Is there such a procedure as an internal lip lift? (Photo)

Question

I need lip lift as I have an extra long philtrum with nearly 0 tooth snow. However, the bullhorn scar, in my opinion, looks awful 99% of the time. I know of the Italian lip lift procedure and this seems more reasonable since the scar is tucked in the nostrils but most drs don't seem to perform them and I've only been able to find a few online photos. However, is there any sort of internal procedure to lift the lip? Something could be accomplished in the inner mouth above the front teeth?

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

M type lip lift without an alar scar. This is what I have used for 45 years without a scar that shows. A bullhorn can leave a poor alar scar which shows.

Gary Linkov, MD · Answer

There are surgical and non-surgical approaches to lip augmentation. Non-surgical approaches include botox (slight lift, reducing gum show) and filler (volume restoration). Surgically, you can have two separate incisions under the nose (italian), one incision under the nose (bull horn), one incision at the red/white upper lip junction (gull wing) or two separate incision at the corners, or a combination, depending on your desired look and anatomy. My preferred surgical technique is called the Elelyft, which is a version of the bullhorn approach. 
The ideal candidate for the Elelyft, or upper lip lift, is someone with a philtral length of 13mm or longer, no upper dental show, and/or a thin upper lip. The nasal base to mouth width ratio needs to be taken into consideration to avoid leaving the lip corners down. 
In your situation, a lip lift makes sense for a reduced philtrum and more upper dental show. There is a reason why you don't see Italian lip lifts or internal lip lifts done much - because they don't work well. Most patients in my practice heal quite well from their lip lifts. Please review before/afters. And keep in mind that healing is gradual and takes longer than 1-2 weeks for the scar to mature. 
Consult with an experienced lip surgeon for a complete range of options that are appropriate for your situation.
Gary Linkov, MD
Lip Specialist / RealSelf Lip Lift Medical Reviewer
Manhattan

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Lip lifts cannot be done from inside the mouth.  The lip lift incision is made at the junction of the nose and face, inside the nostril and across the base of the columella.  Since the scar is hidden inside the nostril, the scar is very well concealed.  I do not recommend external skin sutures.  From your photograph, you seem like a good candidate for a lip lift.  You have a long nose-lip distance and no incisor show.  Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

No, there is no good lip lift done from inside the mouth. You'd still have all the extra skin on the outside.  We do our lip lift often inside the nostrils where the incision is very well hidden. You also have a good crease where your nose and lips meet which make you a favorable candidate.

Mehdi Sina, MD · Answer

Hi,Some people market a scarless lip lift but the results are very limited. In order to give you a meaningful result, a bullhorn lip lift is your best options. Regarding scarring, there is a classic selection bias. We tend to notice poorly healed scars and assume everyone will heal in a similar way; however, there are many patients who have had a similar procedure with well healed scars that we simply don't see or notice. The early recovery of a lip lift will test your resolve because there is pronounced swelling and the incision will look raised and red but when done properly leave a very favorable scar.Best,

Is there such a procedure as an internal lip lift? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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