A lip tuck, formally known as a lip lift, is a permanent upper lip enhancement surgery. It addresses changes in the upper lip due to aging or natural anatomy. The procedure focuses on the philtrum, the skin area between the base of the nose and the upper lip. Shortening this vertical distance alters the overall appearance and proportions of the mouth and central face.
The Goal of a Lip Tuck
The primary objective of a lip lift is to reduce the length of the philtrum, which often elongates over time. Shortening the philtrum causes the upper lip to roll slightly upward and outward, increasing the visibility of the pink part of the lip, known as the vermillion. The procedure exposes more existing lip tissue, creating the illusion of greater fullness without adding volume.
Another goal is to improve the visibility of the upper teeth, or incisor show, when the mouth is slightly open. A youthful upper lip typically allows two to four millimeters of the central upper teeth to be subtly visible, a feature often lost as the philtrum lengthens. Lifting the upper lip closer to the nose helps restore this slight tooth visibility, which is a marker of youthful facial proportion. The procedure can also help define the distinct shape of the Cupid’s bow.
Detailing the Surgical Process
The most common method is the subnasal lip lift, nicknamed the “bullhorn” technique due to the shape of the excised skin. The procedure typically takes place in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. The surgeon marks an incision line that runs along the natural crease beneath the base of the nose, from one nostril to the other, making the resulting scar easily concealable.
A precise strip of skin and tissue is excised according to pre-operative measurements. The amount of tissue removed is calibrated to achieve the desired philtrum shortening without over-tightening the lip. The remaining upper lip skin is gently lifted and secured to the area just beneath the nose using fine sutures. This mechanical lifting and re-draping achieves the permanent shortening of the philtrum and the outward eversion of the upper lip.
Determining Ideal Candidacy
Ideal candidates are determined by anatomical measurements and overall health. A common indicator is a philtrum length measuring 15 millimeters or longer, as shortening this distance offers the most noticeable aesthetic improvement. Candidates often show little to no upper teeth at rest, which the procedure aims to correct by increasing incisor display.
A patient’s overall health is a factor, requiring them to be in good general condition and free from medical issues that might impair wound healing. Since the procedure involves an incision, candidates should not have a history of hypertrophic or keloid scarring, which can lead to thick or raised scars. Smokers must cease smoking several weeks before and after the surgery, as nicotine severely restricts blood flow and can compromise the healing process.
What to Expect During Recovery
Immediately following the procedure, patients can expect some swelling and bruising across the upper lip and around the nose. Swelling is a normal part of healing and typically peaks during the first few days. Discomfort is usually managed with over-the-counter or mild prescription pain relievers.
Patients are advised to eat only soft foods for the first week to avoid tension on the suture line and keep mouth opening minimal. Strenuous exercise or heavy lifting should be avoided for at least two weeks to prevent increased swelling or bleeding. External sutures are usually removed five to seven days after the procedure during a follow-up appointment.
While most swelling subsides within the first month, a feeling of tightness in the upper lip can persist for several weeks or even a few months as the tissues soften and settle. Long-term scar care is important, including keeping the incision clean and protected from direct sun exposure for several months to encourage the best possible fading. Final results are usually visible after about six months, once all residual swelling has resolved.