Upper Lip Lift Surgery in Washington, DC

As we age, subtle changes in our appearance—such as a longer upper lip, thinning lips, or an aged mouth area—can affect how we feel about ourselves. If you're seeking a refined, lasting solution, an upper lip lift may be ideal to restore a youthful, balanced look. At Somenek+PittmanMD: Advanced Plastic Surgery, Dr. Michael Somenek, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, brings unmatched expertise and artistry to every procedure. 

With his extensive training in Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Somenek delivers natural, personalized results tailored to each patient's unique goals. Conveniently located in Washington, D.C., our practice offers world-class care to enhance your confidence and beauty.

before Upper Lip Lift Washington DC
after Upper Lip Lift Washington DC

What is an Upper Lift Lift?

An upper lip lift is an advanced technique performed at our practice by Dr. Michael Somenek. This surgical procedure corrects and reshapes the appearance of the upper lip to enhance the vermilion border and overall volume of the lip. It effectively shortens the space between the top of the lips and the bottom of the nose.

The goals of this procedure are to:

  • Give the lips a more proportionate smile
  • Improve the shape and length of the lips
  • Improve the symmetry and overall balance of the lips
  • Reduce the signs of aging around the mouth
  • Shorten the length of the upper lip between the nose and mouth
  • Improve the corners of the mouth

What Happens To The Upper Lip As We Age?

The lip is not immune to the aging process. As we age, certain aspects of the perioral region are affected by this. Most notably, the cutaneous upper lip(the part that goes from the upper lip border to the base of the nose) elongates, which makes the actual red lip less and less visible. 

Anyone with an elongated cutaneous upper lip can benefit from this procedure, no matter their age, ethnicity, or skin type. The other change that can occur is loss of volume within the lips, which can frequently be addressed with filler.

The Upper Lip Lift Procedure

A local upper lip lift usually takes an hour to perform and is done in an outpatient setting. It is frequently performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area for maximal comfort. Dr. Somenek artistically designs the incision around the natural contours at the base of the nose so it is maximally concealed. The incision never goes further than these natural creases, and once it is healed, most consider it barely visible. Most patients find it difficult to even notice the healed incision.

During the procedure, a strip of excess skin is removed to shorten the upper lips' vertical length. Dr. Somenek addresses all layers of tissue down to the actual muscle to relieve tension and provide the best lip lift possible. He then secures the tissue layers to the nasal base, which ensures a stable, long-lasting result that doesn't alter the shape of the nose or the nostrils.

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The Difference Between a Lip Lift and Lip Filler

While lip fillers are a popular option for adding volume to the lips, they are temporary and require regular maintenance. An upper lip lift offers a permanent solution to address structural concerns, such as a long upper lip or diminished visibility of the red lip area. Unlike fillers, a lip lift enhances the overall proportion of your lips and facial features, creating a more balanced and natural appearance. 

Dr. Somenek will work with you during your consultation to explain the options and select the most appropriate approach.

Healing From An Upper Lip Lift

Healing time and surgical downtime are two different things. Patients experience swelling and potentially bruising to the upper lip during the first week. Sutures are removed along the nasal base at one week, and at that point, the incision is already healing quite nicely. At around ten days, patients can start to apply light powder or makeup to the area to conceal the pink appearance of the incision. It may take up to two weeks for most swelling to subside, although most are looking and feeling great in one week. Many return back to work and normal daily activities at this point.

It is completely normal for the upper lip to feel stiff and not back to normal yet. This is where the healing aspect comes into play. Over the course of 6-8 weeks, healing within the deeper layers will continue to occur as the scar matures and the tissues soften internally. This is no different than a cut or incision on any other body part and the natural tissues' response to healing. Dr. Somenek’s healing protocol incorporates scar gel and optional LED treatments, helping scars blend seamlessly and remain inconspicuous.

Is an Upper Lip Lift Right for You?

If rejuvenating your facial features or reducing the visible signs of aging interests you, an upper lip lift may be right for you. This procedure is ideal for individuals who want to:

  • Achieve a fuller, more youthful upper lip.
  • Shorten the distance between their nose and upper lip.
  • Eliminate the need for regular lip filler treatments.
  • Complement other facial rejuvenation procedures.

During your consultation, Dr. Somenek will carefully evaluate your goals and recommend a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your desired look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an Upper Lip Lift Be Combined With Other Procedures?

Dr. Somenek recommends the upper lip lift with many other facial rejuvenation procedures. This can be combined with a facelift, blepharoplasty, or skin resurfacing laser treatments. A rhinoplasty is the most common procedure that Dr. Somenek combines with an upper lip lift. 

When people are looking to address the cosmetic appearance of their nose, the upper lip is intimately involved in the analysis of this area. Dr. Somenek will suggest an upper lip lift to create harmony amongst these facial subunits if it is elongated and not proportionate.

Does An Upper Lip Lift Affect My Smile?

The upper lip lift that Dr. Somenek designs will give you a more balanced and relaxed smile. The goal is to provide a more proportionate smile with a natural, balanced look. It is not likely that this procedure will worsen a gummy smile.

Are There Any Risks Associated With A Washington D.C. Upper Lip Lift Procedure?

As with any procedure, there are always risks involved. Some risks to be aware of are excessive scarring, nasal distortion, asymmetries, imbalance, infection, and excision. As an experienced double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Somenek has an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy and always takes extra steps to markedly reduce the risks associated with this procedure.

What If I Already Have Filler In My Lips? Do I Need To Dissolve Them?

If you have filler in your upper lip, Dr. Somenek will recommend dissolving the filler around two weeks before your upper lip lift procedure. This is because he wants to get you to a new baseline to accurately assess how much of the upper lip needs to be lifted. Failure to dissolve the filler may cause an under-correction as the filler will continue to break down over time and cause an elongation of the upper lip.

Will I Still Need Fillers After An Upper Lip Lift?

As with any part of the face, a lifting procedure addresses skin laxity and produces a long-lasting result. However, the aging process doesn't stop, and you will slowly continue to see signs of aging on your face, including the lip region. Over time, you may notice subtle volume loss that will need to be addressed in the form of filler. Although, you should need much less filler than you would normally need if you hadn't done the upper lip lift.

Why Choose Dr. Somenek for an Upper Lip Lift in Washington, D.C.?

Choosing the right surgeon for your upper lip lift is crucial for achieving stunning, natural results. Dr. Michael Somenek, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, is renowned for his expertise, compassionate care, and dedication to patient satisfactionHe received his medical degree from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, followed by five years of postgraduate training in Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery and an intensive fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. His specialized training and deep understanding of facial anatomy enable him to deliver precise and artistic results.

Dr. Somenek is a recognized leader in his field, named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, and consistently honored by publications such as Washingtonian Magazine. As co-founder of Somenek+PittmanMD, he has built a practice prioritizing innovation, excellence, and personalized care. Patients trust Dr. Somenek to help them achieve their aesthetic goals with expertise and empathy, making him the premier choice in Washington, D.C.

Get Expert Care for Your Lip Lift in Washington, D.C.

A more confident, youthful you is within reach. At Somenek+PittmanMD: Advanced Plastic Surgery, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about upper lip lift surgery in Washington, D.C..

If you have further questions, please call us at (202) 810-7700 to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Somenek. Explore the possibilities by viewing our before and after galleries for upper lip lift procedures. Achieve the refined, natural look you've always wanted!

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