What Is A Lip Lift?
A lip lift is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the shape and appearance of the upper lip by shortening the distance between the nose and lip. This allows more of the pink portion of the upper lip to show, creating greater definition and a fuller appearance without adding volume.
At Iteld Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lawrence Iteld customizes lip lift surgery based on each patient's facial anatomy and aesthetic goals. The goal is not simply to create a larger-looking lip, but to improve the proportions between the lips, nose, and surrounding facial features for a balanced, natural-looking result.
If you're considering lip lift surgery, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Iteld at our Chicago office to determine whether the procedure is right for you.
How Does A Lip Lift Work?
Lip lift surgery can be performed using different techniques depending on your anatomy and the changes you want to achieve. Dr. Iteld will evaluate the length of your upper lip, the amount of visible vermilion, your Cupid's bow, and your overall facial proportions before recommending the appropriate approach.
Common lip lift techniques include:
- Gull-wing lip lift: This technique focuses on the vermilion border, the line where the colored portion of the lip meets the surrounding skin. A carefully designed section of skin is removed along the upper lip border to increase the amount of visible vermilion and enhance the shape and definition of the Cupid's bow.
- Subnasal lip lift: Also known as a bullhorn lip lift, this technique removes a small section of skin beneath the nose. The upper lip is then lifted into its new position, shortening the distance between the nose and lip and allowing more of the upper lip to show. The incision is positioned within the natural contours beneath the nose to help make the resulting scar as inconspicuous as possible.
What Are the Benefits of A Lip Lift?
A lip lift can improve the appearance of the upper lip while enhancing its relationship to the rest of the face. Depending on your anatomy and goals, potential benefits may include:
- Shortening the distance between the nose and upper lip
- Increasing the amount of visible upper lip
- Creating a fuller-looking lip without adding volume
- Enhancing the shape and definition of the Cupid's bow
- Improving balance between the lips and surrounding facial features
- Creating long-lasting enhancement without repeated filler treatments
Because a lip lift requires an incision, it does result in a scar. Dr. Iteld carefully plans incision placement based on the surgical technique and your anatomy, and scars typically continue to fade and mature over time.
Iteld Plastic Surgery Reviews
Kimmy at Iteld Plastic Surgery is truly exceptional. She is personable, caring, incredibly detailed, and thorough, with a genuine eye for perfection. What impressed me most was her honesty and integrity, she only recommends services she truly believes will make a meaningful difference. If a treatment is unlikely to deliver the results a patient is seeking, she is completely transparent and will instead suggest a well-researched, evidence-based option better suited to achieving the desired outcome.Kimmy is exceptionally knowledgeable and has a wonderful ability to explain everything in clear, simple terms, making you feel comfortable, informed, and confident in your decisions. Her thoughtful, personalized approach shows that she genuinely cares about her patients and their results. I highly recommend her!
I can’t recommend Dr. Iteld and his team enough! Dr. Iteld is incredibly knowledgeable, experienced, caring, and brings such a positive energy that made feel comfortable and confident throughout the entire process. He thoroughly explained my implant options and set realistic expectations for what would work best for my body and goals. I always felt like I was in great hands and that he genuinely cared about helping me achieve the best results. Kimmy is amazing as well! She carefully analyzed my skin and shared so much expertise on skincare treatments tailored to my needs. Everyone in the office is so kind and welcoming. I’m now two and half months post-op, and I am absolutely in love with my results! They’re exactly what I was hoping for. Dr. Iteld truly exceeded my expectations. I’m so grateful for the exceptional care I received. I highly recommend Dr. Iteld and his team!
I couldn’t be happier with my experience with Dr. Iteld and the entire team! From my very first consultation, I felt completely comfortable, listened to, and confident that I was in the right hands. Dr. Iteld took the time to understand exactly what I wanted and explained everything thoroughly, while also giving honest and professional recommendations.The entire process—from consultation through surgery and follow-up—was incredibly smooth. The staff was kind, attentive, and always made me feel well cared for. I especially appreciated how responsive they were to my questions and how much they prioritized my comfort and safety.My results have exceeded my expectations. Everything looks natural, balanced, and exactly in line with what I was hoping for. Pain was also well controlled. I’m so glad I chose Dr. Iteld and would absolutely recommend him to anyone considering plastic surgery. I truly couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
Doctor Iteld is wonderful!I had the best experience with hi. Everyone of his staff are a pleasure to work with! And the results are amazing!
