A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the length of the upper lip to the nasal base providing a lift as well as giving the appearance of a fuller upper lip. At rest with the lips slightly apart, we should show about 2 millimeters of our teeth and at full smile, the lower border of the upper lip should be at the gum line. The ‘normal’ length of the upper lip is anywhere from 12-16mm. I prefer to measure both by using the traditional accepted aesthetic measure as well as based on the relative show of the teeth.
The procedure takes about one hour and is performed under local anesthesia. Recovery is about 5-7 days with sutures being removed at 7 days and some mild swelling the first 2-3 days. Pain is minimal and well controlled with pain medication and antibiotics are prescribed to take for 5-7 days.
