Lip Lift Calgary: Get a Youthful, Natural-Looking Lip

While wrinkles, skin laxity, and volume loss often get the most attention when it comes to aging, the distance between the nose and upper lip also plays an important role in how youthful the face appears. As we age, this distance can gradually lengthen, changing the appearance and proportions of the upper lip.

When this happens, adding volume with lip filler is not always the answer. A lip lift shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip, revealing more of the pink portion of the lip and creating a more youthful appearance without adding volume.

At art&fact, a surgeon-led plastic surgery and medical aesthetics clinic in Calgary, Alberta, lip lift surgery is performed by our board-certified plastic surgeons with the goal of creating natural-looking results that complement the rest of the face.

Facial Aging: How the Upper Lip & Philtrum Change Over Time

The philtrum, sometimes referred to as the “white lip,” is the area between the base of the nose and the upper lip. In a more youthful face, this distance is generally shorter, allowing more of the pink portion of the upper lip to show.

As we age, this distance can gradually lengthen and the upper lip can turn inward. This can make the pink portion of the lip appear less visible and reduce the amount of upper teeth that show at rest. It can even contribute to a bit of a “resting serious face,” where the mouth looks more tired or stern despite how you actually feel. You may also notice a horizontal crease or dimple above the lip when you smile. As the upper lip lengthens, this crease can sit lower and become more noticeable.

While lip filler can add volume to the lips, it does not shorten the distance between the nose and upper lip. A lip lift takes a different approach by shortening this distance, revealing more of the natural upper lip without adding volume.

How Does a Lip Lift Work?

A lip lift changes the position of the upper lip through surgery rather than adding volume. The procedure involves releasing and repositioning the tissues of the upper lip to shorten the distance between the lip and the base of the nose.

At art&fact in Calgary, Dr. Mieke Heyns, Dr. Aaron Knox, and Dr. Justin Yeung use two approaches to lip lift surgery: the deep plane lip lift and the gliding lip lift.

With a deep plane lip lift, the surgeon works beneath the skin to reposition and support the lip using the deeper tissues. This creates support for the new position of the lip without relying on the skin alone.

A gliding lip lift takes a different approach. The skin and superficial tissues of the upper lip are released, allowing them to glide into a new position before being secured. Distributing the lift across these mobilized tissues can also help reduce the amount of tension placed on the incision.

Which technique is used will depend on your anatomy, how much the upper lip needs to be shortened, and the result you are hoping to achieve. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will assess your upper lip and determine which approach is most appropriate.

What Does a Lip Lift Scar Look Like?

One of the most common concerns with a lip lift is the scar. A lip lift is a surgical procedure, so there will be a scar. The incision is placed along the natural contours at the base of the nose, where it can become less noticeable as it heals.

Like any surgical scar, a lip lift scar changes quite a bit during the healing process:

Scar healing is different for everyone. Genetics, skin type, sun exposure, and how you care for the incision during recovery can all affect how noticeable the scar is once it has healed. For many patients, a well healed lip lift scar at the base of the nose can be quite subtle.

The scar is still an important consideration when deciding whether a lip lift is right for you. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon can show you where the incision will be placed and discuss what you can realistically expect as it heals.

How a Lip Lift Creates Natural Looking Results

A common misconception is that a lip lift makes the lips bigger. In reality, a lip lift does not add volume. It changes the position of the tissue you already have to reveal more of the natural upper lip.

Position vs. Volume

Lip position and lip volume are two different things. Lip filler can add fullness, improve shape, and enhance certain features of the lips, but it does not shorten a lengthened upper lip. If the main concern is the distance between the nose and upper lip, continuing to add volume may not create the change you are looking for.

A lip lift addresses the position instead. By shortening the upper lip, more of the natural pink lip can show, the Cupid’s bow may become more defined, and more of the upper teeth may be visible. The result comes from repositioning what is already there rather than making the lips larger.

For patients who have noticed their upper lip lengthening with age but do not necessarily want more volume, this is where a lip lift can make sense.

Can You Combine a Lip Lift With Lip Filler?

A lip lift and lip filler do not have to be an either or decision. Because they address different concerns, some patients may benefit from both.

For patients who already have enough natural lip volume, a lip lift alone may provide the change they are looking for. Others may choose to add a small amount of filler to further enhance the shape or volume of the lips.

What If You Already Have Lip Filler?

