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POSTED UNDER Lip Lift REVIEWS

Disappointed with my Lip Lift : the surgeon ruined my life.

ORIGINAL POST

I was thinking about having a lip lift since 1...

Spacedementia
$2,932
I was thinking about having a lip lift since 1 year. Before that , I thought that only fillers or implants could enhance lips. After having lip injections, I didn’t really like the result as it didn’t last long and it gave a strange duck lips as I didn’t have any teeth show.
When I discovered lip lift I was concerned about the scar so all my research were about that, and I didn’t really looked for what I should ask to the surgeon. I feel like I don’t have luck with plastic surgery, I’ve had two nose jobs and I’m still not happy about my results, even if it’s better than before, it’s not what I wanted. The same thing happened with my lip lift, but way worse.
I didn’t really talk with my surgeon about the distance of skin to removed, I only asked a little bit of teeth show and a shorter philtrum, I trusted him and his skills. Well, I should have talked with him about what I DIDN’T want, and what I wanted. I didn’t want that strange rabbit look with an high cupid bow touching the nose and mini corners, well, you know what ? this is exactly my results.
I was around 15-16 mm, I thought he was going to remove 4-5 mm on the center and 6-7 on the corner. I had 8 mm removed, and my philtrum has disappeared ! I have 6 mm of philtrum on the center (how is this possible, it should be 8, right ?) , and on my corners, my lips is still the same as before ( imagine the difference between this high cupid bow and those weird corners).
So i’m disappointed about two things :
-A mini philtrum : around 6 mm
-An high cupid bow, no corners, strange rabbit lips or triangle lips.
All I wanted was a little change, to enhance my lips, nothing more. Now I’m really depressed about that, I don’t know what to do, I’m 1 month and 4 days post op and nothing has changed since the 5th day.
I wasn’t concerned during the 3 first weeks, but when I knew that 8 mm were removed I was really angry and sad.
My lips doesn’t look natural at all (especially my profile, my lip is too close from my nose) ! I can’t even go out, I swear, I’m freaking out. I don’t know why I didn’t asked exactly what I wanted, I really thought he knew that by doing that (removed too much skin) it wouldn’t look beautiful or natural.
By removing too much skin, it also made my chin look weaker than before (even if my chin was already weak) and I don’t know, it just give me a tired and swollen face.
What can I do ?
Will my cupid bow drop down with time ? can I expect having a longer philtrum ? as it has been one month now, nothing has changed. I massage my lips every single day, nothing works.
What can I do about my corners ? should I ask for revision ?
I’m really depressed…

Replies (65)

