Introduction to Lip Lift
Keep your lips looking youthful and pouty with a lip lift in Philadelphia. This surgical procedure usually only takes an hour to perform and offers impressive yet natural results.
A surgical lip lift yields longer-lasting results than treatments and fillers. If you prefer not to come in for repeated filler and neurotoxin injection sessions to maintain your voluminous pout or feel filler offers a limited result for your lips, then it is time to explore the benefits of a lip lift.
What Is a Lip Lift?
The lip lift procedure is a type of cosmetic surgery used to improve the appearance of a sagging or thin upper lip. It is usually performed to reduce the space between the base of the nose and the upper lip, known as the philtrum. This surgical treatment can improve the volume, prominence, and shape of your lips. It can reverse lip thinning as well as lip ptosis (drooping of the lower lip). One sign of facial aging is an elongated white portion of the upper lip, which can only be definitively improved with lip lift surgery.
There are two types of lip lifts performed by Dr. Ho: the modified bullhorn lip lift and the corner lip lift. Modified bullhorn lip lifts use an incision at the base of the nose and remove a portion of the white upper lip to create a fuller upper lip with a defined cupid’s bow. Corner lip lifts focus on raising downturned oral commissures, which are the sides of the lips where the upper lip meets the lower lip
Why Choose Dr. Tina Ho?
Dr. Tina Ho stands out among other surgeons in Philadelphia and Wayne as a female, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with dedicated training in facial rejuvenation surgery. Unlike general plastic surgeons, Dr. Ho specializes exclusively in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures of the face and neck.
She understands that a facial rejuvenation, whether surgical or non-surgical, is both an art and a science — a highly detailed and complex procedure that requires technical precision and an artistic eye to achieve natural, harmonious results. Dr. Ho stays at the forefront of modern products and techniques to deliver the most refined and lasting outcomes for her patients.
From the initial consultation to every follow-up visit, Dr. Ho maintains an unwavering commitment to each patient. She takes the time to listen, plan, and tailor every step of the rejuvenation process to align with the patient’s unique anatomy for realistic aesthetic goals and ensure each person feels confident, supported, and deeply satisfied with their results. Her approach focuses on preserving the patient’s natural appearance while maximizing safety and minimizing recovery time.
Dr. Ho received advanced fellowship training under world-renowned facial plastic surgeons Dr. Dean Toriumi and Dr. Steven Dayan. Dr. Ho continually refines her surgical knowledge and techniques to offer the best outcomes for her patients by regularly attending national and international aesthetic meetings and learning from leading plastic surgeons across the country in the operating room setting. Her expertise extends across all aspects of surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation.
Dr. Ho is recognized regionally and beyond as one of Philadelphia and the Maine Line’s most trusted female facial plastic surgeons, with patients traveling from throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York to seek her expertise.
What is Dr. Ho’s Approach?
The lip lift can be performed under local anesthesia or in conjunction with other surgical procedures including facelift and neck lift as well as rhinoplasty. Once the local anesthetic has taken effect, incisions will be created. For a modified bullhorn lip lift, the incision will be a continuous line just below the nostrils. In a corner lip lift, the incisions will be made just above the corners of the mouth.
Dr. Ho will then remove a pre-marked area of tissue above the lip to achieve the intended lift. During the modified bullhorn lip lift procedure, Dr. Ho will release the upper lip in the layer below the SMAS layer (sub-SMAS plane) and place dissolveable deep sutures to ensure an adequate tension-free lift of the upper lip. When the desired look is achieved, the incisions will be closed. Dr. Ho performs meticulous skin closure to make sure that the eventual scars heal well and are minimal. You will be closely monitored throughout the entire procedure. The whole process, depending on the extent of work done, may take 30 minutes to one hour.
Am I an Ideal Candidate?
