Lip Lift Gold Coast

Lip Lift / Philtrum Shortening Surgery

Lip lift / Philtrum Shortening surgery involves a slight reduction in the height of the philtrum

The columns or either side of the midline between the lip line or cupid’s bow of the upper lip and the bottom of the nostrils is called the philtrum. These are also known as the philtral columns. Lip lift / Philtrum Shortening surgery involves reducing the height of these columnswith scars placed in the fold under the nose. The effect is of lifting the lip margin showing more of the mucosa or pink of the lip in a similar way that lip fillers do. This effect is afforded without actually adding volume to the lip and is long term, unlike lip fillers that require repeating in 12-24 months. It also treats problems such as a long upper lips and poor dental show.

Lip lift / Philtrum Shortening Procedure

There are several lip lift procedures that Dr Sawhney can use to achieve different effects. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. It can be done under local anaesthetic but is more comfortable for the patient done under sedation or General anaesthetic as the lip is hypersensitive by nature. The incisions are closed with deep and surface sutures. The patient goes home the same day. The surface sutures are removed at your first post-operative appointment in approximately 5-9 days..

Direct Lip lift / Philtrum Shortening: This procedure begins with the removal of a thin strip of upper lip skin. The surgeon then pulls the skin upward, creating a more defined and pronounced lip border.

Subnasal Bullhorn: The procedure involves an incision under the nose that travels around the alars of the nose. This results in the upper lip rolling outwards more, making it appear larger. The excision around the alars helps raise the corners of the mouth.This effect is more efficient in patients with shorter lip widths. The Bullhorn procedure is the most common lip lift procedure as it creates consistent results.

Central Lip lift / Philtrum Shortening: This is a more more limted lift of the philtral columns that does not proceed around the alars and has less effect on the corners of the mouth. This can be a better design for someone who has lon philtral columns centrally and well placed high corners of the mouth.

Corner Lip Lift: This procedure excises skin above the outer upper lip to and slightly beyond the corners of the mouth. The effect is to raise the corner and outer part of the upper lip without changing the central segmenta of the upper lip or philtrum height. This procedure is potentially suited to patients with downturned corners of their mouth without a longer height of their phitral columns and enough mucosal (pink of the lip) and dental show centrally.

Who is an ideal candidate for Lip lift / Philtrum Shortening Surgery?

Lip lift surgery is most appropriate for both men and women who have teeth that can appear hidden by a long upper upper lip, also known as an ‘elongated philtrum’. Women often get lip fillers to try to tackle their long philtrum hoping that the fillers will create more definition of the lip line. Unfortunately lip fillers can only go so high before they create an unnatural, duck-like appearance of the lip. Lip lifts are specifically designed to target is issue without actually adding volume. This procedure lifts the lips in a patient who desires this. Those who have teeth that do not show when they smile are also potentially suitable for a lip lift.

What should I expect in terms of recovery?

Your body’s natural response to the surgery will result in bruising and swelling in the area. Ice packs can help with both swelling and bruising. Anti-inflammatory medications can also help with swelling. Arnica (over the counter medication) can help with bruising. Dr Sawhney will organize pain killers and antibiotics (to reduce risk of infection) for you to take home after the procedure. Minor bleeding for the first few days is routine and may stain your pillow cases. You can use Vaseline or chlorsig ointment on the wounds. You should eat soft foods for the first 2 weeks and avoid foods that are too hot in temperature and spicy foods.

A follow-up appointment will be scheduled at approximately 1 week for review and removal of surface sutures.

Rest and care will help with the process of recovery. It is recommended that you avoid any strenuous physical activity for 2 weeks. This will help to avoid irritation and reduce potential complications. For 48 hours after the treatment, the patients are recommended to ice the treatment area. Most of the bruising resolves by 2 weeks as does most of the swelling. Further swelling will reduce over further time. Final results are usually assessed at 3 months. Beyond this scars can continue to thicken if your body reacts poorly to the surgery and this may require treatment. Dr Sawhney will explain this in his consultation and consent process.

How much does a Lip lift / Philtrum Shortening cost on the Gold Coast?

The Sculpted Gold Coast team determines the cost of each individual procedure by weighing up several factors. In your consultation with lip lift surgeon Dr Sawhney, he will create a tailored plan for your surgery. Sculpted clinic staff will then organize a quote which includes Dr Sawhney’s surgical fee, anaesthetic and hospital facility costs.

Lip lift / Philtrum Shortening Surgery is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance as it is a cosmetic procedure. Rebates are usually only available for procedures that are medically necessary. Contact Sculpted Gold Coast today to book your appointment with Dr Sawhney to discuss your.

Risks and Complications

All procedures have their own specific risks and complications. After a lip lift, patients will have a degree of scarring as the incision sites heal, however excessive scarring or scar tissue is a risk that can occur after a lip lift.

Risks of this procedure include:

• Infection
• Bleeding and haematoma
• Assymetry
• Deformity
• Excessive scarring, including keloid or hypertrophic scarring
• Flared or widened scars
• Wound dehiscence and need for resuture
• Need for revision or further procedures
• Under or over resection of tissue
• Paralysis of muscles surrounding the upper lip
• Sensory disturbances and numbness

Dr Sawhney will discuss these potential risks with you and give context so you are aware of the risks involved before you proceed with this surgery. It is important that you and your surgeon weigh up the risks and potential benefits of this surgery prior to proceeding.

Lip Lift

Lip lift / Philtrum Shortening Gold Coast with Dr Raja Sawhney

Dr Raja Sawhney will get to know you, your needs and concerns for the procedure to determine the options of treatment method for you. To learn more about this procedure, or to book a consultation, please get in contact with us.