July 20, 2016
Don't worry you need to wait it out, I am 6months out and only now I feel I look normal but my scar is my concer now
July 21, 2016
thank you. did your lips drop down with time? I think Vaseline is the best for scar, really cheap and helps to soften it.
July 21, 2016
Yes, your lips will indeed drop. Especially if it was a skin only lip lift. I have had 2 lip lifts so I speak from experience.
July 21, 2016
I don't know if the muscle was involved, I didn't really asked.. Well, I think I can only be patient..
July 22, 2016
Yes it dropped like I said you need time :)
July 21, 2016
Sorry to learn how disappointed you are from your surgery but sometimes time does wonders. Could you tell us which doctor you went to?
July 22, 2016
Wonderful to read this chat as I am in the process of healing as well. I felt like a pig and a bunny had a baby... the result on my face! Your lip will drop! At one month I wanted to crawl into a dark cave! I am 8wks out....its better. Still waiting, but am comfortable going out. Hang on girl, it will get better little by little. I think the ladies that replied to you before me know what they are talking about..
July 23, 2016
Thank you! how many mm did your surgeon removed? I think my surgeon should only removed 4 or 5 mm as I already had a mid length philtrum, that's why I'm so concerned and worried about it. I hope it will get better with time then...
July 24, 2016
I'm sorry, I know this is ignorant but I cannot remember. I was so nervous. He told me and showed me in the mirror. The space between my lip and nose was more than average and there is a visible difference (less space). While the swelling is worse some days than others (today is a bad day) it still is an improvement compared to the first month. Perhaps taking daily pictures? I didn't believe I was improving so I took a picture every day. Same angle, distance, etc. I would see a very slight difference almost every day. I hope this was of some help. I know it can be depressing and may provoke anxiety but be patient and breathe. Slowly things will improve.
July 24, 2016
Yes, I get it, I only knew the 8 mm were removed 3 weeks after, I didn't really paid attention about that, I think I should. I also took daily pictures, but I can't see any improvement or evolution since the 5th day, my lips stay very high and near from the nose but only on the cupid bow area, my corner are very flat.. I think I'm gonna have some fillers to make it appears more homogeneous. I have to be patient, I can't do anything else, but I think the result would have been good with 3mm more...
July 25, 2016
I know how you feel. I talked with my surgeon but he insisted I be patient. He also told me revision could be done (if needed) but only after 6 months. I felt like the top of my lip was touching my nose! I thought there was absolutely no space at all! It is not like that today. There is still swelling but the people I know say it looks a lot better. From what you describe it sounds a lot like my lip. I think we are slow healers. I would ask about the fillers, sounds like there is still swelling. Would it interfere with your healing? I hope this helps. I really do think it will get better.
July 25, 2016
I think we may have the same result, If yours got better I can only pray for mine to be too. Yes, I'm a very slow healing person, I always had bad scaring. I took an appointment with a doctor for lip filler in august, as my bottom lip appears very thin now, I don't know if it will interfere with my healing, I hope not, but as my corners are very very flat I think that If I add some volume it will be more presentable. I'm really hoping it will get better before september as I'm a college student, I really don't want people to notice it. What did you told to people about your scar? I mean people you don't want to tell about?
July 25, 2016
I do have a scar that I think is noticeable but we are our worst critics. I have only one friend that noticed. He quickly asked, "What happened? Why did you have stitches?" The only reason he noticed I think is because he is a doctor. Other than that no one else has noticed. I pointed out the scar to a friend of mine. She knows what I did and she said she never saw the scar! I think its still very red in color and my right nostril shows the scar so much more. But again, I obsess sometimes. We will see all that is wrong, others will ask, hmmmm what is different?
July 25, 2016
Yeees exactly, you are right ! most people don't even see details, but some others will. I think we can be obsessed with things that no one will take care about !
July 25, 2016
wow I felt so bad today, tried to go outside and I felt disfigured, I looked at my lips on a store mirror and it looked terrible and even worse when you see me from a far angle, like I really have my lips stick to my nose and they are so narrow :( I don't know if I can be patient, because if he removed 8 mm I'll have a 8 mm philtrum in the best case ... do you believe there is revision to make the philtrum larger?
July 26, 2016
Did you look at the mirror at just the right angle with the perfect light that made everything you hated about your results look so much worse? I did that a few times. It just made me question my choice to do the procedure over and over again. Relax girl! I know, easier said than done. Just know if by slight chance it does not work out (I think it will). There are options. The only thing is you have to wait no matter what. As far as revision, I don't know what procedure was used but I do know I had 3 layers of sutures. I also had one, nose ring (the only way I can describe) type of stitch. It will hold that area in place so it won't drop more than it should. So after a certain point, that's it. No more gravity taking over. He said that if by chance my lip didn't drop at all he would go back and clip it. He also said that if there was a slight (even very slight) change/improvement that could be indicative of more change to come. He gave me the time frame of one month. That makes me think you will be ok. How many weeks post op are you? I know everyone is different but I can tell you even now I still have days where I will swell and I look more like a rabbit. But I continue to have improvements as well. Be strong girl, I think it can all be worked out!:)
July 27, 2016
thank you for your answer, I'm trying to be strong and be patient :) I have an appointment with my surgeon in few days, i'll see what he's going to tell me. It would be great if you could send me some pictures of your lips inbox, I could send you mine too if you want :)
July 27, 2016
Oh good, I hope your surgeon has the answers for you. As far as pictures, My phone is not working well and will have to get it looked at. I will try but I only kept day 1 and it really isn't the worst of the swelling . I couldn't stand to see the other pictures. It was horrible.
July 27, 2016
if possible I will send day1 and a current pic:)
July 27, 2016
I get it, I deleted most of my pictures as it depressed me more than anything else... so I can totally understand!
October 2, 2019
Hi! I read your post and I was hoping that you love your result now that maybe the swelling has gone down.. I had a lip lift done 4 weeks ago and I am unhappy with the duck like result, I was reaching out to you so you could maybe tell me if your swelling went down and hopefully if you like you result by now after a few month.. best wishes!
June 27, 2020
Its unbelievable to me that you don't know anything about your surgery. This is what you get for being an idiot.
June 29, 2020
