If your upper lips are elongated and cover a large portion of your teeth, it can make you feel self-conscious about smiling. For patients who would like a wider smile with increased teeth show, the sub-nasal lip lift procedure can be a good solution. A sub-nasal lip lift removes a portion of the skin under the nose and gently lifts the skin to reshape the Cupid’s bow and create a lifted appearance. The plastic surgeons at Waldman Schantz and Turner Plastic Surgery Center are pleased to perform sub-nasal lip lifts in our Lexington, Kentucky facility. Our surgeons have helped many patients achieve the youthful, beautiful lips they seek.
The lips usually change in size and shape during the normal process of aging. Often, the red portion of the lip decreases in height while the skin portion of the upper lip (the cutaneous lip) elongates. When this occurs, the red lips as well as portions of the cutaneous lips lose volume, creating an aged appearance.
A sub-nasal lip lift can offer a variety of benefits to people who wish to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing lip area and smile. This procedure decreases the elongated appearance of the white portion of the upper lip resulting in a better facial balance and more natural look. At the same time the orientation of the upper lip is changed from a horizontal to diamond shape while at the same time allowing the teeth to show when smiling.
Men and women who have an upper lip that is far longer than they would like are the ideal candidates for the sub-nasal lip lift. Some patients are simply born with long upper lips while others have them as a result of the natural process of aging. Sub-nasal lip lift candidates should be in good health, have reasonable expectations for the outcome of the procedure, and hope to lift their lips upward rather than outward.
On the day of the surgery, the surgeon will make a precise incision on the base of a patient’s nose, following the natural creases to hide the small scar that will occur from the incision. Then, he will pull the upper lip to show more of it, remove any excess tissue, and place sutures. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and takes about one to two hours to complete.
After a sub-nasal lip lift, patients may experience minor swelling for up to 72 hours. The swelling can be reduced through ice or compresses. Dr. Waldman can prescribe pain medication if patients would like.
Patients can expect their sutures to be removed in five to seven days after their lift. In most cases, patients with lighter skin tones and thinner lips heal quicker than those with darker skin and thicker lips. Complete healing usually takes between six and 12 weeks. Patients should follow all recovery instructions and must limit activity as directed.
“Just had a simple procedure done here this week. Got a new cosmetic set from the skincare office that seems to be reducing some redness on my face! I plan to have a surgery done in the future. Pricing is very affordable as I have been to one other practice outside of the state that had higher rates. Would definitely recommend! ”
A sub-nasal lip lift can be performed on men and women over the age of 18. However, this procedure is particularly helpful for older individuals whose lips have creased and elongated as a result of the natural aging process.
The goal of a lip augmentation procedure is to produce fuller lips. A lip lift, however, is designed to improve the shape and position of the lips. Dr. Waldman can help you determine which procedure is ideal for your aesthetic goals.
Yes. The bullhorn lift and gullwing lift are other common names for the sub-nasal lip lift.
After undergoing a sub-nasal lip lift, you can expect your results to be visible immediately. For the first few days after your procedure, you may face some pain, swelling, and discomfort. However, after these side effects have faded, your lips will look great and feel normal.
Dr. Waldman may recommend a sub-nasal lip lift in conjunction with a lower lip advancement and injectable filler so that you can enjoy improved contour and volume.
Sub-nasal lip lifts are permanent. Aging will almost never cause the lips to go back to their natural position after a sub-nasal lip lift.
A sub-nasal lip lift cannot be reversed because this procedure excises a portion of the patient’s skin, which cannot be replaced. Since a sub-nasal lip lift is not reversible, it’s important for patients to be 100% sure about their goals prior to undergoing the procedure.
Since we only use local anesthesia, which is a type of numbing medication, you are free to drive home and resume your everyday activities after a lip lift.
If you’re interested in a sub-nasal lip lift in the Lexington area, you can trust our expert surgeons at Waldman Schantz and Turner Plastic Surgery Center. They have years of experience performing sub-nasal lip lifts and will take the time to get to know your particular aesthetic goals so an appropriate treatment plan can be designed.
With our cutting-edge technology, attention to detail, and expertise, you can expect lip lift results that lead to a more youthful appearance that makes you look happier and more relaxed.
A consultation is the perfect way to learn more about a sub-nasal lip lift and ensure any questions or concerns you may have are addressed. Call us today at 1-859-254-5665 to schedule your sub-nasal lip lift consultation at our Lexington, KY offices. We look forward to hearing from you!