Surgical Lip Lift Sydney

A lip lift is a surgical procedure that aims to enhance the upper lip's position and shape, contributing to an overall balanced and harmonious look of the facial features. The procedure often seeks to adjust the distance between the upper lip and the base of the nose.

Surgical Lip Lift Sydney

A lip lift is a surgical procedure that aims to enhance the upper lip’s position and shape, contributing to an overall balanced and harmonious look of the facial features. The procedure often seeks to adjust the distance between the upper lip and the base of the nose, which some individuals may find desirable.

A lip lift may also enhance the visibility of the vermilion border, the distinct line dividing the pink or red part of the lip and the regular skin, contributing to an impression of increased fullness of the lip.

Womans face being marked to show facelift areas

How does a lip lift work to adjust the contours of the lips?

It’s important to remember that every individual is unique and so too are their needs and desired outcomes for cosmetic surgery. If you’re considering a procedure, it’s essential to have a comprehensive consultation with one of our experienced surgeons. They can help you understand whether you’re a suitable candidate and what you can realistically expect from the surgery. The information provided here is meant to help guide you, but it’s not a replacement for professional medical advice. Always organise a consultation for personalised advice.

If you are concerned about the way you look or are thinking about cosmetic surgery for confidence reasons, there are alternatives. Talking to a counsellor or psychologist may help you overcome your concerns about your appearance.

Augmentation of Upper Lip: A lip lift may enhance the prominence of the upper lip, changing the overall lip contour.
Reduction of Philtrum Length: The procedure can be used to reduce the length of the philtrum (the space between the base of the nose and the upper lip), leading to changes in facial proportions.
Exposure of Teeth: By elevating the position of the upper lip, more of the upper teeth may be revealed when the mouth is slightly open or during speech, potentially contributing to changes in one's expression.
Balancing Facial Proportions: A lip lift can potentially modify the balance between facial features, depending on individual facial structure.
Alteration of Lip Shape: The procedure can influence the shape of the upper lip, potentially making it more defined or altering its curvature.
Enhancement of Lip Volume: Some individuals may experience an increase in perceived lip volume following a lip lift, though individual outcomes will vary.
Natural-looking Results: The goal of a lip lift is to provide changes that are harmonious with the rest of the facial features.
Potential Improvement in Lip Symmetry: A lip lift may be used to address asymmetry in the lips, though results will depend on individual circumstances and desired outcomes.

What to expect

Consultation

The first step in the lip lift process is a detailed consultation with our skilled surgeon. During this session, your aesthetic goals, medical history, and current lip structure will be assessed. The surgeon will examine your lip size, shape, and the distance between your upper lip and nose. This consultation is the ideal opportunity for you to discuss any concerns or ask any questions you may have about the procedure.

Preparation

Once you and the surgeon have agreed on the surgical plan, you will receive specific instructions on how to prepare for your lip lift. These may include dietary recommendations, advice on smoking and alcohol consumption, instructions about certain medications or supplements, and oral hygiene procedures.

Surgery

A lip lift typically takes less than an hour and is usually performed under local anesthesia. The procedure involves making a small incision hidden at the base of the nose. The surgeon then removes a small strip of skin and lifts the upper lip to aesthetically pleasing position. The incisions are then closed with sutures that will later be removed or that will dissolve on their own.

Recovery

After the surgery, you’ll be monitored briefly before being allowed to go home. As this is a relatively minor procedure, an overnight hospital stay is rarely required. Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are normal but will begin to improve after a few days.

Most patients feel ready to return to non-strenuous daily activities within a few days, while more vigorous activities should be avoided for about a week. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure a smooth recovery.

The final results of your lip lift should be noticeable within a few weeks once swelling has completely subsided, but the full effect may not be apparent for several months as the incision continues to heal.

Surgery Time
1 hour
Hospital Time
Day procedure
Time off work
1 week to 10 days
Cast Removal
Sutures in for 7 to 10 days
Showering
Can shower same day, however hair and incisions must stay dry
Exercise
4 to 6 weeks
Driving
24 hours after general anaesthetic and not while taking prescribed pain relief. We also recommend checking with your CTA insurer as to the post surgery exclusion period.
Travel
After 7 to 10 days for national and international
Full Recovery
6 to 12 months for final results

Considerations Before Cosmetic Surgery

While we aim to provide accurate information about the different surgical procedures available, it’s important to understand that the content provided here serves as a general guide only. The specifics of each surgery, including the procedure detailed above, can and will vary significantly from person to person, depending on their unique circumstances and physical characteristics.

Undergoing cosmetic surgery is a serious decision that requires ample thought, careful consideration, and meticulous planning. It should never be taken lightly or treated trivially, as it can have profound impacts on one’s lifestyle and wellbeing.

Recovery from cosmetic surgery, too, requires time, support, and proper aftercare. We strive to present realistic and transparent information about the recovery process, but individual experiences may vary. It is typical for recovery to involve certain services or requirements, such as the use of compression garments or receiving therapeutic massages. It also often necessitates significant lifestyle changes, which may include a period of absence from employment and temporary restrictions on certain activities.

In light of these considerations, we strongly encourage potential patients to engage in comprehensive discussions with their GP and our surgeons. The goal is to fully understand the implications, requirements, and likely outcomes of any chosen procedure, and to make informed decisions about their health and aesthetics.