You are absolutely right, I was young and an idiot who was being fooled and now 4 years later I am still paying the price. My life is still a nightmare and you are so right I was so so stupid. I didn't ask many questions because I trusted this famous surgeon, I thought he knew what he did. When I ask too many questions doctors gets offended and they often tell "they know how to do their work". I'm still paying the price today don't worry. My life is over.
June 29, 2020
Don’t listen to this cruel person. Everybody makes mistakes and that doesn’t make you an idiot. I totally trusted my surgeon too and I have big regrets about my surgery. Again, everybody makes mistakes, that just means you are human. At least you aren’t shaming/judging others for their mistakes. Don’t let this person get to you. They seriously look like a fool commenting this nonsense on your post when you are clearly going through a lot. You will get through this and everything is going to be okay. You only lost some extra skin while people have lost limbs. I wish I could give you a big hug right now because I know everything is going to be okay. At the end of the day, you have your heart, compassion, and everything else that makes you special while this person has a cold black little heart. You don’t have to let this mistake define who you are because beauty truly comes from within. I highly recommend speaking with a therapist. Sending so much love to you babygirl. ❤️ Please feel free to write me if you ever need words of encouragement. I know this process is an emotional roller coaster unlike anything else.
June 29, 2020
Lastly, you trusted this surgeon to do his job and he failed you. Don’t blame yourself.
June 30, 2020
Thank you for your kind words... this is so kind of you... I had suicide thoughts for the last 4 years but I am now on medication and I hope I won't give up, it's hard sometimes, I know there is so much worse in the world but each time I see myself in the mirror I feel like a monster, with this botched lip, scar and all. I haven't left my house since the surgery and all of my plans dropped, I'm still fighting to keep myself alive and not give up , I know to some people it may seem shallow to act this way but I tried so hard, I'm not just as strong as some people I guess... I trusted him as he was very well known... I have always hated myself and this surgery made everything worse... I hope you will be ok too about your surgery, I can at least truly say that you are a beautiful person and reading your comment this morning made me feel better, so thank you so much ...
June 30, 2020
I am extremely sorry to hear that. 4 years of this sounds terrible. I can only imagine the pain you have felt. But you have made it so far! 4 years takes a lot of strength and everyday you are getting stronger. I think getting on medication was a big step in the right direction towards self love. Sometimes that is what it takes. I wouldn’t jump into anymore surgeries if I were you. I would recommend seeing a good dermatologist about the scar. I have read really good things about microneedling. Have you tried that? It might help to get it professionally done at first and then you can buy a kit to save money. I have read great things about the Dr. Pen product. I am going to do that as soon as I hit my 6 month mark. And just continue to stretch your lip when you can, use bio oil so that you don’t get stretch marks. If those African ladies can put those massive piercings in their lips then you can gain a few mm over time. I know the sad part about this surgery is that you can magically add skin back to your face. This is truly a journey of learning how to love yourself all over again and if you did not love yourself before then it may be harder. That might look like taking a warm bubble bath, getting into a new hobby, or doing volunteer work. You have to fight to get up every day and do things for yourself because you deserve it. And don’t keep this all to yourself. Lean on family and be open about your pain. Maybe see a therapist. I wish I could take some of that weight off your shoulders. You deserve happiness just like the rest of us. Keep fighting girl.
June 30, 2020
You can’t magically add skin**
July 12, 2020
Thank you. Well yes, I had laser (fraxel), Microneedling, dry tattooing, (more than 8 sessions), pigment tattoo, nothing truly worked, my textured and hypertrophy is still there, I also tried the dr pen a few years ago, each 4-6 weeks, I read everything you could find about scar online, studies and all.. I saw a lot of dermatologist, plastic surgeon, no one could help, that's why I am so down about it, because I tried everything and spent a lot of money... Well, you mentioned stretch marks but these are probably the first thing that got me into depression in the first place, I suffered from anorexia and bulimia from the age of 12 until today (I'm 3 months free of bulimia and my ED is getting in control) but losing and gaining weight for the last 12 years had me covered in stretch marks from head to toe, no kidding, at 14 I already had them EVERYWHERE on my body which led to having a very very bad self esteem because they are extremely visible, deep and I also had laser, Microneedling but it doesn't seem to work on me... anyway that's one of the first and main reason I hated myself so much since early age... I feel like a monster :( I never got to wear a dress since being 12 as they are so severe... anyway, I'm still not able to leave the house, or I wear a mask when I absolutely have to, good thing most people are wearing them now...Most time I don't want to live, especially when I think about all of this... I know I have to fight these urges to hurt myself, but sometimes I wonder why I still do so.. Anyway, thank you so much for you help, support and time.... <3
July 12, 2020
*I've had steroid injection too, a course of 4, but it didn't help..
July 12, 2020
I have read the same complaints by many people who have tried literally everything. I have a feeling I will be in the same boat and have to get a scar revision. Your story breaks my heart!!! You had deep, dark issues as a baby! I hope you find a way to break away from these demons. I promise you that you are worth so much and you deserve happiness. I pray you find a way to believe that. Please check your private message. I sent you a doctor recommendation. In addition, I found another doctor in Los Angeles that did a scar revision on somebody else and didn’t remove any more precious mm. He carefully cut out the hard scar. I believe his name is James Pearson. I am going to him if I have to do a scar revision. I know you are in France and it might not be easy to come to the states. If you decide to see an American doctor, please reach out to me for support. I am happy to meet with you and help as much as I can. There is no shame in leaning on others. I am only 26 years old, probably not much older than you. I imagine you might be around my little sister’s age. She struggled with depression and bulimia for many years. I know how painful it is from a loved one’s perspective. I know you are constantly fighting a battle with yourself and feelings can consume you. I am glad to hear that you are fighting every single day. Congrats on being bulimia free for 3 months. That is a huge step. I promise you that the grasses is greener on the other side if you continue to fight. Let’s stay in touch.
July 12, 2020
The grass is greener on the other side****
July 25, 2016
Photos please
July 25, 2016
i'm gonna send you some pics inbox
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July 26, 2016
I would like to see some photos too buts it's o ky been a month and I think it can still change but it's not to worry I am sorry
July 26, 2016
I sent you pictures inbox
UPDATED FROM Spacedementia
1 month post

