Lip lift surgery for improved lip volume and facial appearance
What is a lip lift?
A lip lift is a simple and powerful facial plastic surgery that helps lift the upper lip in order to increase the amount of the red lip (or upper lift) shown. The lip lift procedure practiced by Dr. Moubayed offers our patients a long-lasting effect, a more visible smile, and a more aesthetically pleasing lip contour.
Lip lifts involve a small incision underneath the nose to enhance the size, shape and position of the upper lip. These procedures usually require local anesthetic as general anesthesia is not typically employed due to the minimal discomfort associated with the procedure.
Schedule a consultation for an expert lip lift in Montreal
What Are The Benefits Of A Lip Lift Procedure?
Lip lifts help achieve a full and youthful appearance. Some of the main benefits include:
- Fuller upper lip
- Improves shape of the mouth
- Get a more prominent upper lip
- Lift the corners of the mouth (when a corner lift is performed)
- Reduce the signs of aging
- Increased upper tooth (incisor) show
- Improve self-esteem and confidence
- Permanent results
Interested in getting a lip lift in Montreal? Contact us today!
How is a lip lift performed?
A central lip lift or upper lip lift procedure involves making a precise incision to remove a strip of skin at the base of the nose. This shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip, leaving a discreet lip lift scar hidden in the natural crease. This surgical lip lift enhances the appearance by increasing the visible red portion of the lip, creating a more youthful appearance and improving the overall smile.
Anesthesia
The lip lift surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia with a mild sedative, though some patients may opt for general anesthesia for combined procedures like a facelift. This depends on the type of lip lift and the patient’s preference.
Downtime
The recovery period after a lip lift procedure is minimal. Most patients experience slight swelling and discomfort, but these subside within a week. Stitches are usually removed within 5–7 days, and the healing process begins quickly. The resulting lip lift scar is small and blends naturally over time. Our clinic provides care instructions and treatment options, such as laser treatments, to ensure scars are as inconspicuous as possible.
Aesthetic Effect
With age, the upper lip lengthens, causing the lips to turn inward and reduce tooth visibility, which can impact the appearance of the mouth. A lip lift addresses this by restoring balance and symmetry, enhancing the smile, and revealing more of the upper teeth. This cosmetic procedure improves the beauty of the nose-mouth area for a naturally rejuvenated look.
Long-term Outcomes
A surgical lip lift offers permanent solutions with minimal scarring. After a few months, the results become fully visible, leaving patients with a more defined upper lip and enhanced appearance. Unlike temporary solutions like lip fillers, lip lift surgery delivers lasting improvements.
Other Considerations
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in facial plastic surgery is crucial for minimizing potential risks. Improper placement of the incision or removal of excessive skin can lead to complications, such as poor healing or visible scars. Our expert team ensures optimal results with tailored care for every patient, making us a trusted choice for a lip lift in Montreal.
Four ways to know if you are good candidates for lip lift procedure
- You have a small upper red lip
- The distance between your nose and upper lip is increased compared to the general population
- You have tried (and failed) reversible options such as hyaluronic acid filler injections
- You are not subject to hypertrophic scarring or keloids
Think You're a Good Candidate for a Lip Lift in Montreal?
Schedule a consultation with us today to explore your options and take the first step toward achieving your ideal look!
What happens during a consultation for a lip lift in Montreal?
A consultation for a lip lift in Montreal typically involves the following steps:
- Medical History & Physical Examination: The process begins with a full review of your health history and a physical assessment to ensure you are a suitable candidate for surgery.
- Photo Analysis & Discussion of Goals: Photos of your face are taken and reviewed with your surgeon. This helps evaluate proportions and serves as a visual tool to discuss your expectations. It’s important to understand that not all changes are surgically achievable.
- Surgical Plan & Recovery Overview: Dr. Moubayed will explain the details of the procedure, outline what to expect during recovery, and answer any questions you may have.
- Additional Consultations (if needed): Sometimes, multiple appointments are necessary before making a final decision about lip lift surgery.
- Informed Decision-Making: Undergoing facial surgery is a significant decision. You’ll be given all the information you need to feel confident, comfortable, and fully informed before moving forward.
Does lip lifting replace hyaluronic acid injections or lip fillers?
Lip lift surgery is a permanent solution to increase the size of the upper lip. However, it does not replace the volume and hydration obtained through injections. Lip injections and lip augmentation can still be necessary after the procedure.
How long should I wait after hyaluronic acid injections before a lip lift?
We generally recommend that hyaluronic acid fillers to the upper lip and dissolved before the lip lift procedure.
What are the risks of a surgical lip lift?
A lip lift surgery is generally safe and involves minimal risks when performed by a skilled professional. However, as with any procedure, some complications may occur.
