Is a Lip Lift Painful?

No, a lip lift is generally not painful. Throughout the procedure itself, you’ll be under local anesthesia, and the areas of incision will be numbed. During the recovery process, however, you may feel some discomfort, but nothing that can’t be handled with proper care and medications. Most patients say they feel some swelling and sometimes mild pain, but remember that you’ll have specific instructions to help aid in this process.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

You’ll begin with your initial consultation to put your treatment plan together; then, you may need a pre-operative appointment where Dr. Pirani will go over any remaining details and answer last-minute questions. Then, of course, you’ll have the procedure in which you’ll be sent home the same day. Lastly, you’ll need at least one (though likely more) follow-up appointment with Dr. Pirani to keep track of your healing progress and ensure your results are coming in as expected.

How Long Until I See Results?

Although immediate improvements will be noted, scars typically take 9-12 months to finalize so you’ll need to exercise patience during this time. The good news is that you will see a noticeable difference immediately after the procedure. Swelling will hinder the results for a little while, but this is completely normal. The best thing you can do is delicately care for the incision site; you’ll see a major improvement before you know it.

Can I Combine a Lip Lift With Other Procedures?

Combining a lip lift with other treatments and procedures like facial fat grafting, facelifts, laser resurfacing, and other facial enhancing procedures is common and sometimes recommended. There are multiple reasons that people choose to do this, but mainly, patients like it because they can create a more customized and comprehensive treatment plan that targets additional areas of concern in one sitting while also reducing the amount of time needed for recovery. If you have concerns that you want to address with Dr. Pirani, he can provide his opinion on other treatments to combine for the best outcome.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Lip Lift?

As with any surgical procedure, a lip lift carries some potential risks, though complications are rare when performed by a skilled surgeon. Possible risks include: Temporary bruising and swelling (expected in the early recovery phase) Infection or delayed healing Bleeding or hematoma Poor scarring Asymmetry or uneven healing Changes in sensation or nerve injury Choosing an experienced surgeon like Dr. Pirani is crucial in reducing these risks and ensuring the best possible outcome.

Toronto, Ontario

Lip Lift

Name: Toronto Plastic Surgery Center
Brand: Toronto Plastic Surgery Center
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7 (127 reviews)

Introduction

Introduction to Lip Lift

Do you feel like your upper lip sits too low or that the space between your nose and lips appears too long? A lip lift is a specialized surgical procedure designed to shorten this distance, creating a more youthful and proportionate appearance. Rather than adding volume, a lip lift enhances the natural shape of the lips by repositioning them for a more lifted, balanced look.

At The Toronto Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. Asif Pirani, a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, offers advanced lip lift techniques tailored to each patient’s unique facial structure. By carefully adjusting the upper lip’s position, Dr. Pirani helps patients achieve natural, long-lasting results that complement their overall facial aesthetics.

Close-up of a woman with short, tousled brown hair, tanned skin, and freckles. She wears a light beige sleeveless top and has a neutral expression. Soft, dramatic lighting highlights her face and shoulders. The background is a plain, light beige wall. - Lip Lift in Toronto, Ontario

What is a Lip Lift?

In recent years, cosmetic lip enhancement has gained popularity, with much of the focus on lip fillers. While fillers can temporarily adjust lip volume and shape, a lip lift is a permanent surgical solution that enhances the position of the upper lip rather than increasing its size. This procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals with an elongated philtrum (the space between the nose and upper lip) or those seeking a more lifted, youthful appearance.

There are several types of lip lift techniques, including the bullhorn lip lift, central lip lift, corner lip lift, gullwing lip lift, Italian lip lift, and V-to-Y lip lift. Each method involves carefully placed incisions to elevate the upper lip, improving its shape and balance in relation to the rest of the face.

During your consultation, Dr. Asif Pirani will assess your facial structure and discuss which technique best aligns with your aesthetic goals, ensuring a natural, proportional enhancement.

What Are the Benefits of a Lip Lift?

A lip lift is designed to reduce the distance between the nose and upper lip (philtrum), creating a more balanced and youthful appearance. This procedure is ideal for individuals with an elongated philtrum, which can contribute to a less defined upper lip or an aged look.

By lifting the upper lip, a lip lift can:

Improve facial harmony by adjusting the proportions between the nose, lips, and chin
Enhance upper lip definition by revealing more of the natural pink lip without adding volume
Create a more youthful appearance by addressing age-related lengthening of the philtrum
Increase upper tooth show when smiling, resulting in a more refreshed look
Lift downturned lip corners, giving the face a more naturally pleasant expression

For patients concerned about vertical lines around the mouth (also known as “smoker’s lines” or peri-oral wrinkles), CO2 laser resurfacing can be added to the treatment plan. This advanced skin-rejuvenation technology helps smooth fine lines and improve skin texture, complementing the lip lift results for a more refreshed and youthful look.

Unlike temporary solutions like fillers, a lip lift provides a permanent enhancement that restores natural lip positioning and rejuvenates the overall facial aesthetic without making the lips look artificially full.

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Lip Lift?

A lip lift is ideal for individuals looking to shorten the distance between their nose and upper lip (philtrum) for a more balanced and youthful appearance. You may be a good candidate if you:

Have an elongated philtrum, which can contribute to an aged or unbalanced look
Want to enhance upper lip definition without relying on fillers
Have minimal upper tooth show when smiling and desire a more youthful expression
Notice downturned corners of the mouth, which can create a tired or unhappy appearance
Are seeing vertical lines around the mouth (“smoker’s lines”) and want a smoother look (which can be further improved with CO2 laser resurfacing)

Additionally, it’s important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of a lip lift. Dr. Pirani will guide you through the process during your consultation, ensuring you fully understand the procedure and the natural, proportion-enhancing results it can achieve.

