. Russell performs a bullhorn-style lip lift, with the scar discreetly concealed under the base of the nose.
The patient graciously allowed Dr. Russell to share her results just 11 days after her lip lift procedure. At this early stage, all that’s visible is a small amount of redness where the incisions were made. Her upper lip now exhibits a natural fullness that harmonizes beautifully with her lower lip. The patient is delighted with her results.
How is a Lip Lifting Surgery Performed?
In many cases, this procedure can be performed under local anesthesia. It does not usually involve muscles or deep layers of tissue. The skin at the base of the nose is excised to shorten the area between the nose and upper lip. Incisions are made so they are hidden in the fold at the base of the nose.
Although this procedure removes only a small amount of skin and tissue, it can make a dramatic difference. The upper lip is in a slightly higher position and appears to be more curved. More of the pink part of the upper lip can be seen. In addition, more of the upper teeth can be seen when people smile. In general, this makes people look more cheerful and relaxed while making their smile more attractive.
This procedure does not affect the patient’s ability to smile, talk, or make normal facial expressions. In fact, it generally makes facial expressions appear more genuine and friendly.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Lip Lifting or Lip Shortening Surgery?
Most adults who want subtly reshaped lips are good candidates for this surgery.
In general, the patients who are happiest with these results have the following characteristics:- A long philtrum (the space between the bottom of the nose and the upper border of the upper lip) that could benefit from lip shortening
- An upper lip that is not as full as the patient wishes
- A smile that does not show the upper teeth
There are a few things patients can do to encourage a great outcome. Although this is an outpatient procedure in most cases, people should plan to rest and recuperate for several days. In addition, patients who smoke cigarettes or otherwise use tobacco products should quit at least two weeks before the surgery. If you are taking any medications or have a medical disorder, please tell your doctor at your consultation.
Lip Lift Consultation
Is this the right procedure for you? The only way to make an informed decision is to meet with a facial plastic surgeon for a consultation. Dr. Joseph Russell is an experienced board certified facial plastic surgeon who graduated first in his class from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. After a five-year residency in head and neck surgery, Dr. Russell completed a prestigious fellowship in New York City with one of the world’s top plastic surgeons.
He now offers consultations and a variety of facial plastic surgery procedures to patients in the Charleston area. If you are interested in a lip lift procedure, call Dr. Russell’s office today at (843) 576-3302 and ask for a consultation.