anything I can do?

Spacedementia
I was asking myself if any revision could be possible to make my philtrum larger?
I saw people who had chin augmentation having their philtrum enlarged, if this a solution as I have a weak chin?
As you know, my philtrum is too tiny now (6mm) and I can't handle it, it look very unnatural mostly from the side, and I don't like the fact that my corner are too flat and my cupid bow too plump. I think if my philtrum was 1 cm it would have been a good result. I'm nearly 6 weeks post op. nothing has changed.
I'm feeling very upset..

Replies (13)

July 27, 2016
I had the Bullhorn lip lift in December 2015 with the same results you received. I went back and talked with my surgeon in March 2016. He suggested enlarging the vermillion line around the part of lip that wasn't showing. This was done by removing a section of skin beside my natural lip and sewing together. This pulled the lip that you couldn't see out and made my lips look more balanced. I'm very happy with the results. I went from hating to loving my new lips. This is an option for you, hope this helps
July 27, 2016
Is this the corner lip lift? because I talked about it with my surgeon and he told me he only does the bullhorn lip lift... and I'm not ready to go under the knife after being that much disappointed and i'm scared about the scar... You are lucky to be happy with your result, mine is depressing me very badly...
March 15, 2020
who is this ps ? i need the same help if you can share who does that kind of revision would be very helpful
July 27, 2016
Who is your Doctor?
July 27, 2016
inbox
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October 28, 2016
You should make his name public.
November 11, 2016
Who was the surgeon please?
November 12, 2016
dr zwillinger
November 12, 2016
Je ne le connais pas mais je peux vous dire que je n'irai plus jamais consulter des chirurgiens en France pour quoi que ce soit. (mauvaises experiences moi aussi) Si c'est possible pour vous, je vous conseille de voir un chirurgien aux Etats- Unis.
November 13, 2016
ce sont les pires en france. mais maintenant le massacre est déjà fait je peux plus rien faire malheureusement. ils sont incompétents.
November 13, 2016
justement il y a peut être quelqu'un aux states qui pourrait le réparer ou au moins l'améliorer. Ne perdez pas espoir
November 14, 2016
je vois pas ce qu'il pourrait faire, j'ai plus que 6 mm de peau et une cicatrice horrible, j'ai envoyé des mails à prêt de 30 docteurs à travers le monde, tous ne me donnent aucune solution malheureusement
November 18, 2016
Je vous conseille d'essayer d'avoir une consultation avec qqs chirurgiens à L.A. (Beverly Hills) ce sont les meilleurs. Vous pouvez faire ça par Skype et ils pourront vous voir et discuter en même temps. Plus jamais j'irai ailleurs pour une chirurgie esthétique après ce que j'ai vécu moi aussi en France, peut être pas aussi catastrophique que vous mais j'étais très déçue et aucun dr en France pouvait m'aider.
UPDATED FROM Spacedementia
1 month post

