Lip Lift at 58: Things Are Looking Up

At least in a couple days they will! My lip lift is scheduled for Friday.
I've been researching lip lifts since they first came on my radar about a year ago. Before that, I never imagined anything could be done about the distance between my nose and upper lip. I'm so grateful to others who have posted their experience with this procedure! So I'm posting mine in case it helps anyone else.

I used to have a "gummy" smile but my philtrum grew as I got older and now measures 19. So the "gummy" look is gone but replaced with significant real estate above my upper lip. I'll find out on surgery day how much skin can be removed to shorten my upper lip but not cause a return to "gummy."

I'll be traveling to Hermosa Beach, CA to get my lip lift with Dr. James Pearson. We had a phone consultation after I emailed him photos. He listened attentively to everything I said and answered my questions clearly. The lip lift before-and-after's on his website look natural and he has consistently great reviews. I was impressed enough to book my appointment soon after. I know I'm in good hands.

I'll also be getting dermabrasion at my lip lift appointment to treat the vertical lines around my mouth. Since I'm flying there anyway I want to make it count!

I'm posting before photos now and will update with more after my procedure. This has been almost a year in the making and I'm really excited! Less than two days away now...

I got back a little while ago and the procedure went really well. I appreciate all the good wishes you ladies sent - I know they helped!! I didn't expect to feel so calm showing up for my appt, especially after our flight was delayed and the rental car process took so long. Barely had time to eat something before getting to Dr. Pearson's office though he assured me not to rush.

We talked about how much skin to excise. I was thinking 7mm since I measured myself at 19. He explained the optimal distance between nose and upper lip is half the distance between your lower lip and chin, and that 7mm for me fits in that range. We talked about skin elasticity and he said I have a bit more than usual for my age. (Score a point for the old lady) But importantly for me, he said a 7mm reduction would take about 4 months to return to normal and for that period of time it would look artificial. Well okay...so that is something I need to know. My fave results on this site are lip lifts that look natural after a few weeks (not months) so I opted for a 6mm reduction. He will do a free revision in 9 months if I decide I want more removed.

Also want to mention that his surgical suite overlooks the ocean and the view from the procedure chair is pretty amazing. He also had light classical music playing in the background so it was a very relaxing environment. He also stayed open late to accommodate my quick turnaround.

On to the main event...

So I decided against taking valium and instead he placed Q-tips with numbing gel underneath my upper lip. A few minutes later he did a "test" shot to check numbness and this continued till I was fully numb in the entire area. I took a quick look at the needle (unsettlingly long but very thin) and decided to just keep my eyes closed. For the record, I've had many, many dental shots in my life and none were given with as much skill as these. He is an expert.
Once the shots started taking effect I began to tremble. Like, a lot. This happens to me in varying degrees every time I get dental shots. He explained I'm the one-in-ten that reacts to the epinephrine in the lidocaine. (Hope I remembered that right) I never knew that - just assumed I was a quaking wimp. He checked my pulse just to be sure but it was all good. And the trembling, while it lasted, turned out to be the most uncomfortable part of the procedure. The rest was no big deal. I sometimes felt pressure or tugging but no pain. He put in 20 tiny stitches (black, so they are visible for easier removal) and I left with detailed instructions. He called me later to see how I was feeling and if I had any questions and will continue to check in. He also met me at his office at 6:30 this morning to clean the incision site and redress it before our early flight. I'm impressed by his level of care.

I did take a painkiller last night at bedtime and again in the wee hours of the morning. I wanted to sleep as well as possible. My pain level went from 2 to about 3 and that was the worst of it. And it wasn't pain as much as discomfort. Haven't taken anything in about 12 hours but may take Tylenol at bedtime.

Will try to post pics of the healing process.

Forgot to mention I decided not to get the dermabrasion. In the moment of decision it felt like too much to take care of and recover from. But I'm definitely interested in a face/neck lift in the future. I think the combination would make my face/neck look about the same age. I don't want to look mismatched!