Lip Lift | Lakeside Cosmetic Center in Canandaigua, NY

Lip Lift at Lakeside Cosmetic Center

The lips play a central role in facial expression, youthfulness, and overall harmony. Over time, the distance between the nose and the upper lip can lengthen, causing the lips to appear thinner, flatter, or less defined. A lip lift is a surgical procedure designed to restore a more youthful and balanced proportion to the lower face, creating a naturally fuller upper lip with beautiful, lasting results. At Lakeside Cosmetic Center, Dr. Chelsea Obourn customizes every lip lift to complement your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.

What is a Lip Lift?

A lip lift is a surgical procedure that shortens the space between the nose and the upper lip, known as the philtrum, to create a more lifted, defined, and youthful appearance. By removing a small amount of skin just beneath the nose, Dr. Obourn is able to elevate the upper lip, increase the visibility of the vermillion border, and enhance the natural shape of the lip without the need for filler. The incision is carefully placed at the base of the nose, where it heals discreetly within the natural contours of the skin. A lip lift provides a permanent result and can beautifully complement other facial procedures when performed in combination.

Who is a Good Candidate?

You may be a good candidate for a lip lift if you:

Feel the space between your nose and upper lip appears long or has lengthened with age
Notice that your upper lip looks thin, flat, or less defined than it once did
Are in good overall health with realistic expectations for your outcome
Are interested in a natural-looking enhancement that restores youthful proportion to the lower face

A consultation with Dr. Obourn will help determine whether a lip lift is the right approach for you, and whether it may be recommended alongside another procedure.

Cosmetic Considerations

A lip lift is a cosmetic procedure and is considered self-pay. It is not covered by insurance. Dr. Obourn will discuss all aspects of the procedure, including cost and surgical planning, at your consultation.

Dr. Obourn's Technique

Dr. Obourn performs lip lifts using a carefully placed incision at the base of the nose, designed to heal discreetly within the natural skin contours. A precise amount of skin is removed to elevate the upper lip, enhance the vermillion border, and create a result that looks entirely natural and proportionate. Your complete surgical plan will be reviewed in detail at your consultation.

Where is the Procedure Performed?

When performed as a standalone procedure, a lip lift is performed comfortably in our office setting. When combined with other procedures such as a facelift, it is performed in a fully accredited operating room (OR) setting, ensuring the highest standard of safety and surgical care.

Recovery

Recovery from a lip lift is generally well-tolerated. Here is a general overview of what to expect:

First few days: Some swelling, bruising, and tightness around the lip and base of the nose are normal. Rest is encouraged and keeping the head elevated can help manage swelling.

First week: Most patients are comfortable recovering at home. A soft diet is recommended during this time to minimize movement of the treated area. Sutures are typically removed within the first week.

2 to 3 weeks: Swelling begins to resolve noticeably and most patients feel comfortable resuming daily activities, though individual timelines vary.

4 to 6 weeks: Most normal activities can typically be gradually resumed.

Several months: Final results continue to refine as swelling fully resolves and the lip settles into its natural position.

Dr. Obourn and our care team will provide you with personalized recovery instructions and remain available to support you throughout the process.

Pre-Op Considerations

Prior to your lip lift, Dr. Obourn will provide you with thorough pre-operative instructions. General guidelines typically include:

Avoiding blood-thinning medications, supplements, and alcohol in the weeks leading up to surgery
Stopping smoking well in advance of your procedure, as smoking significantly impacts healing
Completing any required pre-operative labs or medical clearances
Arranging for a trusted adult to drive you home and assist you in the early days of recovery
Preparing your recovery space at home ahead of time for comfort and ease

All specific instructions will be personalized and reviewed with you before your procedure.

Post-Op Considerations

Following your lip lift, you will receive detailed aftercare instructions from Dr. Obourn and our team. General post-operative guidelines often include:

Keeping the head elevated, particularly during sleep, to help manage swelling
Following dietary recommendations, especially in the first week of recovery
Avoiding strenuous activity and heavy lifting for several weeks
Protecting the incision area from sun exposure during healing
Attending all scheduled follow-up appointments so Dr. Obourn can monitor your progress and address any questions
Allowing time for the full result to develop, as swelling resolves gradually over the weeks following your procedure

Our team is always available if you have questions or concerns during your recovery.

Risks

As with any surgical procedure, a lip lift carries potential risks that Dr. Obourn will review with you thoroughly at your consultation. Risks include:

Bleeding
Infection
Scarring
Need for further procedures
Temporary or permanent paresthesias (numbness, tingling, pins and needles, etc.)
Asymmetry
Changes in lip sensation or movement

Ready to Learn More?

If you are curious about whether a lip lift might be right for you, we would love to connect. Please complete our surgical inquiry form below and a member of our team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.

Complete the Surgical Inquiry Form.