Worst mistake ever, I wish I was warned

Spacedementia
Today I'm feeling very very bad and sad. I had an appointment with another surgeon to have an opinion about my lip lift as the surgeon who performed the lip lift is far from my current city and I'll only be able to see him in few days. So, I talked with this surgeon about the procedure and he told me that I shouldn't do it, my lips were perfectly fine before. He refused to let me having lip fillers as I wanted it to fill the corners as they are very very flat.
He told me that my philtrum was too short and that he was himself not a fan of these types of procedure such as lip lift. He told me I should have stuck with lip fillers as they are temporary. Well you know what? i'm now in tears, I feel so bad because He is totally right, my face is totally deformed now. I regret it, I should have done fillers at least it's temporary. Now I can't see myself in a mirror without crying and regret what I did.
I was beginning to be addicted to plastic surgery, I wanted to change everything in my face and each surgery made me sadder as I was never happy with the result.
I wish my surgeon was like the surgeon I saw today : honest, not advice for useless surgeries, I think lip lift is only good for those who have very long philtrum. mine wasn't that bad and with fillers my lips were quite ok.
I swear I don't know what to do, I'm so angry, I can't go out with friends or anything, I made myself ugly.
......

Replies (22)

July 28, 2016
Just wait. It will fall, especially if it was a skin only lip lift. I speak from experience because I have had 2 lip lifts.
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July 28, 2016
I am sorry this happened to you when we go to a board certified ps we hope they know what they are doing but it's still early and I belive it will drop but it may take alittle time somehow try to hang in there of course I am not going through this I am sorry
July 29, 2016
I don't know if it will drop, I'm not feeling any swelling in my lips, plus I really hate my lip shape now, I only wanted a natural shape, not a ridiculous triangle mouth... When I see all those positive review I'm just telling myself that I'm a bad luck person especially with plastic surgery...
July 29, 2016
That surgeon sounds like a moron. He should be helping come up with an idea how to help you improve what you currently have, not talk about what you should and shouldn't have done.
July 29, 2016
I came out to his office with remorse while I was only looking for comfort..
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July 29, 2016
First of all, it really doesn't look bad. You are not deformed. But at this point you can start massaging it gently after about four weeks. Lightly around the lips , with your thumb inside and finger outside three times a day. You will get it back down. When the incision is totally healed. You can do a light acupressure treatment on the incision and press down in a line to bottom of the lip, throughout the whole lip. Kind of like you are trying to thin out clay. I believe you should get it back to 1 cm. also as you age it gets long so relax. You are beautiful. But your doctor should be shot. Lol. You didn't need this surgery. I am getting this surgery on Monday. But I really need it!
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July 29, 2016
Also, I wanted to say that just recently the was a girl who had her boil us nose reduced and she found that after the surgery her lip was really long. I was thinking about that and it made sense to me . Think about it if you have 7 mm taken away and are stitched back up. Where does that extra space fall but down to lengthen the lip. I am a seamstress and it makes sense to me. Look up nose jobs you will find her. So point is if you could use a smaller nose maybe that would work. I know it might seem ridiculous but I understand how you feel. Not that I think you need it.
July 29, 2016
Hi, did I send you pictures? because I can't really remember. Yes, I didn't need it at all. I think he should have told me and only advice me having fillers. Or at least remove 4 mm max and not 8mm as he did. I already had two nose jobs... well the 2nd didn't change anything but I think that if I lift my tip I'll have a piggy nose..
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July 30, 2016
No, I never saw pictures nut the first one. I would like to see what you looked like before lip lift. I am 2.2 cm long, now that's long and my doctor says he would only take 5mm off. I might have to do it again but that is a better scenario than what your doctor is putting you through. I would definitely try to get your money back. Please send me pictures. I don't know if I can give you my email or not, do you know?
July 31, 2016
Was it just skin or did it involve muscles?
July 31, 2016
I have no idea... he didn't tell me... I was under local anesthesia so I heard everything, is anything different in the protocol that involved muscles?
August 2, 2016
Yes. It's more permanent and hurts like hell. Totally numb now post op under nostrils plus scar tissue forming underneath. I thought I was getting skin only. I remember asking prior if it involved muscles or nerves and he said no. But when it was all said and done it did.
August 2, 2016
I think it involve muscles, I remembered he cauterized the nerves...