What’s the
First step?

To understand if a lip lift is a good procedure for you, start by consulting with a professional plastic surgeon such as Dr. Pirani. Dr. Pirani of Toronto Plastic Surgery Center will take the time to clearly assess your facial balance, noting the size, shape, and proportions of the lips to determine the best treatment plan that coincides with your goals. Additionally, he will review your medical history, ensuring there are no underlying conditions or allergies that could affect the results of the procedure, and answer all questions you may have to help you make the best decision.

If you decide to move forward with the procedure, Dr. Pirani will schedule you and provide pre-operative instructions to prepare you. Some things included in these instructions are to avoid alcohol, blood-thinning medications, and smoking for several weeks before and after surgery. If you have any concerns, be sure to bring them up at this time.

What to Expect on the Day of Lip Lift Surgery

When you step into Toronto Plastic Surgery Center, our surgical team will greet you and take you to the surgical room, where prep work will begin. In most cases, local anesthesia will be administered. This means you’ll be awake throughout the procedure but unable to feel anything due to the numbness.

Once the surgery begins, Dr. Pirani will make an incision by removing extra skin from your philtrum. This is usually done by removing a small strip of skin, and then the upper lip is lifted into position. Other parts of the lips, such as the corners, may also be moved depending on the specific methods used. The specifics of your procedure will be discussed with you during your consultation.

Once completed, Dr. Pirani will close the incisions, and you’ll be monitored for a short time before it is safe to send you home with your aftercare instructions to begin the recovery process. All in all, the procedure should only take about an hour to perform.

Lip Lift Recovery

It is normal to experience swelling and tightness around the mouth immediately after the procedure, as this can last for a few days. Ice and pain medications can greatly reduce this discomfort and aid in the healing process.

As mentioned, you will be sent home with aftercare instructions the same day as your surgery to ensure that your incisions are accurately cared for. A few things noted in your instructions are to sleep with your head elevated, eat soft foods, and avoid alcohol and tobacco. If you’ve ever had your wisdom teeth removed, you can expect a lot of similarities throughout the recovery process.

How Much Does a Lip Lift Cost in Toronto, Ontario?

The cost of a Lip Lift in Toronto, including surgical fees, anesthesia, facility fees, and other medications, can range from $2,500 to $8,000, though a more accurate estimate will be calculated during your consultation. Dr. Pirani will break down the cost of your treatment plan and provide financing options should you decide to pursue that route.

Why Choose Dr. Pirani?

Choosing Dr. Pirani of the Toronto Plastic Surgery Center for a lip lift ensures you’ll receive exceptional care from a highly skilled and experienced surgeon. Dr. Pirani is board-certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and has dedicated his career to achieving natural, refined results while prioritizing patient safety and comfort. Known for his incredible attention to detail and personalized approach, Dr. Pirani tailors each lip lift procedure to enhance the unique facial features of his patients.

Lip Lift FAQ’S

No, a lip lift is generally not painful. Throughout the procedure itself, you’ll be under local anesthesia, and the areas of incision will be numbed. During the recovery process, however, you may feel some discomfort, but nothing that can’t be handled with proper care and medications. Most patients say they feel some swelling and sometimes mild pain, but remember that you’ll have specific instructions to help aid in this process.
You’ll begin with your initial consultation to put your treatment plan together; then, you may need a pre-operative appointment where Dr. Pirani will go over any remaining details and answer last-minute questions. Then, of course, you’ll have the procedure in which you’ll be sent home the same day. Lastly, you’ll need at least one (though likely more) follow-up appointment with Dr. Pirani to keep track of your healing progress and ensure your results are coming in as expected.
Although immediate improvements will be noted, scars typically take 9-12 months to finalize so you’ll need to exercise patience during this time.

The good news is that you will see a noticeable difference immediately after the procedure. Swelling will hinder the results for a little while, but this is completely normal. The best thing you can do is delicately care for the incision site; you’ll see a major improvement before you know it.
Combining a lip lift with other treatments and procedures like facial fat grafting, facelifts, laser resurfacing, and other facial enhancing procedures is common and sometimes recommended. There are multiple reasons that people choose to do this, but mainly, patients like it because they can create a more customized and comprehensive treatment plan that targets additional areas of concern in one sitting while also reducing the amount of time needed for recovery. If you have concerns that you want to address with Dr. Pirani, he can provide his opinion on other treatments to combine for the best outcome.
As with any surgical procedure, a lip lift carries some potential risks, though complications are rare when performed by a skilled surgeon. Possible risks include:
- Temporary bruising and swelling (expected in the early recovery phase)
- Infection or delayed healing
- Bleeding or hematoma
- Poor scarring
- Asymmetry or uneven healing
- Changes in sensation or nerve injury
Choosing an experienced surgeon like Dr. Pirani is crucial in reducing these risks and ensuring the best possible outcome.

Toronto Plastic Surgery Center

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re starting to think that a lip lift might be right for you, it’s best to get a professional’s opinion. Schedule your consultation with Toronto plastic surgeon Dr. Pirani today by calling 416-360-8772 or filling out the contact form. We’ll reach out as soon as possible.

Schedule Now