Removing Skin and Muscle for Upper Lip Lift, or Just Skin?

Question

May i ask what is the difference between the method of only removing the skin and removal of both skin and muscle for upper lip lift ? Does removing muscle cause any damage to the upper lip that would result in lost of sensation, control, movement etc?

James M. Pearson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. The Lip Lift procedure is performed to accentuate the size and/or shape of the upper lip by removing skin from the region just underneath the nose. As the distance is decreased between the nose and the lip, the red lip is 'lifted'. In appropriate individuals, shortening this distance may impart or restore a more favorable balance to lips and face.
In most cases, during a subnasal lip lift, the skin alone is removed and the muscle is not disturbed. Involvement of the muscle may increase the risks that one experiences the side effects that you describe.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Good day! The lip lift procedure starts with marking the length of the lip and the width of the skin to be removed beneath the nose. Most of the times only the skin is removed,  but sometimes the muscle is also tucked to help shorten the distance between the lips and the base of the nose. The small incision is placed at the base of the nose which follows the natural lines so that it becomes nearly invisible with time. Find a board-certified plastic surgeon that has extensive experience with this procedure and discuss realistic goals and expectations. Best of luck! #RealSelf100

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Only the skin is removed with the lip lift.  Removing muscle would cause movement problems.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Placement of the incision for lip shortening is most important. Usualy the muscle is not removed, only skin is removed. If some superficial fibers of the muscle is removed there should be no interferance in function or sensation.

Keith A. LaFerriere, MD (retired) · Answer

Removing skin only in the subnasal lip lift has been quite successful with long lasting results. I can see no advantage to removing muscle, but I do not think that it would likely create major problems if muscle was removed.

Removing Skin and Muscle for Upper Lip Lift, or Just Skin?

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