HLG Dr Hélène Le GallPlastic surgeon · Toulouse

    Upper lip lift

    At a glance

    Anaesthesia
    Local anaesthesia, sometimes sedation
    Procedure
    Less than 1 hour
    Stay
    Outpatient
    Recovery
    1 to 2 weeks
    Final result
    Several months

    The upper lip lift shortens the distance between the base of the nose and the red lip. This distance can be long from birth or can lengthen with age. The procedure raises the white lip and shows more of the red lip. It is intended for people who are bothered by a long or thin upper lip and who want a lasting result without repeated injections.

    How the procedure unfolds

    Before

    In practice

    • In consultation, I analyse your request and I examine your face.
    • I measure the height of the white lip and I look at the balance with the nose and the chin.
    • I also collect information concerning your state of health.
    • We take photographs for your medical record.
    • I give you all the information about the surgery and I give you an estimate.

    A second consultation is mandatory before any procedure. It leaves a period of reflection. You must stop smoking at least one month before the surgery.

    During

    Surgery

    The upper lip lift is most often performed under local anaesthesia, sometimes with sedation. It takes place at the Clinique Pasteur, in Toulouse, on an outpatient basis. You go home the same day.

    The principle is to remove a strip of skin under the nose. The shape of this strip follows the outline of the nostrils.

    The remaining skin is sutured upwards. The red lip rises and shows more.

    The scar is hidden in the natural fold at the base of the nose. It is red in the first weeks, then in general it fades over several months.

    The procedure most often lasts less than one hour. A small dressing covers the scar for the first days.

    After

    Postoperative effects

    Pain is in general moderate. A simple painkiller is most often enough.

    Swelling and bruising can appear around the mouth. In general they decrease in one to two weeks.

    The stitches are removed at the practice in the following days. I tell you how to care for the scar at home. The lip can feel a little stiff or numb for a few weeks.

    One to two weeks away from social life is in general enough. The scar continues to improve for several months. The final result can be judged after several months. I see you again in a follow-up consultation to check the evolution.

    What to do to optimize the result?

    • Moisturize the scar with the product I recommend.
    • Do not expose it to the sun during the first year and protect it with sunscreen.
    • Do not smoke before and after the surgery.
    • Avoid strain and exaggerated movements of the mouth in the first days.

    Social security coverage

    The upper lip lift is a cosmetic procedure. In general it is not covered by social security. It remains at your expense.

    Pricing

    From 1500 euros, on estimate given at the end of the consultation.

    The SOFCPRE information sheet for your procedure is given to you during the consultation.

    My advice

    • Hydrate yourself and your skin

      Drink enough water and unsweetened drinks regularly. Apply a moisturizer to the skin once or twice a day after cleansing.

    • Protect yourself from the sun

      Avoid prolonged direct exposure, cover up and regularly apply total sunscreen protection (UVA / UVB) factor 50 to exposed areas.

    • You should not smoke

      or you should stop smoking as soon as possible. If needed, ask for help to your doctor or a tobacco addiction specialist, there are many methods available to help you in this difficult process.