Lip lift
Table of contents:
The lip lift is one of Dr Bart van de Ven’s specialties. The techniques developed to make the lips of transwomen more feminine as part of their Facial Feminization Surgery are actually techniques that can also benefit aging women.
As our faces age, so do our lips. The oral region tends to droop and sag. Volume loss is only part of the explanation for this phenomenon, degradement of the structure of the skin and its supporting tissue is just as important.
Gender and aging of the lips
The male face typically has a long upper lip with little or no visibility of the upper teeth. The youthful female face is characterized by a shorter distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip with more visibility of the teeth. It is a typically feminine trait that also characterizes youth, as opposed to the upper lip drooping and covering up your teeth which characterizes the aging process.
Male lips and aging female lips
| Youthful female lips
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Lip Enhancement & Reshaping
In order to have youthful, sensual lips, we now know that shape is far more important than volume. Augmentation of the lips with a filler only addresses the volume problem. An increasing number of our patients are seeking beautification through reshaping. It also offers the distinct advantage of being a permanent solution.
The lip procedures we perform
Dr Bart van de Ven performs the following lip reshaping procedures:
- Lip lift—Shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip, gives more teeth exposure and causes a subtle roll out of the upper lip (which means the red portion of the upper lip is more visible). Below you will find out all you need to know.
- Mid-facelift to lift the corners of the mouth—Resolving drooping outer corners of the mouth.
- Lipofilling of the lips—Fat transfer is an excellent way to permanently and naturally add volume to the lips.
Procedure
Lip lift
- A lip lift can be performed in local anesthesia or in combination with other procedures in general anesthesia.
- After having made the design for the excision of the lip lift, the local anesthetic is injected.
- The lip is rolled up, so a larger vermillion area is visible.
- The resulting curvature increases lip projection.
- The upper teeth can be exposed to about 3 or 4 mm.
- The wound is closed in 2 layers.
Recovery
- Pain or discomfort—The day of the procedure and the day after, the patient can experience some slight pain or discomfort which can be easily managed with the pain medication we will give you.
- Swelling—During the first week, the upper lip might give the impression of being far too short. You will see, however, that the lip will reach a normal length as the swelling that was caused by the surgery subsides.
- Scars—The scar under your nose will be red and elevated for a period of two to four months and become hardly noticeable once it has reached its full maturation, which will be after 12 – 18 months.
Frequently asked questions
What does this procedure cost?
You can find estimated prices here, after your consultation you will be informed of the exact prices of your operation. Prices are average and may vary depending on the exact treatment.
There are 3 options to receive a financial and operative proposal. You can either send us pictures and receive a quote and an FFS simulation, or you can book a Skype or a live consultation with Dr Bart van de Ven during which you will also receive a quote and FFS simulation. Click here if you want to get a general idea of FFS prices.
What happens if there are complications after the procedure and is this covered?
We will correct the complication if surgically possible, without charging any surgical fees. Hospital, material and traveling costs are for the expense of the patient.
Can I get this surgery if I’m a cis woman?
Yes, of course. We perform Facial Feminization Surgery on all women. Every woman is welcome at our clinic!
How long does it take for the final result to be visible and the bruises to disappear completely?
Recovery looks different for every patient, but bruising usually disappears after two to four weeks. The final result can be visible after a few months, but it may also take longer than a year. All information on recovering from FFS can be found on our recovery page.
What about smoking?
As smoking counteracts wound healing we strongly advise against smoking during the 3 weeks before surgery until 3 weeks after surgery. Smoking dramatically increases the risk of skin necrosis and should be avoided at all times.
How visible is the scar?
Initially, the scar will be visible as a red line just under the nose, partly hidden inside the nostrils. Because of a technique developed by Dr van de Ven, there will be hardly any downward pull caused by the orbicularis muscle (sphincter muscle around the mouth). Therefore the scar will remain thin and after about 12 months it will be difficult to detect.
Where will the swelling appear?
Immediately after surgery, the swelling will be mostly in areas of loose connective tissue (cheeks, lips, around eyes). During the first few days, the swelling will move downwards towards the lower jaw and neck due to gravity. Swelling and bruising differ strongly from one person to another and can appear anywhere. Preferential places are around the eyes and in the lips, but can also involve the lower jaw and neck. Bruising may not appear immediately and will gradually fade over the course of several (2-5) weeks.
How long will I have swelling?
About 80% of swelling will have disappeared after 2 to 3 weeks. For a final result you’ll have to wait for up to 1 year.
We are doing our very best to keep this information up-to-date. In case you see anything that no longer seems accurate, or in case you have a question, please fill out the form below!