Lip Lift Benefits
Lip lift surgery transforms the face with minor changes to the upper lip. Unlike injectable fillers, the results are permanent. It’s beneficial for young people who want to improve the appearance of their lips and for older individuals who have noticed a loss of height from the red part of the upper lip over time.
Dr. Kam personalizes the lip lift in Voorhees, NJ, to match each patient’s goals. Lip lift surgery features benefits like:
- Enhance a thin upper lip
- Show more of the upper teeth, especially with smiling
- Improved natural smile
- Reduce fine lines on the upper lip
- Permanent enhancement
- Minimal downtime, quick recovery
Full lips give a more sensual and youthful appearance. The aging process causes the upper lip to thin and lengthen, altering this desirable and highly sought-after feature. Although lip filler can temporarily add volume, it cannot permanently correct an extended upper lip or improve teeth show.
What is a Lip Lift?
Lip lift surgery is a popular cosmetic procedure that adds volume to the upper lip. Genetics and age cause the upper lip to lengthen and partially cover the upper central teeth, altering the smile. Shortening the space between the nose and upper lip gives the red upper lip more visibility and fully reveals the smile. Dr. Kam customizes each lift lip to match her patient’s goals, making subtle but substantial improvements.
Candidates for Lip Lift Surgery
Ideal candidates are in good health, have no wound healing problems, and have a long, thin upper lip. But most lip lift patients will find that they are bothered by an upper lip that covers the top teeth when smiling, hindering the achievement of a perfect pout.
Often, the distance between the nose and upper lip is longer than average. In these cases, a lip lift surgery not only corrects the disproportionate space but also provides a permanent solution for enhancing facial aesthetics. This procedure is particularly effective for those seeking a fuller pout, offering a lasting alternative to temporary solutions such as dermal fillers.
Lip Lift Consultation in Voorhees, NJ
In Voorhees, NJ, individuals seeking a lip lift can schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Joanna Kam, a board-certified plastic surgeon. During this consultation, Dr. Kam engages closely with her patients to understand their specific cosmetic goals. She meticulously analyzes their facial features, focusing on how a lip lift can complement their overall facial aesthetics. With her expertise in facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Kam crafts a tailored treatment plan that aligns with each patient’s desires, ensuring a harmonious and natural-looking enhancement.
Lip Lift Preparation
The lip lift procedure is a simple one, preparation is important. Stop vaping and smoking at least a month before surgery, and pause herbal medications unless approved by the doctor. Avoid wearing jewelry and makeup on the day of surgery.
Arrange a ride to and from surgery, and stock some soft foods at home to enjoy after the surgery. Dr. Kam discusses the details of the surgery and provides postoperative instructions during the lip lift consultation in Voorhees, NJ.
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The Lip Lift Procedure
The lip lift procedure in Voorhees, NJ, is typically performed using local anesthesia. This quick procedure typically takes 45 minutes to one hour.
Dr. Kam applies a topical ointment to numb the area, then injects a numbing medication. She creates incisions directly under the nostrils or along the border of the upper lip. Dr. Kam gently elevates the tissue and skin through the incisions to create a fuller, more shapely upper lip. She removes excess skin and sutures the area. The surgery noticeably elevates the upper margin of the upper lip, enhancing its shape and creating fullness.
Types of Lip Lifts
Different surgical techniques for lip lift procedures can be used to enhance and reshape the natural lip shape:
Subnasal (Bullhorn Lip Lift)
A bullhorn-shaped incision is created in the crease under the base of the nose, and the lip is lifted towards the nose. The subnasal bullhorn is one of the most common types of lip lift and addresses the central portion of the lip. The scar is usually hidden along the base of the nose.
Corner Lip Lift (Grin Lift)
Two small incisions are created at the corners of the mouth, and a small strip of skin is removed to raise the corners. This procedure is used when someone feels the corners of their lips are downturned. The corner lip lift can be performed with a subnasal lip lift to add fullness to the entire upper lip, or can be performed alone to improve the corners only.
Lip Lift Recovery
Most patients experience mild-to-moderate discomfort and lip swelling for the first few days after the procedure. The majority of the swelling will resolve within 7-14 days. Most patients resume their normal activities within one week. In general, patients should:
- Plan to rest for 24 hours after the procedure
- Stop smoking before surgery
- Avoid drinking with a straw for 2 weeks
- Avoid straining lips excessively for 2 weeks
- Avoid strenuous activities for 1-2 weeks after the procedure
- Avoid sleeping on the face while the incision is healing
- Avoid opening the mouth too wide while the incision is healing
- Stick to soft foods while the incision is healing
- When brushing your teeth, avoid hitting the upper lip
- Keep lips moisturized, following the doctor’s instructions
- Clean the incisions, following the doctor’s instructions.
- Use over-the-counter pain medication to manage discomfort as directed by the doctor.
- Apply cold compresses gently to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Potential Risks and Complications of Surgical Lip Lift
Lip lift surgery, while generally safe and effective, carries certain risks and complications, as with any surgical procedure.
- Infection at the incision site can occur, characterized by redness, swelling, and unusual discharge.
- Excessive bleeding may require medical intervention, although some bleeding is a normal part of the healing process.
- Scarring is a common outcome, and the visibility of scars varies among individuals.
- Temporary or permanent nerve damage can lead to sensory changes in the lip area.
- Dissatisfaction with aesthetic outcomes may necessitate revision surgery.
Prospective patients need to discuss these risks with their surgeon, like Dr. Joanna Kam, during the consultation phase, to make an informed decision about the lip lift procedure.
Why Choose Dr. Kam for Your Lip Lift
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
- Joanna Kam, MD is a Facial Plastic Surgeon certified in Otolaryngology by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
- She completed a residency in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, MI.
- Dr. Kam was one of a handful of students in her medical school class nominated to the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.
Lip Lift Cost
The cost of a lip lift in Voorhees, NJ, can vary based on several factors. Kam Facial Plastic surgery offers affordable payment options through Care Credit. Dr. Kam discusses the cost of surgery during the consultation.
