How is a Lip Lift different from a Lip Augmentation?

As we age, the upper lip sags and becomes longer in the vertical dimension. Normally, a little bit of teeth can be seen at rest and a lot of the upper teeth are visible when smiling. With a droopy upper lip, the teeth are not at all visible at rest and barely seen with smiling. This makes people look much older. A lip lift can dramatically improve the way your mouth and smile appear. Lip lift is a highly specialized procedure that very few surgeons offer in Los Angeles. There are several different types of lip lifts:
  • Gull wing
  • Sub-nasal
  • Thread
During your preoperative examination, your plastic surgeon will determine the technique that is appropriate to meet your cosmetic goals. In a sub-nasal lip lift, a small strip of skin is removed just below the nose to reduce the upper lip length and create a lift. The scar is well hidden because it falls under the natural shadow below the nose. After surgery, the vermillion or red part of the lips will curl outward, and be more visible and more attractive. It will create the illusion of a mild lip augmentation for Los Angeles area patients. The surgery can also improve lip asymmetry. Lip augmentation surgery is different because it involves adding volume to the lips. Lip augmentation options are performed non-surgically with injections of Juvederm or fat injections. When fat is used, it can be placed in the vermillion as well as the upper lip. Lip augmentation is typically a great procedure for younger patients that want fuller, more attractive lips. Patients over the age of 50 will benefit from a lip augmentation to improve the fullness, but may also require a lip lift to correct the long upper lip and lip position. A lip lift is performed as an outpatient surgery in our Los Angeles plastic surgery center. Most of the swelling and bruising resolves within two weeks. Overall, the operation is tolerated well by many patients.
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About Dr. Dennis Dass

About Dennis Dass, MD, PharmD

Dennis Dass, MD is a top Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, focusing on boosting the confidence of his Los Angeles, California patients with natural and beautiful results. He provides a range of surgical procedures for the body, laser skincare, and non-surgical procedures. As a Board-certified plastic surgeon, he performs hundreds of cosmetic procedures every year.

Dr. Dass earned his Medical Doctor degree from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque, NM and his Doctor of Pharmacy qualification from the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy. He underwent a six-year Integrated Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Residency at the University of Kansas. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, California Medical Association, and Los Angeles County Medical Society.

Dr. Dass has received numerous accolades including Top Plastic Surgeon designation from many reputed organizations. Connect with Dr. Dennis Dass on Linkedin.