Having lip filler does not necessarily mean you cannot have a lip lift. Depending on how much filler you have, where it was placed, and when you had it done, your plastic surgeon may recommend dissolving some or all of it before surgery.

Once your lip lift has healed, filler can still be an option. Some patients may find they no longer want the same amount of volume after seeing the results of their lip lift, while others may still want a little more fullness or definition.

This is something you can discuss with your plastic surgeon during your consultation appointment and revisit once your lip lift has healed.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Lip Lift?

There is no single measurement or feature that determines whether someone is a good candidate for a lip lift. It comes down to what has changed, what you would like to change, and whether surgery can realistically achieve that result.

You may be a good candidate for a lip lift if you:

• Have a longer distance between the nose and upper lip
• Notice less of your natural upper lip or upper teeth showing when your mouth is relaxed
• Notice your upper lip has changed with age, contributing to more of a “resting serious face” than you would like
• Want more of your natural upper lip to show without adding significant volume
• Have tried lip filler but feel that adding volume is not addressing your concern
• Are looking for a long lasting change rather than an injectable treatment that requires ongoing maintenance

When a Lip Lift May Not Be Right for You

A lip lift is not necessarily the right option for everyone. If the distance between your nose and upper lip is already quite short, there may not be enough room to shorten it further. Your existing lip shape and volume, how your upper lip moves, your medical history, and the amount of change you are looking for can also affect whether surgery is appropriate.

During your consultation at art&fact, your plastic surgeon will assess your upper lip, talk about what you are hoping to change, and determine whether a lip lift is a good option for you. If it is, they can also discuss whether a deep plane or gliding lip lift makes the most sense for you.

What Is Lip Lift Recovery Like?

A lip lift is typically performed under local anesthesia and is a relatively small surgical procedure, but you still need to give your body time to heal. Swelling, bruising, tightness, and some numbness around the upper lip are common at first. Your lip may also look slightly higher or fuller than you expected while the swelling settles.

You will receive instructions on how to care for your incision, activity restrictions, and anything you should avoid while you heal. Keep in mind that we use our mouths for pretty much everything, including talking, smiling, laughing, eating, and drinking, so giving the area time to heal is important.

You will be able to see a change in the position of your upper lip right away, but what you see immediately after surgery is not your final result. It takes time for the swelling to come down and for everything to settle into place.

Can a Lip Lift Be Combined With CO2 Laser?

A lip lift changes the position of the upper lip, but it does not treat every sign of aging around the mouth. Fine lines, wrinkles, and changes in skin texture can still be present even after a lip lift.

CO2 laser resurfacing targets the skin instead. It can be used to improve fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture around the mouth, addressing concerns that a lip lift is not designed to treat.

For some patients, a combination of treatments may be worth considering. The goal is not necessarily to treat everything, but to look at what is actually contributing to the changes you are noticing and choose treatments based on those concerns.

During your consultation, your plastic surgeon can discuss whether CO2 laser would add anything to your results and when it would be appropriate to have it done.

Lip Lift FAQs

Is a lip lift painful?

A lip lift is typically performed under local anesthesia, so the area is numbed during the procedure. Some soreness, swelling, and tightness are expected during the first few days of recovery. You will receive instructions on how to manage any discomfort while you heal.

Will a lip lift make my lips look bigger?

A lip lift does not add volume to the lips. By shortening the distance between the nose and upper lip, more of your natural pink upper lip becomes visible. This can make the upper lip appear fuller without actually adding volume.

How long do lip lift results last?

A lip lift creates a long lasting change to the position of the upper lip. Unlike lip filler, there is no product that gradually breaks down and needs to be replaced. Your face will continue to age naturally over time, but the change created by the surgery is designed to last.

What does a lip lift cost in Calgary?

Because every lip lift is tailored to each patient’s goals and anatomy, pricing is confirmed at your consultation once your surgeon has mapped out exactly what your plan involves. For reference, a lip lift starts at $5,800 + GST. Your consultation includes a written treatment plan with exact pricing before you make any decision.

Book a lip lift consultation in Calgary

If you're considering a lip lift, the next step is a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. During your consultation, your surgeon will assess your anatomy, discuss your goals, and explain your options so you can make an informed decision.

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art&fact is located at 2403 33 Avenue SW in Calgary's Marda Loop. Call (403) 800-9157 or book a consultation through our contact page.

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We look forward to meeting you!

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