Lip Lift

What is a Lip Lift?

A (deep plane) lip lift is a procedure to reduce the distance between the bottom of the nose and the upper lip.

Often, this gap will grow as we age. This, as with so much of ageing, is caused by collagen depletion that leads to skin relaxation/sagging.

However, it can also be that the gap to the base of the nose is larger than is typical from a younger age.

In either case, it is likely that surgery can be beneficial.

The Benefits of Lip Lift Surgery

The obvious benefit is in the aesthetic appearance – what may have been a gap that was overly visible, somewhat dominating the bottom of the face is reduced.

There are actually ‘ideal’ measurements for the philtrum (the distance between nose and top lip) – these are between 11 and 13mm for women and 13 to 15mm for men.

Of course, this is not to say that anyone outside these ranges should automatically be considering surgery – this is merely the figures used in anatomy books which describe the ‘perfect’ dimensions using Phi or the Golden Ratio (Fibonacci Sequence).

The benefits can also be psychological. As with so many aspects of our appearance, concern about a feature can play greatly on self-esteem and this can then impact into multiple areas of life.

Relationships can be impacted, so too work. Much therefore depends on how any one person feels about the gap between their nose and upper lip. Many will never give it any thought, but for those for whom it is a concern then surgery can clearly be beneficial.

Advances in surgical methods mean it is now increasingly common to target just one or two specific areas.

The lip lift used to occur as part of a fuller facelift – but patients can elect to have this independently.

Lip Lift Surgery Results

The lip lift – also known as a batman lift, eagle lift or bullhorn lift – does more than just reducing the visible gap.

Surgery improves the Cupid’s Bow and the lips take on a more voluminous appearance. The patient looks that bit younger and, with this, so does the face too. Lip volume is enhanced without being overdone.

The results and lip shape look natural, an enhancement without that look of ‘work having been done’.

It is important to mention scarring. It is worth noting that a small scar will be visible post-surgery and initially this will be red and lumpy. With massage and time this should improve significantly. This scar is usually discreet – Dr Paul will provide further details.

Surgery for Lip Lift vs Lip Fillers

The indications for lip filler and surgical lip lift are slightly different but both aim to enhance lip aesthetics. The key is choosing the right procedure in the right patient. Given many clinics offer lip fillers including ourselves (PANTHEONS Clinic), you may understandably wonder what the benefit of a more invasive surgery by a plastic surgeon could be against a non-surgical choice for lip augmentation.

The truth is that fillers deliver amazing results in the right hands that patients are extremely happy with but they cannot lessen the distance in the philtral column.

Natural Looking Lip Lift Plastic Surgery

Lip lifts allow for very subtle adjustments.

This is a form of lip surgery where it is possible to change the appearance to reduce any asymmetry. The cupid’s bow can be tweaked with complete control and so the prospective patient can outline the results they are seeking and the surgeon can turn these into reality.

Lip filler injections can certainly enhance the upper lip and appear to reduce the gap to the base of the nose, but there is inevitably a degree less control around how this will impact the overall appearance.

Surgery and Recovery Post Upper Lip Surgery

The surgery to reduce distance between the nose and upper lip via a bullhorn-shaped scar is a relatively quick procedure, typically taking under an hour. It is performed under local anaesthetic.

The sutures are usually removed around a week and any pain is typically mild, requiring over the counter painkillers at most. Many do not require any pain medication.

Further details relating to the healing process would always be provided at a detailed consultation.

Would you like to book a consultation for lip lift?

To book a consultation with Mr Banwell or one of the PANTHEONS surgeons, please call 01342 330302 or use or booking form.