Possible risks include:
- Scarring at the incision site
- Bleeding or bruising
- Infection
- Asymmetry in lip shape or position
- Numbness or changes in sensation (rare)
- Unpredictable tissue healing, depending on individual skin response
With proper post-operative care and guidance, these risks can be significantly reduced.
Lip lift cost in Montreal
Prices for cosmetic procedures can vary widely based on a number of factors, such as the specific techniques used, the complexity of the case, and the experience and reputation of the surgeon. Please refer to our Prices page in order to know about our procedures as well as the cost. You may also want to consider asking about financing options or payment plans if the cost is a concern for you.
Visit our pricing page for a clear breakdown of costs and options for your lip lift procedure.
Learn More About Lip Lifts in Montreal
What are the different types of lip lifts in Montreal?
There are several different types of lip lifts, all common lip lift procedures, including the following:
- Bullhorn lip lift procedure: This type of lip lift involves making a small incision underneath the nose and lifting the upper lip indirectly. It is the lift that produces the most inconspicuous scar. Also known as the indirect lip lift, modified upper lip lift, or CUPID lift.
- Corner lip lift: This type of lip lift involves making an incision at the corners of the mouth and lifting the skin to turn up the corners of the mouth and create a more youthful appearance.
- Direct lip lift: This type of lip lift involves making an incision around the upper or lower lips to advance it and produce a larger lip. The incision here can be more visible than with the bullhorn indirect lip lift.
- Italian lip lift:This variation involves two small incisions under each nostril, rather than one continuous incision. It offers subtle enhancement while reducing the potential for visible scarring.
Dr. Moubayed performs all the lip lift techniques listed above.
How long does it take to perform a lip lift?
Lip lifting is a quick and relatively painless surgical procedure when performed appropriately. When using modern techniques that enable maximal tissue control, it generally takes less than an hour.
How long does a lip lift last?
A lip lift is a permanent solution, providing long-lasting results that do not fade over time, unlike temporary treatments such as fillers. Once the healing process is complete, the enhanced appearance of the upper lip remains, offering a more youthful look for many years. However, natural aging will still continue to affect overall facial features over the course of months and years.
How long is recovery from a lip lift?
Patients leave the surgical center the same day and recover at home with very precise instructions, such as not drinking from a straw. Your first post-operative appointment will take place 5 to 7 days later, where your stitches will be removed and your wound will be examined. At that point, you can return to your regular activities and any bruising can be hidden with concealer.
Light physical activity can be resumed after a week, but for more vigorous activities like weightlifting, it is recommended to wait 1-2 weeks or three weeks to minimize bleeding risk.
Here’s everything you need to know about the lip lift recovery process!
What is the difference between a lip lift and a lip flip?
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip by removing a small strip of skin. This lifts the lip, reveals more of the pink tissue, and creates a fuller, more youthful look. Results are permanent, making it ideal for those with a long upper lip or anyone seeking a more defined lip shape and improved facial balance.
A lip flip, on the other hand, is a non-surgical treatment that uses Botox to relax the muscles around the upper lip. This causes the lip to subtly roll outward, giving the illusion of added fullness. Unlike a lip lift, it doesn’t involve incisions or add volume, and results last about two to three months. It’s best for those wanting a gentle, temporary enhancement.
What other procedures can I pair a lip lift with?
Rhinoplasty
Balances facial proportions by refining the nose and enhancing the side profile.
Chin augmentation
Strengthens the lower face and complements the lifted upper lip.
Jawline contouring
Improves overall facial harmony and definition.
Facial fillers
Restore volume to cheeks, nasolabial folds, or under-eye hollows for a more youthful appearance.
Cheek augmentation
Adds structure and lift to the mid-face.
Facelift
Addresses sagging skin and deeper wrinkles for full facial rejuvenation.
Botox
Smooths fine lines around the lips, forehead, and eyes; also helpful for reducing a gummy smile.
Are there non-surgical or minimally invasive alternatives to lip lifting?
Carefully selected patients can benefit from hyaluronic acid lip injections.Nothing replaces consultation with a doctor that offers all procedures (non-invasive and invasive) to determine the options best suited for your face.
Dr. Moubayed can advise patients judiciously with regards to one of the best options according to their facial needs.
How do I minimize the appearance of a lip lift scar?
At Clinique Face MD, we are obsessed with proper wound care and scar optimization. Our recommendations include:
- Proper wound care (as instructed) and prescribed ointment in the first week after surgery
- Silicone gel in the first three months
- PDL laser treatments (VBeam Perfecta) to decrease redness
- If needed, monthly 5FU and corticosteroid injections
- If needed, CO2 laser for scar resurfacing
All of these options are available at Face MD.
Lip Lift Before and After
Warning: These photos are published as an indication to provide information on the nature of the intervention. They do not constitute a guarantee of results.
Source: Clinique Face MD.
