SPECIALTY

AESTHETIC

SURGERY

How Long Does Swelling Last After a Lip Lift?

If you feel like you have a thin upper lip, or if the corners of your mouth turn down, a lip lift can make the upper lip look larger. It can even fix the corners of the mouth, so they no longer look like you’re frowning. 

What is a Lip Lift?

To make the upper lip look fuller, a lip lift shortens the distance between the upper lip and nose. This gives the appearance of plumper, fuller lips. The surgeon accomplishes this by removing skin along the edge of the lip or under the nose using a very small incision. 

A lip lift can also define the lip border. When the corners of the mouth turn down and make you look unhappy, a lip lift can also raise the corners of the mouth just enough to give a neutral or slightly smiling expression. 

Should I Have a Lip Lift or Lip Filler?

If you have a thin upper lip, you may consider both of these options. Both work well for plumping and adding the appearance of fullness to the upper lip. However, they have two main differences. 

Recovery Time

Lip fillers typically require no downtime at all. As a minor surgical procedure, a lip lift will involve some downtime and swelling. 

Duration

Dermal fillers for the lips typically last anywhere from six months to a year. However, the results of a lip lift are permanent. 

How Long Does Swelling Last After a Lip Lift?

After a lip lift, you will see the greatest swelling within the day or two after the procedure. You should wait at least 24 hours before resuming normal activities. Most swelling fades in a week, but you will have some residual swelling for up to four weeks. Exercise or strenuous activity should wait at least a week after your procedure. 

What Results Will I See From a Lip Lift?

A lip lift does not add lip volume, but it makes more of the upper lip lifted and visible. This gives the appearance of a fuller lip. After the swelling goes down, you can appreciate the results of your lip lift. Your upper lip will look more plump and youthful, and these results will last a long time. 

Am I a Good Candidate for a Lip Lift?

If you have a thin upper lip and have been considering treatment, you may be a good candidate for a lip lift. If you want to test out the plumper upper lip before committing to a lasting procedure, dermal fillers offer a temporary option. 

Take the Next Step – Request a Consultation

Want to learn more about lip lifts? Schedule your consultation or by calling Specialty Aesthetic Surgery at (212) 737-8700. We look forward to working with you!

Specialty Aesthetic Surgery serves the greater NYC metro area.

About our Surgeons

Bruce Moskowitz is an experienced and board-certified oculoplastic surgeon. His practice encompasses all areas of oculoplastic cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He has a well-known reputation for revision surgery, and a large portion of his practice comes from other colleagues to revise sub-optimal outcomes.

Grigoriy Mashkevich is an experienced and double-board certified facial plastic surgeon. He belongs to a highly select group of surgeons with a focused specialization in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the nose, face, and neck. 

*Individual results may vary.

Share This Post

More To Explore

For your safety | Manhattan & the Upper East Side

To ensure the safety of all of our patients, staff and visitors, we ask that you comply with the following: 

PATIENTS AND VISITORS MUST WEAR A MASK WHILE IN OUR OFFICE, REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS.

WE ASK THAT PATIENTS ARE ACCOMPANIED BY NO MORE THAN ONE OTHER VISITOR.