Home › Lip Lift in Oklahoma City, OK

Over time, our facial skin loses elasticity, causing the space between the nose and upper lip to lengthen. The upper lip may droop and seem thin or elongated, making your smile less defined. This change can give the face an aged or tired look, softening the natural contours that once gave the lips a youthful shape.

A lip lift, also referred to as lip enhancement or lip shortening surgery, is a procedure that shortens this space to achieve a more balanced look. The procedure only takes about one hour and is often performed under local anesthesia.

There are several types of upper lip shortening procedures. Each technique enhances the lips’ shape, volume, and symmetry. These surgical lip lift techniques include:

A Bullhorn Lip Lift

During surgery, we will make an incision shaped like a bull’s horns along the natural contours of the nose. The procedure reveals more of the pink part of the lip and can make the upper teeth more visible when smiling, giving you a refreshed look.

Central Lip Lift

This procedure enhances the upper lip by lifting the central part, making it look plumper. Our team will make incisions under the nose to enhance the lip’s shape and proportions without altering the corners of the mouth. It is ideal for those who want a more subtle enhancement that doesn’t drastically change the overall structure of the lips.

Corner Lip Lift

This surgical lip lift restores a slight upward curve to the mouth. We will make small incisions at the sides of the mouth to remove excess skin and gently lift the corners. It is ideal for individuals experiencing loss of volume and skin elasticity. Moreover, it can rejuvenate the smile and restore facial harmony without affecting the rest of the lip structure.

Gullwing Lip Lift

Our surgeon will make incisions in the upper lip in a gullwing shape to lift the central and outer portions. This creates a balanced curve in the upper lip while shortening the space between your nose and lip. It is recommended for individuals who want to enhance the volume and shape of their lips while maintaining a natural appearance.

Italian Lip Lift

This type of lip lift involves making two small incisions at the base of each nostril. The surgeon will then remove a small amount of skin to shorten the distance between your nose and upper lip. It lifts both sides and enhances symmetry, providing a more pronounced upper lip while preserving the natural shape.

• Lip shortening surgery creates a more defined and youthful lip contour.
• It addresses signs of aging, such as a sagging or elongated upper lip.
• The procedure makes the lips appear fuller and more vibrant without requiring injections.
• The results are stable and permanent, requiring minimal maintenance.
• It creates harmony between the upper and lower lips by correcting asymmetry.

The procedure is ideal for individuals looking to enhance the shape and proportion of their lips, and it is one of the many facial cosmetic procedures we offer at W Facial Aesthetics.

Candidates should be in good overall health, with no medical conditions that could interfere with healing. For instance, uncontrolled diabetes, blood clotting disorders, or autoimmune diseases can hinder the healing process and increase the risk of complications.

Good skin elasticity is also important for achieving the best results. Good skin elasticity ensures the skin can comfortably stretch and adjust to a new position to achieve natural-looking results. Poor elasticity, often seen in individuals with advanced signs of aging or those with certain skin conditions, may result in uneven healing or a less refined appearance after the surgery.

Moreover, individuals should be willing to avoid smoking or taking alcohol four weeks before and after surgery.

What To Expect During Consultation?

Dr. Wayne will first review your medical history, including any previous surgeries, current medications, and lifestyle habits such as smoking or alcohol consumption. This helps identify potential risk factors and ensures you are ready for the surgery.

We will then examine your facial features, including the structure of your lips, the distance between your nose and upper lip, and the overall balance of your face.

Based on the assessment and desired outcome, Dr. Wayne will recommend the most suitable lip lift technique. We will also discuss the expected results, potential risks, and recovery process.

Recovery Process

In the first week, you should keep your head elevated while sleeping to reduce swelling. You can also take pain medications to minimize discomfort.

The stitches are usually dissolvable, but in some cases, they may be removed within 10 days. Moreover, most patients can return to normal activities after a week, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least three weeks.

Full recovery takes six to eight weeks, depending on how well you adhere to aftercare instructions and attend follow-up appointments.

Results and Longevity

The results are usually noticeable immediately after swelling and bruising subside. You should expect a lifted upper lip, improved symmetry, and a fuller, more vibrant appearance. Once healed, the results of the lip lift are permanent.