Lip Lift in Turkey

The lip lift procedure is one of the frequently preferred applications in aesthetic surgery, aiming to shorten the distance between the upper lip and the nose to achieve a younger and more attractive appearance. This procedure particularly highlights the red portion of the upper lip, increasing lip fullness and making the teeth more visible. One of the most commonly used techniques is the subnasal (bullhorn) lift, performed by removing a minimal strip of skin from under the nose. While the surgery focuses on improving the overall aesthetic balance of the face, careful planning and execution help minimize risks such as scarring or asymmetry. An expert approach enhances the success of this procedure.

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What is a Lip Lift Surgery?

The history of the lip lift surgery reflects the innovations in facial aesthetics and efforts to increase patient satisfaction. One of the first techniques introduced in the 1980s, known as the “gull-wing” method, involved removing skin just above the lip line. While effective in defining the red portion of the lips, this method had aesthetic limitations due to the risk of noticeable scarring at the lip edges.

Later, to eliminate the scarring issue, the subnasal “bullhorn” method was developed. In this technique, a strip of skin is removed under the nose, concealing the scar in the natural folds of the nasal base. Thus, aesthetic results became more natural. Additionally, while improving the contour of the upper lip, the visibility of the teeth increased.

Over the years, technical refinements continued, and the “corner lip lift” procedure for the corners of the mouth gained popularity. This technique aimed to lift downward-turned mouth corners, creating a younger and more dynamic facial expression. Moreover, the V-Y lip advancement method allowed increasing lip volume without leaving external scars.

Recently, a deep-level upper lip lift technique has come to the forefront. This method aims to release the deep layers of the lip anatomy, achieving more natural and long-lasting results. Preserving lip functions and maintaining overall facial harmony are fundamental principles of this advanced approach. The lip lift surgery has evolved over the years to represent the highest standards reached by aesthetic surgery.

Who is a Candidate for a Lip Lift Surgery?

A lip lift surgery is an ideal option for individuals who have aesthetic concerns about the upper lip and its surrounding area. The most common candidates are those who have an elongated distance between the upper lip and the nose and seek a younger and more balanced facial appearance. As lips thin out with aging, this procedure naturally enhances the pink portion of the lip, providing fullness and improving lip aesthetics without the need for fillers.

Those who find the distance between their nose and upper lip too long, or feel that their upper teeth are not sufficiently visible, can also benefit from this surgery. By balancing facial contours, the lip lift positively affects both the smile’s aesthetics and the face’s overall expression. Individuals with downward-turned mouth corners can achieve a younger, more energetic expression after surgery.

For those not satisfied with lip fillers or who desire a more natural appearance, this procedure offers a permanent solution. In gender affirmation processes, the lip lift is frequently chosen to feminize the upper lip and its surroundings.

Finally, this surgery is suitable for individuals in good health who seek a long-term improvement rather than a temporary solution. All candidates must undergo a personalized evaluation process.

Who is Not a Candidate for a Lip Lift Surgery?

While a lip lift can be an effective option for many individuals looking to improve their facial aesthetics, this procedure may not be suitable for everyone. To achieve successful results and prevent potential complications, it is important to consider certain contraindications. If the upper teeth are excessively visible at rest or when smiling, the postoperative appearance may look unnatural, making these individuals less ideal candidates. Similarly, if the distance between the upper nose area and the lip is too short, it may not be possible to remove enough tissue, potentially causing functional issues.

The psychological state of the candidate must also be taken into account. Individuals with unrealistic expectations or those diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder may experience dissatisfaction with the surgery’s outcome. Therefore, clear communication between the surgeon and the patient is of great importance.

Active smoking is another major contraindication, as it delays wound healing and increases the risk of infection. Likewise, uncontrolled diabetes, severe heart conditions, and bleeding disorders pose medical risks for surgery. Oral infections or medications used during the procedure (for example, blood thinners) can raise the risk of complications. After evaluating all these factors, the surgeon determines whether the surgery is safe and suitable for the patient. An expert evaluation is essential in this process.

How is a Lip Lift Surgery Performed?

The lip lift surgery is a procedure aimed at reshaping the upper lip to improve the overall aesthetic balance of the face and achieve a younger appearance. The procedure can be performed using different techniques depending on the patient’s anatomical features and aesthetic goals. Each technique offers specific advantages and can be tailored to individual needs.

• The Direct Lip Lift (DLL) method involves removing skin near the vermilion border of the upper lip. This technique increases the visibility of the red portion of the lip and accentuates the lip contours. The incisions follow the natural lip lines, ensuring a natural aesthetic outcome.
• The Subnasal Bullhorn Lift (ILL) is performed by removing a thin strip of skin under the nose. This technique shortens the distance between the nose and the upper lip, making the teeth more visible. Incisions are hidden in the natural folds of the nasal base, resulting in minimal scarring.
• The Corner Mouth Lift (CML) is used to elevate downward-turned mouth corners and correct a tired or sad expression. By removing small triangular pieces of skin from the mouth corners, a more cheerful expression is achieved. This technique can be performed alone or combined with other lip lift procedures.
• The V–Y Lip Advancement (VYLA) is performed from inside the mouth and increases lip volume without leaving external scars. However, the healing process may be slightly longer.
• The Thread Lip Lift is a minimally invasive option for patients who do not want surgery. Sutures are used to gently lift the lip, but the effect is more temporary.

The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, and the areas of skin to be removed are carefully marked before the procedure. After the procedure, it is important for patients to follow the recommended care instructions and attend regular check-ups to monitor the healing process.