For more information on preparing for cosmetic surgery visit health.gov.au/cosmeticsurgery

General risks and complications of surgery include:

Substantial Hemorrhage: This involves severe blood loss from the area that underwent surgery, which may necessitate additional medical interventions.
Susceptibility to Infection: Post-surgery, the risk of infection can rise, potentially requiring either antibiotic treatment or subsequent surgical interventions.
Allergic Responses: Patients may exhibit allergic reactions to medical materials such as sutures, dressings, or antiseptic solutions used during and after the procedure.
Hematoma Formation: This involves the development of a sizable clot of blood beneath the incision site, which may necessitate medical drainage.
Post-Surgical Discomfort: Patients may experience pain, bruising, and swelling in the area surrounding the surgical site.
Scar Development: There's a risk of developing keloids or hypertrophic scars, which are elevated, red, and thickened scars over the healed incisions. Though they can be bothersome and aesthetically displeasing, they don't pose a direct health threat.
Delayed Healing Process: Healing can be sluggish, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or those who smoke.
Anaesthesia Risks: Patients may experience short-term nausea following general anaesthesia, along with other potential risks associated with anaesthesia.

Lip lift surgery risks and complications include:

Pain and Discomfort: Following lip lift surgery, patients may experience significant pain or discomfort, which will require proper pain management.
Risk of Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there's a possibility of postoperative infection, which could require further treatments.
Visible Scarring: Scarring is an inherent risk in any surgical procedure, including lip lifts. Despite the surgeon's efforts to minimise and strategically place incisions, some patients may develop noticeable scars.
Altered Sensation: The surgery carries a risk of temporary or permanent changes in lip sensation, including numbness or tingling.
Asymmetry: Despite the surgeon's best efforts, there's a risk that the surgery may result in asymmetric appearance of the lips.
Unsatisfactory Cosmetic Outcome: The aesthetic results of the surgery might not meet the patient's expectations, necessitating additional corrective procedures.
Impaired Lip Function: In some cases, the surgery could impair lip function, affecting speech, eating, or the ability to close the mouth completely.

How Much Does Lip Lift Cost?

Your personalised quote will be prepared following an in-depth evaluation by our expert surgeon. This includes a thorough assessment of your individual needs, detailed explanation of the procedure, and a tailored approach to best achieve the desired outcomes. The quote considers various elements including surgical supplies, hospital requirements, and the specifics of the surgery itself.

Potential rebates might be available if the procedure is deemed medically necessary by relevant health authorities. Conditions for this include providing evidence supporting the medical necessity of the surgery and a referral from a healthcare professional. Your private health insurance may also provide coverage, so it’s essential to discuss this with your provider.

FAQ

A lip lift is a surgical procedure designed to shape and enhance the appearance of the upper lip by reducing the space between the nose and the upper lip, offering the lip a more lifted and fuller appearance.
People who feel their upper lip is too thin or elongated, or those who are seeking an enhanced shape and fullness to their lips may consider a lip lift. However, it is crucial to have a comprehensive consultation with a surgeon to discuss individual circumstances, desired outcomes, and the realistic results that can be achieved.
Recovery times can vary between individuals. Typically, you might experience some swelling and bruising which usually subsides within one to two weeks. Most people can resume daily activities within a few days following the procedure, however strenuous physical activity should be avoided for at least two weeks.
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications. These can include reactions to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, poor healing of incisions, and changes in sensation. During your consultation, the surgeon will discuss these potential risks in detail, and it’s crucial to fully understand these before proceeding with the surgery.
The surgeon makes an effort to place the incisions in such a way that any resulting scars are well concealed within the natural lines or contours of the face. While all surgical procedures can leave a scar, over time, these typically fade and become less noticeable.
A lip lift offers a more permanent solution for enhancing the upper lip compared to non-surgical procedures such as fillers. However, it’s important to remember that ageing and lifestyle factors can still affect the results over time. Regular consultations with your surgeon will help maintain your overall facial aesthetics.

Self-Assess Your Readiness For a Facelift

Thank you for taking the Dr Zacharia self-assessment form to better understand how mentally and physically you are for achieving the best facelift possible. Please answer all questions below, and provide photos for a pre op screening by Dr Zacharia.

Disclaimer: Please note that Dr Zacharia has the same rights as a patient. If you choose not to go ahead with Dr Zacharia based on his recommendations, he also has the right to turn away patients who he feels may be too high risk for surgery or show a lack of compliance for surgery protocols.

Surgery is a serious decision, and we are striving for the best outcomes for all. However, all surgery comes with a risk of complication or revision. Follow your pre and post op instructions for your safety and best possible outcome. However, the human body is not an exact science and Dr Zacharia and his team can only use their extensive experience to help guide you through any issue that could arise.

Please complete the following information, so we can send you your results and contact you for further discussion later.

Dr ZACHARIA’s opinion will be based on your anatomy. If the budget you have specified does not meet his recommendations, we will highlight the limitations of lesser invasive treatments based on your budget/ anatomy.

Please provide a front on and profile photo of your face. Also, a photo of you on your profile looking down. Ideally stand in front of a plain wall or door and have someone else take the photos for the best pre op consult advise.

Experience EMFACE
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