Lip Lift Sunshine Coast

Lip lift surgery shortens the distance between the lips and the nose. It is designed to lift the upper lip and flip it outwards in order to enhance the volume of the upper lip. For some patients, dermal filler and lip injections may not provide the look that they desire, and lip lift surgery can offer the best and most natural results. Often, a long philtrum – the skin between the nose and mouth – is the cause of thinner-looking lips.

A consultation with Dr Fraser-Kirk on the Sunshine Coast will help patients to determine if they are suitable candidates. We can perform this procedure alongside others such as a face lift (meloplasty) or brow lift (browplasty).

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Surgery benefits

A gradual lengthening of the philtrum is a common sign of ageing. This can contribute to a sagging facial appearance, prominent lower-teeth show, or thin-looking lips. Surgery can reverse these effects and restore the lips to their previous shape. On the other hand, some people may have a naturally long philtrum and may seek a lip lift to achieve a shorter, youthful appearance. Whatever the case, Dr Fraser-Kirk will tailor the surgery to your own facial anatomy and ideal outcomes.

The benefits of a this procedure include:

• Better facial proportion
• Reduced appearance of a “bottom-teeth” smile
• A lifted top lip that was downturned (an under-lip)
• Corrected long upper lip
• The appearance of more lip fullness
• Reduced of sagging skin below the nostrils
• More natural-looking lip shape

Patients who have a naturally long philtrum often see great results after this surgery, with a more upturned, aesthetically pleasing look.

Consultation

A consultation with Dr Fraser-Kirk will be required before your procedure in order to find out if you are suitable. During this appointment, it is important that you raise any current medications you are taking or health issues that may impact the procedure. You will be able to express your aesthetic concerns and goals for the procedure, as well as ask any questions.

Although lip lifts have become more popular among patients in their 20s and 30s, this surgery is not ideal for everyone. Men and women who already have a suitable philtrum length that complements their facial features generally do not require a lip lift and may like to seek other treatments.

The procedure

A surgical lip lift is a minor day surgery, performed under local or general anaesthetic. The process takes around one to one and a half hours to complete, unless combined with other procedures.

There are a variety of different surgery techniques, but the most common technique used by surgeons and suited to most patients is the Bullhorn Philtrum Shortening technique. Dr Fraser-Kirk makes an incision just under the nose where the nostrils meet the skin, following the curve of the philtrum. He then removes a small amount of skin to lift and flip the upper lip outwards. This creates a decreased distance between the nose and lips and enhances the shape of the upper lip. Once finished, Dr Fraser-Kirk uses very small sutures to close the incision.

Lip lift recovery

Bruising, pain, and swelling should be expected after lip surgery, but this will fade entirely in two to three weeks. We may prescribe you pain relief to manage discomfort, but you will be able to head home on the same day as the procedure. You may begin to see results three to four days after surgery.

General recovery instructions:

• Take enough time off from work to recover – around five to seven days.
• Avoid strenuous activity for two weeks.
• Avoid making large mouth movements such as laughing or frowning.
• Consume only soft foods and liquids during recovery.
• Attend post-surgery appointments to monitor healing.
• Take prescribed medications and creams.

Patients need to make sure to follow their personalised recovery plan as outlined by Dr Fraser-Kirk. This is vitally important for healing to ensure there is minimal scarring where possible and an optimal post-surgery outcome. Our clinic believes in offering unprecedented access to your surgeon, and therefore Dr Fraser-Kirk will endeavour to be available whenever patients may have questions or issues after their surgery.

Lip lift cost on the Sunshine Coast

Cost always varies depending on a patient’s needs and other factors such as hospital fees, surgeon fees, anaesthetist costs, and post-op care costs. A meeting with Dr Fraser-Kirk is required in order to establish costs. During this, we can discuss your health, lifestyle goals, and expected outcomes in order to create a treatment plan. As a result, we can then provide a more detailed estimate of costs.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding surgery costs.

Risks and complications

Although most patients are happy with their results, there are always risks involved in any surgery. The risks of a lip lift include:

• Infection
• Anaesthesia reactions
• Poor symmetry
• Poor scarring
• Numbness

To minimise risks, an in-depth consult with Dr Fraser-Kirk is crucial, as well as making sure to follow post-op recovery plans. This can also help to reduce scarring where possible.

How to choose the best plastic surgeon on the Sunshine Coast

For patients who may not suit lip filler injections, a lip lift can offer excellent results. By shortening the space between the nose and the mouth, we can create an elevated, fuller, and more youthful lip appearance. In order to get the most out of your procedure, you should choose a surgeon who is qualified and experienced to perform the surgery. Dr Fraser-Kirk is a certified plastic surgeon on the Sunshine Coast who is highly knowledgeable and takes a patient-first approach. Book a consultation to find out more about how you can revitalise your appearance with lip lift surgery.

Lip lift FAQs