What Are the Side Effects of a Lip Lift Surgery?

Although a lip lift surgery is generally safe, like any surgical procedure, it carries some risk of side effects and complications. The most common issues include swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort after surgery. These symptoms are usually temporary and resolve spontaneously within a few days to a week. However, in some cases, more serious complications may develop.

• Infection: As with any surgical incision, there is a risk of infection. Proper wound care and following postoperative instructions reduce this risk. Antibiotic treatment may be used if necessary.
• Scarring: Noticeable scars may form in the areas where incisions are made. The visibility of these scars depends on the individual’s skin type, healing process, and surgical techniques used.
• Asymmetry: Achieving perfectly symmetrical lips is not always guaranteed. Mild asymmetry is usually not noticeable, but significant asymmetry may require corrective procedures.
• Nerve Damage: The surgery may affect nerves in the area, causing temporary or permanent numbness, tingling, or sensory changes. In rare cases, nerve damage may affect muscle movements.
• Functional Impairments: Overcorrection can cause difficulty in lip closure or smiling, potentially affecting basic functions such as speaking and eating.
• Poor Wound Healing: Smoking or certain health conditions may adversely affect wound healing, increasing the risk of complications.

For this reason, a detailed evaluation should be conducted before the surgery, and potential risks should be carefully reviewed.

How Successful Is a Lip Lift Surgery?

The lip lift procedure is frequently chosen in aesthetic surgery to improve the appearance of the upper lip. The subnasal lip lift method, in particular, stands out with its high success rates and lasting results. Systematic reviews show that this technique provides both aesthetically and functionally satisfactory outcomes for the majority of patients.

In a study conducted on 2,265 patients, the subnasal lip lift procedure was performed in 93.6% of cases, with the “bullhorn” incision technique preferred in 71.7% of them. This technique involves removing minimal skin under the nose to reshape the upper lip. Studies report that the vast majority of patients express satisfaction after the procedure. However, the most common complication of this procedure is non-ideal scarring, observed at a rate of 7.23%. This emphasizes the importance of careful surgical planning and postoperative care.

Other reviews on subnasal lip lift also report high patient satisfaction and note that aesthetic improvements last between 12 and 59.1 months. Nevertheless, patients should be thoroughly informed about potential complications such as scar formation and asymmetry before the procedure. This approach helps manage patient expectations properly and increases the surgery’s success rate even further.

How to Prepare for a Lip Lift Surgery?

A lip lift surgery offers an effective option for patients seeking to improve their facial aesthetics. However, a successful outcome and a safe recovery process depend significantly on proper preoperative preparation.

The surgical process begins with a detailed medical evaluation. The surgeon reviews the patient’s medical history and engages in a comprehensive discussion to understand their aesthetic expectations. A physical examination is performed to determine the patient’s suitability for surgery. Additionally, photographs of the lips from different angles are taken, and a personalized surgical plan is developed.

It is recommended to make certain lifestyle changes before surgery. Smoking can negatively affect the healing process; therefore, it should be discontinued a few weeks before the procedure. Similarly, alcohol consumption should be limited in the preoperative period. These changes minimize the risk of complications and accelerate healing.

Medications that increase bleeding risk, such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and some herbal supplements, should be discontinued at least two weeks before surgery. All current medications are thoroughly reviewed by the surgeon, and adjustments are made if necessary. Proper medication management plays a critical role in controlling surgical risks.

Blood tests, ECG, or imaging studies may be required to assess the patient’s health before surgery. These tests are usually completed a few days prior, and the results are examined by the surgeon.

Fasting the night before surgery and adhering to hygiene rules on the morning of the surgery are important. Comfortable, easy-to-change clothing should be chosen, and the patient should arrive at the surgical center with a companion.

How to Care for Yourself After a Lip Lift Surgery?

Postoperative care after a lip lift surgery is crucial for a successful recovery and achieving the best results. Common postoperative symptoms include swelling, tenderness, and mild pain. Elevating the head, applying cold compresses, and taking prescribed medications regularly help alleviate these symptoms. Antibiotics are important for reducing the risk of infection, so completing the prescribed antibiotic course is mandatory. Pain relievers can be used to control discomfort, but unnecessary doses should be avoided.

Diet directly affects the healing process. Soft, easy-to-chew foods should be preferred during the first week. Avoid hard or overly chewy foods and ensure adequate water intake. Additionally, maintain good hygiene, keep the surgical area clean, and care for the incision site according to the doctor’s recommendations.

Physical activities should be restricted; avoid excessive talking, laughing, or chewing. Refrain from intense physical activities for the first 72 hours to speed up the recovery process. Keeping the head elevated while sleeping helps reduce swelling.

Attending regular doctor’s check-ups after surgery is important to prevent possible complications and to monitor the healing process. By following these recommendations, patients can experience a more comfortable recovery period and achieve the best possible results from their lip lift surgery.

How much does a Lip Lift cost in Turkey?

An average Forehead Lift cost in Turkey is between 2,000€ to 2,500€.

All-Inclusive Lip Lift packages include;

• Hospital stay, 🏥
• 5-Star Hotel Stay🏨
• Transfers between the Airport, Hotel, and Hospital, 🚘
• Pre-surgery Tests & Consultations👨‍🔬🩸🩻
• PRIVATE Nurse during your Hospital recovery👩🏻‍⚕️
• Garments, Medication…📝
• And way More!!..🌟

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