I had a great experience. Everyone is courteous, very friendly and helpful; and my procedure was explained to me step by step so I could understand and be prepared as of what to expect. Excellent job; Thank you
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Am I a good candidate for a lip lift?
You may be a good candidate if you have a longer space between your nose and upper lip, feel that your upper lip appears thin or turns inward, or would like more of the pink portion of your lip to show. A lip lift can also help create better balance between the upper lip and surrounding facial features. During your consultation, Dr. Iteld will evaluate your facial proportions, lip shape,and goals to determine whether a lip lift is appropriate for you.
What's the difference between a lip lift and lip filler?
A lip lift and lip filler enhance the lips in different ways. A lip lift surgically shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip, allowing more of the upper lip to show. Dermal fillers add volume directly to the lips but don't change the length of the skin above them.
For some patients, a lip lift may provide the improvement they're looking for without relying on repeated filler treatments. Others may benefit from filler alone or from using filler after a lip lift to further refine lip volume and shape.
Will a lip lift make my lips look bigger?
A lip lift can make the upper lip appear fuller without actually adding volume. By shortening the distance between the nose and upper lip, more of the pink portion of the lip becomes visible.This can create a more defined Cupid's bow and a fuller-looking upper lip while maintaining your natural facial proportions.
Will I have a visible scar after a lip lift?
A lip lift requires an incision, so there will be a scar. With a subnasal lip lift, the incision is carefully positioned along the natural contours beneath the nose to help make it as inconspicuous as possible. The scar typically continues to fade and mature over time. Dr. Iteld will also discuss appropriate scar care as part of your recovery.
What is recovery like after a lip lift?
Swelling, tightness, and some bruising are normal during the early stages of recovery. Sutures are typically removed approximately one week after surgery, although swelling and the incision will continue to improve over the following weeks and months.
Dr. Iteld uses his Smart Recovery? protocol to help make the recovery process as comfortable as possible. You'll receive specific instructions about incision care, activity, and when you can resume your normal routine.
When will I see my final lip lift results?
You'll notice a change in the position and shape of your upper lip soon after surgery, but swelling can temporarily affect its appearance. As the swelling resolves and the tissues settle, your results will become more defined. It can take several months for the area to fully heal and for your final result to emerge.
How long do lip lift results last?
Unlike injectable treatments that require periodic maintenance, a lip lift creates a structural change to the upper lip and is designed to provide long-lasting results. Your lips and surrounding facial tissues will continue to change naturally with age, but the improvement created by the surgery generally remains.
Can a lip lift be combined with other facial procedures?
Yes. Depending on your goals, a lip lift may be performed as a standalone procedure or incorporated into a broader facial rejuvenation plan. Dr. Iteld will evaluate your facial proportions as a whole and discuss whether combining procedures would provide a more balanced result.
How much does a lip lift cost?
The cost of a lip lift depends on the surgical approach and your individual treatment plan. After Dr. Iteld evaluates your anatomy and goals during your consultation, our patient coordinators can provide detailed information about the cost of your procedure.
Enhance Your Lips While Maintaining Natural Balance
Lip lift surgery requires careful attention to proportion. The goal isn't to create an exaggerated or obviously enhanced upper lip, but to improve its shape, visibility, and relationship to the surrounding facial features.
Dr. Iteld approaches lip lift surgery with the same attention to balance and natural-looking results that he brings to facial plastic surgery as a whole. Your procedure will be customized to your anatomy and the changes you want to achieve.
If you're considering a lip lift, contact Iteld Plastic Surgery in Chicago to schedule a consultation with Dr. Iteld and learn whether the procedure is right for you.
Say Goodbye to Thin Lips
Lip lift surgery requires an artful eye and a sensitive touch, which is why it's important to trust an experienced surgeon, like Dr. Iteld, for your aesthetic needs. There is no need to worry about leaving Iteld Plastic Surgery with "duck lips" or lips that appear to be enhanced. At Iteld Plastic Surgery, we perform lip surgery designed to leave you with an enhanced — but still natural-looking — appearance. If you have been considering a lip lift or lip drop procedure and believe that the time is finally right, say goodbye to your flat lips and contact Iteld Plastic Surgery in Chicago, IL to schedule an appointment with our team.