A lip lift is often done to enhance lips that have lengthened or lost volume as part of the aging process. It can change the shape of the lip in a way fillers can’t, leaving the patient with a subtle, more youthful and pleasing shape.

What is a lip lift?

The lip lift procedure reduces the distance between the nose and upper lip, thereby lifting the lip, revealing more pink and showing off the teeth. This gives a fuller and more youthful appearance to the lips.

Patients may choose to undergo a lip lift in addition to a facelift surgery, but it can also be an effective standalone procedure.

How is a lip lift performed?

A lip lift is a relatively minor procedure performed under local anesthesia. Your lip lift should be completed within an hour. During a lip lift, Dr. Stark makes an incision above the top lip to remove a strip of skin between the nose and upper lip. He shortens the distance between the top of the lips and the nose, by lifting the vermilion border, or upper lip’s edge. Dr. Stark artfully sculpts the cupid’s bow, or top point of your upper lip, to create greater fullness and improved projection of the upper lip.

Recovering from your lip lift

The look of your lips will be improved after your surgery, but full results may not be visible until all swelling and scarring has resolved—usually between three and six months later.

You may experience bruising, swelling, and numbness after your surgery, but these symptoms should all recede within about three weeks. Dr. Stark will prescribe pain medication as necessary after surgery, and ensure you know how to clean and care for your healing incision.

Most patients can return to their normal routine just a few days after surgery. You should sleep with your head elevated for the first two days after surgery. It is also important to avoid particularly vigorous activities for several weeks.

Your patient experience

Dr. Stark can help and his staff at StarkMD Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Center will ensure you feel comfortable from the minute you arrive. His friendly staff, comfortable exam rooms and warm bedside manner will immediately put you at ease. We understand surgery can be emotionally difficult and ultimately the key to a successful surgery is alignment of your goals with those of your doctor.

Your lip lift consultation will allow you the time and comfort you deserve to discuss your desired outcome. As with any surgery, health is of the utmost importance and Dr. Stark will ensure you are taking any necessary supplementation and stop any medications that may interfere with surgery. In addition, Dr. Stark’s considerable skill and finesse come through to minimize scarring with every closing suture.

Schedule a consultation

As a double certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Stark offers his patients peace of mind and confidence due to his extensive training, experience, and acumen. During your comprehensive consultation, Dr. Stark will help you get the facts about lip lifts, review your options, and identify the safest and most effective surgical plan for your specific goals. Please call our office to schedule a consultation.

Meet the Doctor

Ran Stark, M.D. is double board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. He completed more than 10 years of additional training and residencies after completing his medical degree to become one of the foremost plastic surgeons in the Philadelphia area. His keen attention to detail, artistic eye, and practiced hands help him give his patients consistently exemplary results - but the difference is also in his manner. Dr. Stark makes your goals his own. He will always do the utmost to help you uncover the greatest version of yourself.

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