The shape of the lips impacts the balance and beauty of the face. When the top lip is too long or thin, it can impact the fullness and youthfulness of the mouth. Genetics and aging can both affect the appearance of the upper lip, but lip plastic surgery can reshape and lift the lip to create the desired effect. Expert facial surgeon Dr. Lesley Rabach and our team at LM Medical NYC in Manhattan offer lip lift surgery to reshape and revitalize the upper lip and mouth.

When there is too much space between the bottom of the nose and the upper lip, it can make the lips or mouth look older or unbalanced. Some people are born with a “longer” upper lip. Others have the pink portion of the upper lip disappear as they age, due to lost skin elasticity and volume in the lips. A lip lift removes a small section of skin under the columella, or nose base, and elevates the upper lip. This reduces the space between the top lip and nose, while curving the pink portion of the lip out. The result can be fuller, more balanced lips that look more youthful and sensuous.

Lip Lift Surgery FAQs

What are the credentials of my surgeon?

Dr. Lesley is a double board certified facial plastic surgeon, one of the few elite surgeons who specializes specifically in operating on the face and neck. She completed her internship and residency in head and neck surgery at Yale New Haven Hospital followed by an ABFPRS accredited fellowship in facial plastic surgery. With the most advanced surgical techniques and an artistically trained eye, Dr. Lesley re-sculpts the lip to achieve a natural, youthful look.

What is a lip lift?

A lip lift is a one-hour surgical procedure done under local anesthesia, which removes a small strip of skin under your nose to raise the top lip. This procedure can also roll the lip up, making the appearance of the lip larger.

What are the common reasons patients decide to get a lip lift?

Many patients decide to get a lip lift in order to enhance the appearance of their face by shortening the length of their upper lip. This facial enhancement can improve their lip definition, while regaining a youthful appearance. In addition, this surgery can transform the function of the lip to improve the visual appearance of both the lips and teeth. Often, a lip lift will help show more of the patient’s lip.

Who is the ideal candidate for a lip lift?

The ideal candidate for lip lift is someone who has lips that are thin, inverted and or shapeless. Commonly, patients who desire a lip lift have a desire for more permanent results when compared to lip fillers (which only add volume). Additionally, this surgery is conducted on patients who desire a shortened length between their nose and lip.

Is a lip lift a popular procedure?

Yes! We perform them all the time.

Does a lip lift require removing a lot of skin?

The amount of skin removed is completely dependent on the patient’s aesthetic concerns. Typically, anywhere from 3-7mm of skin will be removed. Dr. Rabach takes careful consideration when deciding how much skin to remove in order to prevent a prolonged healing process.

What are the chances for scarring in this surgery?

Dr. Rabach pays special attention to the anatomy of the upper lip by lifting the lip and releasing the skin and muscle attachments surrounding the lip. The surrounding skin is not stretched, but it is evenly distributed so that the sutures are attached to the ligaments at the nose base. Often, scarring will occur if this technique is not done correctly.

How long will it take to see results?

As little as three weeks post-surgery, patients will begin to see their results. Within three to four months, further definition and improved lip ratio will be apparent as the tissues within the skin begin to soften over time.

What are the risks and associated complications with this surgery?

Typical risks associated with this surgery are infection, scarring and fluid buildup after surgery. These complications can be managed and prevented by working with a board certified facial plastic surgeon, like Dr. Lesley Rabach. It is of great importance to make Dr. Rabach aware of any previous filler and silicon implant use during your surgical consultation in order prevent any adverse complications. Patients with silicone implants may experience increased swelling due to the silicone.

What are the pros to a lip lift?

Lip lift results are permanent and can give your mouth a more symmetrical and refined lip shape.

A lip lift can reshape your lips and create a fuller, more youthful appearance to your mouth. If you want to learn more about lip lift surgery or enhancement, contact us at LM Medical NYC. We can schedule a personal lip consultation with renowned facial surgeon Dr. Lesley to discuss the surgical and non-surgical treatments available.