If the distance between your nose and lips is more than 1.5 cm, you may be a good candidate for a lip lift. Aging people who want to get rid of their perpetually stern look due to drooping and thin lips may be ideal candidates for this surgery. Younger people who are dissatisfied with the temporary or limited results of fillers may also benefit from lip lift surgery. Patients with thin lips who are prone to developing a “duck appearance” with lip filler are often good candidates for lip lift.
You must be in good overall health to undergo this surgery, and it is best to be a non-smoker. You may not be an ideal candidate to undergo a lip lift if you are not willing or unable to stop smoking two to four weeks before your surgery. It is also important to have realistic expectations in terms of results.
Your Lip Lift Consultation
Your lip lift consultation with Dr. Ho will involve a physical examination of your lips and assessment of your treatment goals. Dr. Ho will also ask you questions regarding your medical history and lifestyle. Be prepared to discuss your underlying medical conditions if you have any, as well as current medications and any allergies. You will be given pre-operative instructions such as abstaining from alcohol and smoking as well as from blood-thinning medications.
Keep your lips pouty and permanently reverse your downturned lip corners with a lip lift in Philadelphia. Contact Dr. Ho to schedule a consultation, where she will go into further detail regarding the benefits of this lip enhancement option.
Recovery After a Lip Lift
Your lip lift recovery may take a few weeks to complete, though you may feel swollen and tight in the upper lip for the first few months. Make sure to get plenty of rest during the first 24 hours to help jumpstart the healing process. Sutures will be removed at one week after surgery.
During recovery, avoid opening your mouth too wide, and use a small toothbrush while brushing your teeth. Do not put any pressure on your lip region, and do not sleep face down. Keep your lips moisturized. Most people can go back to normal routines fairly soon after but must avoid strenuous exercises for two weeks after surgery. Sometimes, skin resurfacing procedures such as microneedling or CO2 laser resurfacing are needed in the recovery period to improve the appearance of the scars.
Enhance Your Recovery with Elixir MD
The Elixir MD™ is an innovative recovery tool that offers various treatment programs using different LED light wavelengths to achieve specific pre and post-surgical goals. These programs are supported by advanced artificial intelligence temperature controls and adjustable settings to address a range of concerns and goals. This non-invasive therapy is safe, painless, and can reduce infections after surgery while also enhancing recovery and minimizing scarring after rhinoplasty surgery.
Benefits of Elixir MD
Enhanced post-operative recovery after rhinoplasty. Using LED light, Elixir MD™ stimulates the skin to accelerate wound healing and minimize scarring post-surgery.
Improved healing and cellular repair. Specific wavelengths stimulate collagen and elastin production, which are essential for healing after surgery.
Easier rhinoplasty recovery. Reduces inflammation responsible for swelling and pain after surgery.
Improved lymphatic drainage and blood flow. Enhances the delivery of nutrients and removal of waste for optimal healing.
Elixir MD Treatment Programs for Rhinoplasty
Elixir Detox
This pre-operative therapy uses blue light to reduce the number of bacteria, oils, and toxins on the skin, reducing surgical complications such as infection.
Elixir Cellular Repair
Post-rhinoplasty, Cellular Repair uses yellow light to improve circulation, reducing bruising and swelling, accelerating healing, and shortening recovery.
Elixir NeoXcell
The NeoXcell™ treatment program combines the benefits of Elixir Cellular and Thermal to boost healing and balance melanin production for a more even skin tone.
Elixir RoXium
RoXium™ uses yellow and blue light to reduce swelling/bruising, prevent skin oxidation, decrease sebum, minimize pores, and clear the complexion.
How Much Does a Lip Lift Cost?
Due to Dr. Ho’s personalized approach to treatment, the cost of your lip lift surgery will depend on a few factors. The overall price will include the anesthetic and surgical fees and any additional procedures performed in combination with your lip lift. The average range for a li lift starts at $6,000-$8,500 including facility and anesthesia fees.
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As Seen In
Dr. Tina Ho in the Press
Dr. Tina Ho has been featured in leading media publications that highlight her expertise in facial plastic surgery.
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