You don’t necessarily need drastic changes to enhance your facial harmony. A lip lift perfectly exemplifies that sometimes, subtle improvements are all it takes.
Dr. Yula Indeyeva performs this surgery to create fuller, more youthful lips. You can make an informed decision and enjoy stunning, long-lasting results by understanding the recovery process and maintaining realistic expectations.
How Does a Lip Lift Work?
A surgical lip lift will shorten the space between your upper lip and nose, which is ideal if you’d like your lips to look more prominent but don’t necessarily feel you need to add extra volume.
Unlike dermal fillers, which enhance contours by introducing hyaluronic acid gel into your lips, Dr. Indeyeva will alter your natural proportions by removing a small strip of skin from beneath your nose. Lip lifts are ideal for patients who want to achieve a younger and more sensual appearance by defining the “cupid’s-bow” shape of their mouths.
Your body’s natural collagen and elastin production will decline with age, causing your lips to lose volume and definition. A lip lift will complement your unique beauty by:
- Increasing the visible area of the pink upper lip.
- Enhancing your smile by revealing more of your teeth.
- Refining the shape of your mouth.
- Creating more balance among your facial features.
What to Expect During Lip Lift Recovery
Recovering from any surgery requires care and patience. You can expect mild to moderate swelling, bruising, tightness, and tenderness after your lip lift. You will have a small, precise row of sutures beneath your nose, and you’ll need to return to our office within a week of your procedure to have these removed.
For the first few days, get plenty of rest, avoid stress, take pain medications as prescribed, and keep your head elevated to minimize discomfort and speed healing.
Swelling is a normal response to injury, as fluid accumulates in the tissues surrounding the surgical site. The most significant swelling will occur during your first 48 hours after lip lift surgery and may initially obscure your results. Though subtle residual swelling may persist for about a month, most of Dr. Indeyeva’s patients feel recovered enough to return to work by the one-week mark.
Tips for a Smooth and Comfortable Healing Process
- Follow postoperative instructions: Dr. Indeyeva will send you home with detailed guidelines, including how to keep your incision clean and when you can resume wearing makeup on or around your lips.
- Avoid strenuous activities: Limit activities that involve bending or heavy lifting, as these can elevate your blood pressure and increase swelling.
- Stay hydrated and eat soft foods: Hydration will help your body heal faster, and soft foods will minimize strain on your upper lip. It’s wise to prepare for your recovery by stocking up on things like soup, oatmeal, and yogurt.
- Use cold compresses: Applying cold packs in 15-minute intervals can reduce swelling during the first couple of days.
- Apply moisturizer: Keep your lips well-moisturized with products like ChapStick, Aquaphor, or petroleum jelly.
When Can You Resume Normal Activities After a Lip Lift?
Most patients can go back to work and resume light activities like gentle walking within the first week. However, you’ll need to wait at least four weeks before engaging in strenuous exercises. Attending all your scheduled follow-up appointments will allow Dr. Indeyeva to give you personalized advice based on your healing progress.
How Soon Will You See Final Lip Lift Results?
While you’ll notice a slight improvement immediately following your lip lift, it will take a couple of weeks for your initial swelling to subside. The first month or two should be ample time for your to heal and settle, revealing your beautiful, natural-looking outcome.
Does a Lip Lift Leave a Scar?
Like any surgical procedure, the incision used to perform a lip lift will leave you with a small scar. However, Dr. Indeyeva will use her skill as a double board-certified plastic surgeon to conceal the incision in the natural crease beneath your nose, where it will heal discreetly.
The scar will fade with time, especially if you follow a consistent skin care routine and are careful about minimizing UV exposure. Residual scarring is often barely noticeable by the six-month to one-year anniversary.
Trust Austin’s Top Lip Lift Surgeon
A lip lift is a powerful yet understated procedure that can enhance your facial harmony and restore confidence in your appearance. Get outstanding results when you work with Dr. Indeyeva, whose exceptional training and expertise have made her one of the leading plastic surgeons in Austin. After completing a five-year residency in head and neck surgery and a fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, she chose to focus her practice exclusively on the complexities of facial anatomy. As a former rhinoplasty patient, Dr. Indeyeva appreciates the confidence patients place in her and takes that responsibility seriously. Schedule your private lip lift consultation today to discuss your candidacy, surgical options, and costs.
