Lip Lift Vs. Lip Fillers
Lip lifts and lip fillers are both great ways to get full, kissable lips. Our MBT Facial Plastic & Restorative Surgery team has experience with both treatments. A lip lift offers a permanent but subtle lift. Lip fillers give you flexible, customizable volume. Our surgeon, Dr. Michael, is double board certified in ENT/head and neck surgery and facial Plastic and reconstructive surgery. In our New York practice, you’ll get double the experience and double the results.
What Is a Lip Lift?
A lip lift refers to a procedure that lifts your upper lip. Our goal is to reveal more of your teeth and give your lips a rounder, more ample look. A lip lift draws your lip upward so people can see a younger, more vibrant you.
How the Procedure Works
During a lip lift, Dr. Michael removes a small length of skin just below your nose. It elevates your upper lip and restores its natural shape. How long does it take? A little over an hour. Most patients recover within a week, with sutures out in five days.
Benefits of a Lip Lift
Have you noticed that your lips have become flat or stretched? Dr. Michael might recommend a lift for you. A lip lift gives you lasting results without the need for frequent maintenance. It’s great for anyone looking to restore the shape of their lips.
Recovery and Long-Term Results
After surgery, patients experience some swelling for about 7-10 days. Don’t worry about the incision. It’s hidden beneath your nose and fades away quickly. Some patients may choose additional filler tweaks later. However, most find that their results need minimal future adjustments.
What Are Lip Fillers?
Lip fillers are non-surgical injections from MBT Facial Plastic & Restorative Surgery that add volume to your lips. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are commonly used to enhance lip shape and even out fine lines.
How the Procedure Works
In our New York office, Dr. Michael injects filler into your lips during a lip filler treatment to increase volume or define the lip’s edges. The procedure is quick, usually done within 30 minutes, and requires little to no downtime. Results usually last between 6 to 12 months, give or take.
Benefits of Lip Fillers
Lip fillers work well for patients in New York who want more control over how full their lips appear. Since the results are temporary, fillers allow for adjustments over time. Dr. Michael will give you natural-looking, balanced results without overfilling.
Recovery and Maintenance
The recovery from lip fillers is easy. Most patients experience mild swelling or bruising for just a few days. After this, the lips take on a more natural appearance. Maintenance involves touch-ups every 6 to 12 months.
Comparing Lip Lift and Lip Fillers
Both lip lifts and lip fillers are popular options for getting whole, younger-looking lips. A lip lift offers an enduring, structural change. Fillers provide temporary, customizable volume. The best choice depends on your intentions, life choices, and what kind of look you’re after.
Longevity
One of the biggest differences between these two procedures is how long the results last. A lip lift gives you long-term enhancement without the need for ongoing maintenance. On the other hand, lip fillers typically last between 6 and 12 months. You’ll need regular touch-ups to maintain the desired look. Fillers are more suitable for those who want flexibility or prefer trying different looks over time.
Procedure
The methods Dr. Michael uses for each treatment vary significantly. A lip lift is a surgical procedure done under local anesthesia. It involves a tiny incision under your nose to raise and reform your top lip. Fillers don’t need surgery. They’re injections, which many MBT Facial Plastic & Restorative Surgery patients find much simpler.
Results
A lip lift augments your upper lip by lifting it higher to give it more definition. They’re ideal for you if you’ve noticed that your lips don’t quite “pop” like they used to. Some of our New York patients naturally have longer lips and lip lifts work well for them, too. Lip fillers add volume to the tissue of your lips. If you’d like your lips to be sculpted with a little more of a luscious vibe, lip fillers could be for you.
Recovery and Downtime
The recovery from a lip lift typically lasts 7-10 days. Some of Dr. Michael’s patients experience some swelling and need to take time off work. Fillers, by contrast, come with very little downtime—most patients are back to their normal routine within a day or two. They report a little swelling and bruising. But don’t worry, it goes away fast.
Cost and Maintenance
A lip lift may be more expensive upfront due to its surgical nature. Fillers are more affordable per treatment but must be maintained regularly, which can add up over time. For patients looking for a one-time solution, a lip lift might be more cost-effective in the long run. Fillers offer a lower initial cost with the option to adjust your results over time.
Dr. Michael’s Approach
Dr. Michael’s philosophy centers on delivering natural, balanced results that bolster your individual features. He takes the time to understand your goals and discusses the safest, most effective options tailored to your needs. Whether you’re considering a lip lift or fillers, Dr. Michael’s extensive experience ensures you receive expert advice and precision treatment. His focus on facial plastic surgery lets him refine even the smallest details, ensuring you leave with a subtle and beautiful look without ever feeling overdone.
To learn more about lip fillers and lip lifts from Dr. Michael, schedule an appointment with MBT Facial Plastic & Restorative Surgery in our New York office.
