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A lip lift does leave a scar, but it’s typically undetectable after a few weeks. Upper lip lifts are done with an external incision that is placed either on the lip under  the nose or rarely it can be placed directly above the lip line. My preferred method is to place the incision under the nose, so that is more easily camouflaged. The scar can be somewhat noticeable for about three or four weeks, but is easily hidden with makeup. After that, the scar fades and looks better and better with each passing day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbhzrH4Y-rA

How long does it take for a lip lift scar to heal? 

Lip lift scars typically take about a year to fully heal. However, after about a month, the scar has faded well enough for you to go out in public without any camouflage and it won’t be readily detected. Of course, individual patients heal differently. If I make an incision on one hundred patient’s hands, the resulting scar does not look the same on everyone. Some patient’s scars appear a little more red than others, while some scars are very light. Following surgery, I give my patients a silicone scar gel which hides their scar while helping it heal quicker.

Does an upper lip lift change your smile? 

An upper lip lift  does change your smile for about two weeks while healing from the initial swelling, but after that, your smile should return to normal. You may find that your teeth show a little bit more than before, but for the most part the surgery makes your smile better. 

How much does it cost? 

The cost of a lip lift varies based by region and surgeon. If I do an upper lip lift in my office under local anesthesia, the cost is between $4700 to $5000 depending upon the case compared to other surgeons who might charge between $4000 to $7000. For me, this is an operation that takes me under a half an hour and most of my patients do well under local anesthesia with an oral sedation, such as Valium. For some patients, they are fine with local anesthesia alone. The procedure is relatively pain free and most patients are able to go off of pain medicine within 12 to 24 hours. 

If you have questions about a lip lift or anything else on the face, call me or email me. I’d love to hear from you and see you in my office. 

Have questions?
Email Dr.Sykes at [email protected]

Read More
The Beverly Hills Guide to Lip Lifts
Can I Get a Lower Lip Lift?
Lip Lift Before & After Photos

About Dr. Jonathan Sykes

Dr. Jonathan Sykes is a world-famous expert plastic surgeon who performs all cosmetic and functional plastic surgery procedures on the face and neck. He is a past president of The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and served on their Board of Directors for over 10 years. He is also a Professor Emeritus in Facial Plastic Surgery from UC Davis Medical Center, and the former Director of Facial Plastic Surgery at that institution.

He is known as the expert’s expert, and is often called to consult and advise other plastic surgeons in both Northern California and Beverly Hills. He has a special interest in eyelid and browlift surgery, facial rejuvenation surgery including facelifts, and rhinoplasty. He also has a particular interest in facial feminization surgery. Have questions? Email Dr.Sykes at [email protected].


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