How much does a lip lift change your smile? How long does it last, on average?

Question

I have strongly been considering a lip lift for 5 years. I am hesitant because I never see photos of patients smiling after recovery of the lip lift. I am curios how much it changes your smile, the average time a lip lift lasts and how much the scar expands over time.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

A lip lift is permanent. There is swelling for several weeks to a month. The scar may extend right after surgery during the healing process but stabilizes shortly after that. A lip lift should not adversely change your smile but will allow more teeth show while smiling.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

The changes from a lip lift surgery are permanent. Generally, the smile is unchanged after surgery. Most patients show the same amount of teeth smiling after surgery as before surgery.

Marc Polacco, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It doesn't change the dynamism of a smile because the muscles aren't affected, but it does increase tooth show, which can make a smile brighter in general. The change is permanent, although as we age the lip will continue to lengthen. The scar shouldn't expand over time unless there is scar hypertrophy. I hope this helps, and all the best to you.
-Dr. P

Rosa B. Lipin, MD · Answer

Those are great questions!
Every surgeon has their own technique and their own outcomes, I will answer your questions based on mine.
Often times after an upper lip lift, the smile is improved, especially if the lip was really long prior to the surgery and was covering the upper teeth. The reason why, is that, if it is easier to show the upper teeth while smiling, you do not have to strain (recruit as many muscles) as much to create a beautiful smile.
With proper pre-op instructions, surgical technique, and post op instructions, the scar is usually not very noticeable. In thicker skin types, and darker skin types, the risk for wider or more visible scars is increased, but that can be managed both pre-operatively, and post operatively. 
The surgery is permanent. However, your face will continue to age.

How much does a lip lift change your smile? How long does it last, on average?

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