As you age, your lips can become thinner and the space between the upper lip and nostril can lengthen. A lip lift surgery (cheiloplasty) is a cosmetic procedure that can address these age-related changes in the lips. This surgical procedure involves shortening the distance between the upper lip and the base of the nose, as well as removing skin and tissue to lift the upper lip.
Types of Lip Lifts (Cheiloplasty)
There are different lip lifts for specific lip shapes and sizes. Dr Turner will help you choose the lip lift surgery based on your specific suitability.
- Subnasal Bullhorn Lip Lift – The subnasal bullhorn is the most commonly performed lip procedure. During this type of lip lift, an incision resembling a bull’s horns is created under the base of the nose, and the lip is pulled closer to the nose.
- Central Lip Lift – A central lip lift is similar to a subnasal bullhorn lift. It shortens the space between the nose and the lips with an incision at the lower nose.
- Corner Lip Lift – This particular type of lip lift elevates the corners of the lips. This can be performed together with a central lip lift.
- Direct Lip Lift – This type of lip lift removes a thin strip of skin above the upper lip and pulls it to expose the vermillion border.
Suitable Candidates for a Lip Lift (Cheiloplasty)
Suitable candidates for the procedure are looking to address:
- Wide space between the nostrils and the upper lip
- Asymmetry in lip size or shape
In addition, candidates must be in good overall health, are non-smokers or are willing to quit smoking, and have realistic expectations.
About the Lip Lift (Cheiloplasty) Procedure
Depending on the specific type of lip lift surgery that your surgeon recommends, the procedure will vary. Here is a basic overview of what to expect during the procedure:
- Dr Turner or his anaesthetist will use a local anaesthetic to numb the treatment site. In certain cases, general anaesthesia is used. The type of anaesthesia to be used will depend on the extent of the surgery and your overall health condition.
- Depending on your body’s anatomy and the type of lip lift, a strip of skin and tissue from just beneath the nose will be removed. This can also involve lifting and repositioning the tissues of the upper lip.
- The incisions are then closed with sutures.
Recovery after Lip Lift (Cheiloplasty)
How you adhere to the post-treatment care instructions will impact your results. Here are a few tips to follow after lip lift surgery that will help with your recovery:
- Make sure to rest well 24 to 48 hours after the surgery.
- Avoid all kinds of strenuous workouts for at least a week or two after the surgery.
- Sleep on your back and avoid sleeping on your sides or stomach.
- Avoid putting pressure near the wound.
- Do not move your lips excessively for the first week or two after the surgery.
- Take care of your incisions as per your surgeon’s instructions to avoid infections.
- Avoid eating anything that requires you to open your mouth widely or hard-to-chew foods – try smoothies, soups, and softer foods for the first few days post-surgery.
- Rinse your mouth after eating your meals.
- Use a soft toothbrush to clean your teeth every morning and night.
- Take the prescribed medications as directed by your surgeon.
- Use a lip balm to keep your lips moisturised after the wound has healed.
- Do not skip the follow-up appointments with your surgeon.
Risks and Complications of a Lip Lift (Cheiloplasty)
Every surgery comes with a certain degree of risks and complications. Lip lift surgery is no different. Here are the possible risks and complications associated with the surgery:
- Allergic reaction to anaesthesia
- Blood loss
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Poor wound healing
- Scarring
- Swelling and bruising around the lips
