Treatments

What is a Lip Lift?

A lip lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to shorten the distance between the upper lip and the base of the nose, creating a more youthful and attractive smile. By lifting the upper lip, the pink part of the lip (vermilion) becomes more visible, giving the mouth a fuller and naturally enhanced look without the need for fillers. Unlike temporary treatments such as lip fillers, a lip lift provides permanent results.

Patients often choose this surgery when they feel their upper lip looks too long, hides their teeth when smiling, or lacks definition. A lip lift corrects these issues by adjusting the balance between the lips and the overall facial proportions.

At clinics led by Op. Dr. Kadri Akıncı, the procedure is performed with the highest standards of safety and aesthetics. Dr. Akıncı is an internationally certified surgeon, holding the EBOPRAS (European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery) diploma, which proves his expertise at a European level. With years of experience in facial aesthetics and reconstructive surgery, he combines technical precision with an artistic approach, ensuring natural and patient-centered outcomes.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Lip Lift?

A lip lift is most suitable for individuals who are unhappy with the length of their upper lip or feel that their smile does not show enough teeth. The ideal candidate is someone who has a long upper lip, thin lips, or reduced lip definition due to aging. Younger patients who want a permanent alternative to fillers may also benefit from this procedure.

In general, candidates should be in good overall health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the results. Those with uncontrolled medical conditions, blood clotting problems, or unrealistic aesthetic goals may not be the best fit for surgery.

Age is also an important factor. While lip lift surgery can be performed on adults of almost any age, it is especially popular among patients over 30, since the upper lip tends to lengthen naturally with time.

At clinics led by Op. Dr. Kadri Akıncı, every patient undergoes a detailed facial analysis before surgery. Thanks to his international training and EBOPRAS certification, Dr. Akıncı ensures that each patient receives a personalized treatment plan that balances beauty with safety.

Types of Lip Lift Procedures

Lip lift surgery can be performed using different techniques, each designed to match the patient’s needs and facial structure. The choice of technique depends on factors such as lip length, skin elasticity, and desired results.

Upper Lip Lift

The upper lip lift is the most common method. It shortens the space between the nose and the upper lip, creating a fuller, more youthful appearance. This technique enhances the natural shape of the lip and makes the teeth more visible when smiling.

Corner Lip Lift

Some patients complain of a downturned mouth, which can make them look sad or tired. A corner lip lift corrects this by slightly lifting the outer edges of the lips, resulting in a softer and friendlier expression.

Bullhorn Lip Lift

Also known as the subnasal lip lift, this technique is very popular. An incision is made just beneath the base of the nose in the shape of a bullhorn. This allows the surgeon to lift the central portion of the upper lip while leaving scars hidden in the natural crease.

At clinics where Op. Dr. Kadri Akıncı practices, the choice of technique is carefully tailored to the patient’s facial harmony. With his expertise in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Akıncı ensures that the results look natural and enhance the overall balance of the face.

How is a Lip Lift Performed?

A lip lift is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning patients can go home the same day. The process begins with a detailed consultation, where the surgeon evaluates the patient’s facial proportions and explains which lip lift technique will achieve the most natural results.

Preparation Before Surgery

Before the procedure, patients may be asked to stop smoking and avoid certain medications that can increase bleeding. The surgeon will mark the surgical area carefully, ensuring symmetry and precision.

Anesthesia Options

Lip lift surgery is typically carried out under local anesthesia, sometimes combined with mild sedation. This allows the patient to stay comfortable and pain-free during the operation without the need for general anesthesia.

Step-by-Step Procedure

The surgeon makes a small, well-hidden incision—most commonly just beneath the nose. Through this incision, a thin strip of skin is removed, and the upper lip is lifted into its new position. The wound is then closed with fine stitches, designed to minimize scarring. The entire operation usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.

At clinics led by Op. Dr. Kadri Akıncı, every step is performed with precision and artistic attention to detail. His EBOPRAS-certified expertise in facial aesthetics ensures that the final result enhances not only the lips but also the overall harmony of the face.

Does a Lip Lift Hurt?

One of the most common concerns patients have before undergoing a lip lift is whether the procedure will be painful. The good news is that during surgery, you will not feel pain because local anesthesia is used. In some cases, light sedation may also be provided to ensure maximum comfort. This means the procedure itself is quick, safe, and virtually painless.

After the surgery, it is normal to experience mild discomfort, swelling, and tightness in the treated area. Most patients describe the sensation as similar to a dental procedure or a minor cut healing on the skin. Pain medication prescribed by the surgeon helps control these symptoms effectively, making recovery more comfortable.

At the clinic of Op. Dr. Kadri Akıncı, patients are guided through every step of the healing process. Thanks to his extensive experience in facial aesthetics and reconstructive surgery, he applies meticulous techniques that minimize trauma to the tissue, which means less swelling, reduced pain, and faster healing.

In summary, a lip lift is not a painful procedure, and with proper aftercare, any discomfort is short-lived compared to the long-lasting results.

Lip Lift Recovery Process

Recovery after a lip lift is generally smooth and straightforward, but it requires patience and proper aftercare to achieve the best results. Immediately after surgery, you can expect swelling, mild bruising, and tightness in the treated area. These effects are temporary and usually improve significantly within the first week.

First Week After Surgery

During the first few days, patients should rest and keep the head elevated to reduce swelling. Stitches are typically removed within 5 to 7 days, and most people can return to work or light activities shortly afterward.

Swelling, Bruising and Stitches

Swelling and bruising around the incision site are normal and gradually subside within two to three weeks. To aid recovery, surgeons often recommend cold compresses, gentle lip care, and avoiding excessive facial movements during the initial healing phase.

Healing Timeline and Final Results

By the third or fourth week, swelling decreases noticeably, and the lip shape begins to look more natural. Final results usually become visible within 2 to 3 months, once the tissues have fully settled. With proper care, scars fade and become almost invisible over time.

Under the care of Op. Dr. Kadri Akıncı, patients receive tailored recovery instructions and close follow-up appointments, ensuring a safe healing process and long-lasting, natural-looking results.

Lip Lift Scars – Are They Noticeable?

One of the most common questions about lip lift surgery is whether it leaves visible scars. Since the procedure requires an incision, a small scar is inevitable. However, the good news is that the incision is usually placed just beneath the base of the nose, in a natural crease, making the scar very discreet and easy to hide.

In the weeks following surgery, the scar may appear slightly red or raised, but it gradually fades over time. With proper aftercare—such as keeping the area clean, applying scar creams if recommended, and protecting the skin from the sun—the scar typically becomes barely noticeable within a few months.

At clinics led by Op. Dr. Kadri Akıncı, advanced surgical techniques and meticulous suturing are used to minimize scarring. Thanks to his extensive experience in facial aesthetics, Dr. Akıncı ensures that the incision is placed with precision, blending naturally with the surrounding skin. As a result, most patients find that their scar is practically invisible and does not affect their confidence.

FAQs About Lip Lift Surgery