A lip lift involves removing a ‘bull horn’ pattern of skin from the base of the nose.
This technique shortens the distance from the nose to the top lip and so allows for more show of the pink upper lip.
The scar is hidden in the natural crease of the base of the nose. This can be performed with other facial rejuvenation surgery.
The surgery can be performed under a local or general anaesthetic and if done alone is a day case operation, which means you go home the same day as your surgery.
A lip lift involves removing a ‘bull horn’ pattern of skin from the base of the nose.
This technique shortens the distance from the nose to the top lip and so allows for more show of the pink upper lip.
The scar is hidden in the natural crease of the base of the nose. This can be performed with other facial rejuvenation surgery.
The surgery can be performed under a local or general anaesthetic and if done alone is a day case operation, which means you go home the same day as your surgery.
What is the aim of lip lift surgery?
To augment the shape and volume of the upper lip.
How long will the results last?
As we become older our faces loose volume in terms of bony support and soft tissues. In addition, there is the constant effect of gravity.
These are some of the causes of the characteristic signs of facial ageing, one of which is the loss of volume of the top lip and also the bony support around the nose that holds the lip up.
The results of a lip lift will withstand time but the above factors will still have an ongoing ageing effect on the facial appearance and this must be taken into consideration. This effect varies from patient to patient and can be difficult to predict and so individual results do vary over time.
The most longstanding outcomes from facial rejuvenation are often in those who have had combination treatments.
Combination treatments and more extensive surgery has a longer recovery period but longer lasting results.
What happens on the day of surgery?
Prior to the day of surgery you will be given the following information and it is critical to know these details ahead of time:
On the day of surgery you will be checked in by a nurse and all your details will be confirmed and you will be changed into a surgical gown.
Dr Rory will see you before your surgery to run through all the details of the surgery, the consent forms as well as performing all your surgical markings. Multiple ID checks and procedure confirmation will be performed prior to your operation as safety is a priority.
After your surgery Dr Rory will notify your friends or family to let them know the procedure has finished and put thieir mind at ease. Depending of the procedure he will see you after the surgery and discuss the procedure.
When you are feeling comfortable, the team will then allow you to be discharged as planned that morning. All medicines and instructions will be given to you on your discharge.
How long will the surgery take?
If done in isolation, the surgery takes approximately one hour.
This does not include anaesthesia time. In total, the whole procedure may last longer.
Will the procedure be painful?
One of the primary aims of any procedure performed by Dr Rory is to create a pain free experience.
A long acting local anaesthetic agent is injected at the end of the procedure.
In terms of recovery, there will be some swelling, bruising and tenderness in the surgical area and some discomfort so rest is advised for the first two days.
What is the recovery period?
This is a minor procedure and so the recovery is five days.
There will be swelling and bruising in the surgical area and a specialized antibiotic ointment will be supplied for application the surgery site twice daily.
What should I consider when recovering from the procedure?
No heavy exertional activity that will cause excessive sweating, heavy lifting movements in the first seven days.
All the stitches are removed at day five and mild cardiovascular exercise can be started at day seven.
The final appearance of your scars will be at eighteen months.
What is the cost of the procedure?
If performed alone, the cost of the procedure starts at 15,000 AED (excluding VAT).
The final cost is determined on a case by case basis dependent on complexity and additional procedures. Combination surgeries will lower the price of individual surgeries if done together.
A full surgical no-commitment consultation with Dr Rory will provide all the necessary details for your particular case.
What are the risks of the procedure?
These include some discomfort, infection, risk of bleeding, changes in sensation, swelling, degrees of asymmetry, wound breakdown and delayed wound healing.
Smokers face delayed wound healing and poorer quality scars generally from most surgeries. Dr Rory is therefore very strict when it comes to smoking and lip lift surgery. You are advised to stop smoking one month before and after this surgery.
There is also the risk of stretching of the scar and excessive scarring such as hypetrophic or keloid scarring.
Anything in particularly important I should know about the procedure?
It’s a straightforward procedure with very high satisfaction rates if you are willing to accept the scarring which will fade over time.
What is the follow up after the procedure?
Each patient has a follow up schedule that is different.
You will be advised by Dr Rory and his team your particular follow up journey.
Typically it involves seeing the team at day five after surgery for a wound check and removal of stitches.
Thereafter, scar checks are performed at the six week point. This schedule will differ between individuals.
Who is involved in my care?
Dr Rory is the primary physician in charge of all your care. He performs all procedures himself and is meticulous about every aspect of your care.
Once he has performed a procedure on you he is available for you as your on-call doctor.
He will provide you with contact details and will be available for you. If you have any questions or concerns at any time he is available to support you.
He has trained his team around him to an exceptionally high standard from his aesthetic coordinators to aesthetic nurses.
In some instances, for example, for photography, garment fitting, wound dressings, checks or removal of stitches, his highly trained team will perform the care liasing directly with Dr Rory with real time updates.
