Lip Lift
Lip Augmentation in Tucson, AZ
Lip Service
Full, plump lips have always been a symbol of youth and vitality. As we age, gravity has a negative effect on our skin and begins to thin and drag down our upper lip, giving our face an aged appearance. In recent years the demand for a fuller pout has put lips at the forefront of the aesthetic industry, and lip treatments have become one of the most requested services by people of all ages. Dr. Lo offers a few options for lip rejuvenation, Lip Lift and Lip Augmentation, two unique surgical procedures which have their own distinct role in creating beautiful lips. Lip Augmentation is where the physical size of the lip is increased with a SMAS lip graft or lip filler. Lip Lift is where the upper lip is slightly lifted to give the appearance of a fuller, more defined lip. Dr. Lo may recommend one or both procedures to attain the best lip rejuvenation outcome.
What is a Lip Lift?
A lip lift is a surgical procedure that creates the appearance of a fuller pout, added definition and a more youthful shape. The lip lift procedure gently pulls the skin above the upper lip up by removing a small area of skin at the base of the nose to shorten the philtrum, or the area between the upper lip and bottom of the nose. This technique highlights and enhances the lips for a more youthful look.
Who is a Lip Lift Candidate?
Anyone experiencing volume loss due to the aging process
If your upper lip has become less visible and makes your face look longer
You want to improve the definition and shape of your lips without adding volume
You prefer a natural lip rejuvenation alternative to lip implants and fillers
Schedule your lip lift surgery consultation to learn which options can help you achieve your cosmetic goals.
The Lip Lift Procedure
The lip lift procedure is usually done using local anesthesia, but light sedation is available if patients prefer. The area above the upper lip and beneath the nose is shortened, it is removed and the skin is raised to create a fuller lip that is rejuvenated, poutier, and youthful looking. Dr. Lo creates a hidden incision in the crease where the nose meets the upper lip so scarring will be imperceptible. The lip lift procedure takes one hour with additional procedures adding more time.
Lip Lift Recovery
After your lip lift procedure, the lips may feel tight, tender, and swollen. You may ice the area and it is recommended to keep your head elevated while you sleep for the first week. The sutures are removed after 1-week and it is recommended not to make any large facial expressions which can impede healing. You may experience bruising which can last up to 2-weeks and swelling which can last up to 1-month but should resolve as you continue to heal. Occasionally patients will notice a slight change to their speaking due to the lip swelling but will return to normal after the swelling goes away.
What is Lip Augmentation?
A lip augmentation is a surgical procedure that increases the volume of the lips, so they are fuller and appear more youthful. Dr. Lo offers his patients a few permanent lip rejuvenation procedure which includes using the patient’s own tissue inside the lips.
SMAS Lip Augmentation
The SMAS lip graft is usually combined with a facelift procedure to give patients an enhanced lower face rejuvenation. The SMAS graft involves the use of tissue removed during a facelift and placed in the upper and lower lips. Dr. Lo performs these combination procedures at our in-office surgery center using local anesthesia or light sedation if patients prefer. Dr. Lo will perform the facelift procedure and extract the muscle tissue, which is harvested and placed into the upper and lower lips. Dr. Lo makes small incisions in the corners of the mouth and a pocket is created within the lip where he inserts the prepared SMAS tissue. Once each lip is gently shaped with the desired contour and volume, the incisions are closed.
SMAS Lip Recovery
After your lip augmentation procedure, the lips may feel sore and swollen. You may ice the area and it is recommended to keep your head elevated while you sleep for the first week. The sutures are removed after 1-week, and it is recommended not to make any large facial expressions which can impede healing. You may experience bruising and swelling which can last up to 2-weeks, with no strenuous activity or exercise for 2-weeks. Most patients feel comfortable returning to daily activities within the first 5-7 days and returning to work within 1-2 weeks depending on comfort level.
Lip Augmentation Tucson, Arizona
“It's been 9 years since I started getting fillers there and I would not go anywhere else. It's not major surgery but it helps and Dr Lo is a specialist in finding the right spots to put the needle in.”
Lotte D.
Non-surgical Lip Augmentation
Dermal fillers can be used for non-surgical lip augmentation and rejuvenation. Dr. Lo’s practice offers a curated selection of hyaluronic acid based fillers designed specifically for the lip area. Lip filler treatments can be tailored to provide a subtle result or a more full, voluptuous lip – but always natural looking and never overfilled. The treatment typically takes an hour, the results are immediate and can last up to one year. You may experience bruising and swelling which usually resolves within 2-weeks.