Lip Lift (Cosmetic Lip Lift) in Northern Virginia
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Contact UsWhat is a Lip Lift?
Our team of plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Reston, VA are known nationally for around the mouth surgery including the lip lift. This procedure uses a scar beneath the nose to shorten a long upper lip. This accentuates the Cupid's bow and decreases the amount of space between the nose and red pigment of the upper lip, also known as the vermilion. Unlike a lip augmentation, which utilizes implants or fillers, a lip lift procedure removes excess tissue to elevate the upper lip to a higher position. The result creates a fuller and natural lip appearance. The lip lift can be performed alone or in conjunction with other around the mouth or facial procedures.
What are the lift lip techniques?
CLASSIC Lip Lift
There are a number of terms used to describe a lip lift. Some include a 'gull wing lip lift,' 'sub-nasal lip lift' and a 'bull horn lip lift.' All are essentially the same. An ellipse of skin is marked out for excision beneath the base of the nose. Through this incision, the excess skin is removed and the long upper lip is shortened. By removing this tissue, the shape of the lip is altered from both peaks of the Cupid's bow. The final scar typically conceals well beneath the base of the nose where there is a natural skin crease.
VERMILION LIP LIFT
A less popular version of the lip lift places the incision along the red border of the upper lip. The red of the upper lip is also called the vermilion. While we perform this procedure occasionally, it is second to a Classic Lip Lift because of the potential for scar tethering from a vermilion lip lift. This tethering is most bothersome above the Cupid's bow. Your surgeon can discuss whether this procedure may be appropriate for you.
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What can I expect During/After a lip lift?
During your initial consultation with one of our plastic surgeons, a unique treatment plan will be designed specifically for you. Once the treatment plan is approved, an appointment will be made for your procedure. Lip lift surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure and usually takes about 1 – 2 hours. During the first few days after surgery, there will be some swelling and moderate pain but the results will be visible right away. Although it may take several months for optimal results to settle, they are long lasting and will reveal a naturally fuller look.
Youthful Lips
Call Austin-Weston today to learn more about how a lip lift can create that fuller lip contour that you desire. During your initial consult, our plastic surgeons can discuss the differences between a lip lift and lip augmentation to determine which method is ideal for you. Our team looks forward to serving you and helping you achieve the look you desire.