There are several non-surgical ways to increase the volume of your lips, but if you have long, thin, or small lips, lip filler may not give you the results you seek. Lip lift surgery, on the other hand, could be the appropriate remedy. 

Why Should You Get a Lip Lift?

Lip lift surgery shortens the distance between the top of the lip and the bottom of the nose, removing sagging or drooping skin on the roof of the mouth. The purpose of a lip lift is to make the upper lip larger and more prominent. Because it enhances the amount of pink that shows, this technique is great for people who want to increase the height of their top lip rather than the volume. Lip lifts can help minimize sagging caused by age, wrinkles, sun damage, or heredity, in addition to providing a fuller lip. 

Lip Lift Surgery Types

Every person's lips are unique. As a result, each lip lift necessitates a distinct process. The type of lip lift surgery you choose is closely related to the outcome you want and the beginning point. 

Direct Lip Lifting 

A straight lip lift, commonly known as a gull-wing lip lift, is done to enhance the definition of the top lip. A little strip of skin is taken from just above the upper lip during this surgery. The top lip is then raised and stitched to cover the space left by the skin removal. As a result, individuals have a more prominent pink portion of the upper lip. However, because this form of lip lift might leave a visible scar along the lip's line and flatten the lip's border, it is rarely done.

Bullhorn Subnasal Lift

The subnasal bullhorn lip lift is one of the most common operations performed on people who want to elevate their lips. During this procedure, a strip of skin is taken directly under the nose, beginning in the center and extending to both ends of the nostrils. The skin is then raised to expose the center, left, and right sides of the lips. This lip lift is common since it hides the scar in a shadowy and less visible place.

Italian Lip Lift 

The surgeon can construct a lip lift with less volume by making two tiny incisions under the nostrils and raising the left and right sides of the lips. 

Central Lip Lift

A central lip lift surgery is comparable to a subnasal bullhorn in that a little strip of skin is taken simply in the center rather than extending the strip to the ends of the nostrils. As a result, the lip is elevated only in the center and not on the sides. The central lip lift is perfect for people who want to improve their cupid's bow pronunciation. 

Lifting of the Lip Corner

The corner lip lift elevates the corners of the lips rather than the upper lip. The surgeon can raise the corners and eliminate any downturned portions by making a small, triangular incision in the corners of the lips. This lip lift is appropriate for people who have sagging corners or are concerned about seeming "sad" or "serious."

The Recovery and Cost of Lip Lift Surgery

Lip lift surgery is a minimally invasive in-office technique that just requires numbing cream or local anesthetic. The recovery process is rapid and painless, however, patients should expect some swelling, bruising, and soreness for about a week after the treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to control any discomfort, and all sutures are removed in the office 5-7 days after the procedure. 

Most people recover quickly, but it is critical to follow all post-operative recommendations from your surgeon to promote complete healing. Lip lift surgery typically costs between $2,000 and $6,000, with $3,500 being the average.