Is a Lip Lift Painful?

A lip lift is typically not very painful, as it’s performed under general anesthesia. After surgery, you’ll experience mild swelling, bruising, and tightness, which can be managed with prescribed medication. Discomfort usually subsides within a few days, and your surgeon will guide you on aftercare for a smooth recovery.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

For a lip lift, you’ll generally need two appointments: one for the initial consultation and one for the procedure itself. During your consultation, Dr. Gangnes or Dr. Brandon will assess your needs, discuss your goals, and plan the surgery. Afterward, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled to check your recovery.

How Long Until I See Results?

As swelling decreases, you’ll start seeing noticeable results from your lip lift within a few days. However, the final, fully healed look can take several months. The results will gradually settle, and you’ll enjoy a more youthful, enhanced lip shape that lasts long-term.

Can I Combine a Lip Lift With Other Procedures?

Yes, a lip lift can be paired with a facelift , neck lift , or eyelid surgery to enhance the overall appearance. If you’re considering other treatments like Botox , dermal fillers, or rhinoplasty , your surgeon can discuss how these can complement your lip lift for optimal results. Ensure your procedures are planned together for safety and the best possible outcomes.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Lip Lift?

A lip lift is generally a safe procedure, but there are some specific risks, like any surgery. Here are a few: Visible scarring: While the incision for a lip lift is typically made discreetly beneath the nose, there is a risk of noticeable scarring. Factors like skin type, healing process, and surgical technique can impact scarring. The scar may widen or become hypertrophic (raised) in rare cases. Infection: As with all surgical procedures, there’s a risk of infection at the incision site. Proper aftercare, such as following the surgeon’s instructions for cleaning and caring for the area and taking prescribed antibiotics if necessary, can usually avoid this. Asymmetry or uneven results: Although a lip lift is designed to create balanced, natural-looking results, asymmetry may occur in some cases. This could be due to differences in healing, the natural structure of the lips, or slight variations in how the tissue responds to surgery. If needed, a minor revision can help correct this. Numbness or sensory changes: Temporary numbness or altered sensation in the upper lip area is expected immediately following the surgery. In rare cases, nerve damage could cause long-term or permanent changes in sensation. Over-correction or under-correction: It’s important to discuss your aesthetic goals thoroughly with your surgeon to avoid an overly dramatic lift or insufficient change. In some cases, further adjustments may be necessary to achieve the desired result. Difficulty with lip movement: While rare, some patients may experience difficulty with lip mobility after a lip lift. This may affect activities like speaking, eating, or facial expressions, but the issue usually resolves with time. Dr. Brandon and Dr. Gangnes at Facial Aesthetic Concepts carefully minimize these risks and will discuss them during your consultation.

Lip Lift

In Orange County

Introduction

Introduction to Lip Lift

A lip lift with Dr. Richard A. Gangnes and Dr. Bryan Brandon at Facial Aesthetic Concepts could be just what you need for a beautifully refreshed smile and fuller, more youthful lips. With over 30 years of combined expertise in facial aesthetics, Dr. Brandon and Dr. Gangnes are known for creating subtle, natural-looking enhancements. Their approach is customized to highlight your unique facial features, whether you’re looking to reduce the space between your upper lip and nose or enhance lip volume.

Gallery

Before & after photos

Lip Lift B&A

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A close-up of a young woman leaning against a textured light gray wall. With shoulder-length, light brown hair and light blue eyes, her expression is calm and composed. Her lightly tanned skin complements the simplicity of her black sleeveless top. Soft, diffused lighting creates a gentle ambiance, subtly blurring the background and drawing attention to her poised presence. - LipLift in San Clamente, Aliso Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

What is a Lip Lift?

A lip lift enhances the appearance of the lips by shortening the distance between the nose and the upper lip. Lifting and reshaping the upper lip creates a fuller, more youthful look, making it more defined and proportionate to the rest of the face. Unlike lip fillers that add volume, a lip lift addresses the underlying structure of the lips, offering a more permanent solution for enhancing lip shape and symmetry.

What Are the Benefits of a Lip Lift?

A lip lift offers several benefits, such as enhancing the shape and proportion of the lips, giving them a fuller, more defined look without the need for injectable fillers. It can also help reduce the appearance of a long or drooping upper lip, giving your lips a more youthful and balanced appearance.

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Lip Lift?

The best individuals for a lip lift are those who want a more youthful and balanced smile and are dissatisfied with the appearance of their upper lip. Ideal candidates typically have a more extended upper lip, which can create a less defined or less prominent smile. A lip lift is especially beneficial for those who have lost volume in their lips due to aging and want to restore a natural, youthful appearance without relying on temporary fillers.

Candidates should be in good overall health, with no active infections or conditions that would impair healing. They should also have realistic expectations and be ready to follow post-procedure care guidelines for optimal results. A consultation can help determine if a lip lift is the right choice for them based on their facial structure and aesthetic goals.

Let’s Get Started

What’s the First Step?

