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Sydney, NSW Lip Lift (CHEILOPLASTY) Surgery

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Lip Lift (CHEILOPLASTY) Surgery with dr turner

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.

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01.

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.

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02.

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.

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03.

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.

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04.

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.

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Specialist plastic surgeon

Dr Scott J turner

Dr Turner FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons – Plastic Surgery) is a Sydney Plastic Surgeon with clinics in the Eastern Suburbs at Bondi Junction and Northern Beaches at Manly.

Dr Scott J Turner has over a decade of experience in private practice solely focused on performing cosmetic surgery.

Request a consultation

Dr Scott J Turner Specialist Plastic Surgeon

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

Reasons for Having a Lip Lift

A lip lift, or cheiloplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at changing the appearance of the lips by reducing the distance between the upper lip and the nose. This procedure can make the upper lip more prominent and increase the visibility of the upper teeth. As individuals age, the upper lip can elongate and thin, potentially disrupting the overall harmony of the face. A lip lift addresses these age-related changes by elevating the position of the lip. Additionally, a lip lift can complement the results of other facial cosmetic procedures, such as facelifts or rhinoplasty, by ensuring the lips proportionately match the altered facial features. Furthermore, some patients may want to undergo a lip lift to increase symmetry between the upper and lower lips.

At FacePlus Aesthetics, we recognise that each patient presents with unique aesthetic goals and concerns. Our approach is to offer a customised plan that addresses these individual needs, focusing on achieving a harmonious balance that aligns with their facial structure.
Our goal is to provide detailed information during the consultation process to help patients make informed decisions about a lip lift based on a comprehensive understanding of what the procedure can realistically achieve.

It’s important for patients to understand that while the procedure can address age-related changes on the lips and other aesthetic concerns, the main intention is to achieve an adjustment that suits the individual’s facial proportions. At FacePlus Aesthetics, we ensure that each step of the process, from initial consultation to the final outcomes, is guided by the principle of realistic and attainable results.

Our Philosophy on Lip Lift

At FacePlus Aesthetics, our approach to lip lift surgery is focused on creating results that align with the patient’s existing features. Dr Scott Turner believes in the philosophy of ‘subtle change’ rather than drastic change. Our goal is to lift and reshape the lips in a way that complements the patient’s overall facial aesthetics.

Our philosophy extends to patient care, where we prioritise comprehensive consultations and open communication. We take the time to understand each patient’s expectations and desires, ensuring that the treatment plan is tailored to their specific needs. This personalised approach helps to achieve results that align with the patient’s aesthetic goals.

Furthermore, we adhere to high standards of safety and ethical practices in all our procedures. Dr Turner’s experience and attention to detail help lower the risk of complications and achieve the patient’s goals. We respect each patient’s needs and maintain confidentiality throughout the process, ensuring a professional and supportive experience from consultation to recovery.

How the Procedure is Performed

A lip lift procedure at FacePlus Aesthetics involves several steps and is typically performed under local anaesthesia with sedation. Dr Turner begins by making a small incision at the base of the nose, where the scar will be naturally concealed. Through this incision, a small strip of skin is removed, and the lip is lifted to a higher position.

The exact amount of skin removed and the technique used will depend on the patient’s specific needs and goals, which are discussed during the consultation. Dr Turner employs precise surgical techniques to ensure that the lift is even and symmetrical. The procedure usually takes about one to two hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the case.

Once the desired lift is achieved, the incision is closed with fine sutures. Dr Turner takes care to place the incision in a discreet location to minimise the visibility of the scar. Patients are provided with detailed postoperative care instructions to support healing and achieve a good clinical outcome.

Recovery Period

The recovery period after a lip lift varies from patient to patient, depending on the extent of the procedure and individual healing ability. Most patients are able to return to normal activities within a week. Immediately after the procedure, patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the treated area. These symptoms can be managed with prescribed medications and proper postoperative care.

Patients are advised to keep their head elevated and avoid strenuous activities for the first few days to reduce swelling. It is also important to follow Dr Turner’s instructions regarding oral hygiene and care of the incision site to prevent infection and promote healing. The initial swelling subsides within a week, and the final results become more noticeable as the healing progresses.

Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process and address any concerns. Dr Turner provides continuous support throughout the recovery period, ensuring that patients are comfortable and informed. While the majority of the swelling and bruising will resolve within the first few weeks, it may take a few months for the final results to become noticeable.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, a lip lift carries potential risks and complications that patients should be aware of. Common side effects include swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which are typically temporary and resolve with proper care. There is also a risk of infection, which can be minimised by following Dr Turner’s postoperative care instructions. Less common complications may include scarring, asymmetry, and changes in lip sensation. Asymmetry can occur if the lift is not even. Changes in lip sensation are usually temporary, but in rare cases, they may be permanent.

In addition to these, patients may experience difficulty in articulating certain sounds or temporary changes in their eating patterns due to the adjustment in the lip’s position. These effects typically resolve as the healing process progresses. Persistent issues are rare but can occur, and it’s important for patients to report any prolonged complications to Dr Turner. Furthermore, there is a risk of adverse reactions to anaesthesia used during the procedure.

At FacePlus Aesthetics, we take every precaution to minimise these risks through meticulous surgical techniques and rigorous postoperative care. Before the procedure, Dr Turner will conduct a detailed patient assessment that includes the medical history, current medications, existing medical conditions, and other factors that can affect the outcome of a lip lift procedure. This helps determine patient suitability and creates a customised treatment plan. It is important for patients to have a clear understanding of the potential risks and complications and to discuss any concerns with Dr Turner during the consultation process. This ensures that patients can make informed decisions and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of their surgery.