The first step in getting a lip lift is scheduling a personalized consultation with Dr. Brandon or Dr. Ganges at Facial Aesthetic Concepts. During this time, your surgeon will assess the position of your lips and the amount of skin above them and review your medical history to ensure you’re a good candidate for the surgery. Based on this information, he will recommend the best approach for your lip lift to achieve a natural, balanced, and youthful result.

What to Expect on the Day of Lip Lift Surgery

During your lip lift procedure, your surgeon will begin by making an incision along the natural lines of your nostrils, just beneath the nose. This will allow him to remove a strip of skin from the upper lip area, shortening the distance between your upper lip and nose. The procedure itself typically takes about one to two hours and is performed with anesthesia and sedation, so you remain comfortable throughout.

Our double board-certified facial plastic surgeons take excellent care to ensure that the incisions are discreet and well-hidden, minimizing the appearance of any scarring. After removing the excess skin and repositioning the lip, the incisions are closed with fine sutures, leaving you with a natural, refreshed look.

Lip Lift Recovery

You’ll probably experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort for a few days, but these usually subside within a week. Light activities can be resumed after a few days, but avoid strenuous exercise for about two weeks. Our post-operative team will guide you through aftercare, including cleaning the incision area and managing discomfort. Sutures can usually be removed within 5 to 7 days, and final results are visible after a few months as swelling decreases, leaving you with a more youthful, enhanced lip appearance.

Transparent Pricing

How Much Does a Lip Lift Cost in Orange County, CA?

The cost of a lip lift in areas like San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, and greater Orange County can vary based on factors like the surgeon’s experience, the procedure’s complexity, and the practice’s location. You can expect to pay between $3,000 and $7,000 for a lip lift.

It’s always best to schedule a consultation for a more accurate estimate tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Why Choose Facial Aesthetic Concepts?

At Facial Aesthetic Concepts, we focus on making you feel confident and refreshed, providing personalized care that ensures you look and feel your best. We have been at the forefront of facial cosmetic surgery in Orange County for decades. Whether you’re looking to rejuvenate your look with a facelift, microlight, rhinoplasty, or other facial procedures, we’re here to guide you through every step.

As the original founder of Facial Aesthetic Concepts, Dr. Richard A. Gangnes has over 30 years of experience in facial plastic surgery. He is a dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon with both the American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS) and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), and as a Fellow with the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

Dr. Bryan Brandon brings a wealth of knowledge and an artistic approach to each patient. With a background that includes graduating as valedictorian, earning a biomedical engineering degree, and completing rigorous training at UC Irvine, Dr. Brandon’s education and expertise are second to none. He further refined his craft through a fellowship with Dr. Vito Quatela in New York, a renowned leader in facial surgery. He is board-certified with the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS).

Lip Lift FAQ’S

Yes, a lip lift can be paired with a facelift, neck lift, or eyelid surgery to enhance the overall appearance. If you’re considering other treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, or rhinoplasty, your surgeon can discuss how these can complement your lip lift for optimal results. Ensure your procedures are planned together for safety and the best possible outcomes.
A lip lift is generally a safe procedure, but there are some specific risks, like any surgery. Here are a few:
- Visible scarring: While the incision for a lip lift is typically made discreetly beneath the nose, there is a risk of noticeable scarring. Factors like skin type, healing process, and surgical technique can impact scarring. The scar may widen or become hypertrophic (raised) in rare cases.
- Infection: As with all surgical procedures, there’s a risk of infection at the incision site. Proper aftercare, such as following the surgeon’s instructions for cleaning and caring for the area and taking prescribed antibiotics if necessary, can usually avoid this.
- Asymmetry or uneven results: Although a lip lift is designed to create balanced, natural-looking results, asymmetry may occur in some cases. This could be due to differences in healing, the natural structure of the lips, or slight variations in how the tissue responds to surgery. If needed, a minor revision can help correct this.
- Numbness or sensory changes: Temporary numbness or altered sensation in the upper lip area is expected immediately following the surgery. In rare cases, nerve damage could cause long-term or permanent changes in sensation.
- Over-correction or under-correction: It’s important to discuss your aesthetic goals thoroughly with your surgeon to avoid an overly dramatic lift or insufficient change. In some cases, further adjustments may be necessary to achieve the desired result.
- Difficulty with lip movement: While rare, some patients may experience difficulty with lip mobility after a lip lift. This may affect activities like speaking, eating, or facial expressions, but the issue usually resolves with time.
- Dr. Brandon and Dr. Gangnes at Facial Aesthetic Concepts carefully minimize these risks and will discuss them during your consultation.

Schedule A
Consultation

Take the first step toward a more youthful, refreshed appearance by scheduling your consultation with Dr. Gangnes or Dr. Brandon at Facial Aesthetic Concepts today. Our team is dedicated to delivering natural, beautiful results while ensuring a comfortable and collaborative experience. You’ll be in great hands whether you’re considering a lip lift or other aesthetic enhancements. Book your consultation now and start your journey to a new, confident you!