Lip Lifts in Honolulu
Deep plane lip lifts are an increasingly popular cosmetic surgical procedure that can enhance the beauty and youthful appearance of your lips. If you’ve tried lip filler injections and aren’t seeing the results you desire, you may be an excellent candidate for a surgical lip lift.
Surgical lip lifting addresses the underlying tissue, shortening the distance from the bottom of your nose to the upper lip. It creates a beautiful contour that harmonizes with your facial features, giving the lip a fuller and more youthful appearance.
- Natural-looking results
- Longer-lasting than fillers
- Reverses the effects of aging
Regardless of whether you were born with a thin upper lip, downward-turning mouth, or have noticed the effects of aging, Susan Tan, MD, the founder of Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery, can help. She is a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon and is highly regarded for providing the best lip lifts Honolulu offers.
How Does Lip Lifting Work?
Lip lifts are a plastic surgery procedure to improve the shape, position, and fullness of the lips. The surgeon removes skin from under the nose to enhance the upper lip’s visibility, revealing more of the “red lip” portion. It also reshapes the upper lip for a more balanced and symmetrical appearance.
Dr. Tan Offers Two Surgical Options, Based on Your Needs
Both lip lifting techniques produce natural-looking, long-lasting results. They improve not only the appearance of your lips but also the whole face.
Modified Upper Lip Lift
An incision is strategically placed to minimize scarring while lifting and reshaping the upper lip .
Corner Lip Lift
This method focuses on elevating the corners of the mouth, addressing downward turning lips that can create a sad or tired appearance.
Lip Lift vs. Lip Filler: What’s the Difference?
If you’d like to improve the appearance of your lips and are considering your options, it’s helpful to learn more about the differences between deep plane lip lifting and lip enhancement using dermal fillers.
Lip Lift
A lip lift surgically alters the lips and surrounding tissues to enhance their shape and fullness. The results are long-lasting, addressing issues such as an elongated upper lip, asymmetry, and lack of visibility of the ‘red lip’ area. Recovery takes about one week, after which you will enjoy your new look for many years to come.
Are a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that uses products like hyaluronic acid (dermal fillers) to plump the lips. Fillers are less invasive and can be done in a short appointment, but the results are temporary. Injectable fillers provide immediate fullness at a lower cost, but have limitations in reshaping ability. They may also give patients with aging lips a heavy, unnatural appearance.
In contrast, a lip lift addresses the structural aspect of the lips, reversing the effects of aging more naturally and providing long-lasting results.
The Lip Lifting Procedure: What to Expect
Your lip-lifting journey begins with an initial consultation. During this appointment, you’ll discuss your goals, medical history, and any concerns with Dr. Tan. She will perform a thorough examination to assess your lips and facial proportions, which will help determine the best approach for your needs.
The deep plane lip lift is a minimally invasive outpatient surgical procedure. It is performed under local anesthesia, and the entire process typically takes about an hour.
Anesthesia
You’ll receive local anesthesia to ensure you feel comfortable throughout the procedure.
Incision
Dr. Tan makes a precise incision just under your nose and removes a small strip of skin to lift the upper lip.
Reshaping and Lifting
The underlying tissues are repositioned to achieve the desired lip contour.
Closure
The incision is closed with sutures, which are usually removable after one week.
Recovery from lip lift surgery is not difficult, but it is essential to follow post-operative instructions carefully to ensure optimal healing. Following instructions closely will improve your recovery experience and overall results.
It’s common to experience swelling, minor bruising, and tightness around the mouth. All are standard parts of the healing process. You’re advised to schedule at least one week off from work until your sutures are removed.
Most healing occurs within the first two weeks, but minor swelling might continue for a few months. Dr. Tan and our medical team will provide after-care instructions to promote proper healing and reduce the appearance of scars.
Ready to Look Better?
Natural-Looking
A well-executed lip lift results in a youthful look that seamlessly integrates with your facial features.
Long-Lasting
Unlike fillers, a lip lift offers a more permanent improvement to lip shape and fullness.
Improved Confidence
Many people report increased self-esteem and satisfaction with their appearance
Honolulu Lip Lift Surgeon
A deep plane lip lift provides an effective and long-lasting solution for achieving a more attractive lip appearance and enhancing overall facial contours. With a relatively quick recovery time, it’s an excellent option for anyone looking to restore youthfulness and balance to their smile.
If you’re in or near Honolulu and considering lip lift surgery, we encourage you to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Tan to learn more about your options. As with any cosmetic plastic surgery procedure, it’s important to have realistic expectations and understand the results you can expect.
Ideal candidates are generally in good health, nonsmokers, and have goals that align with the procedure’s outcomes. As with any surgical procedure, potential risks are involved, and discussing them with Dr. Tan will help you make an informed decision about the procedure.
If you’re ready to explore the possibility of a deep plane lip lift to enhance your natural beauty, please call or contact our office online today to schedule an initial consultation and learn more about how this procedure can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Frequently Asked Questions | Lip Lift Surgery
Q. 1. How long do the results of a lip lift last?
The results of a lip lift are permanent, allowing you to enjoy an improved lip appearance for many years. However, the natural aging process will continue, and you may require additional treatments in the future.
Q. 2. What is the recovery time like for a lip lift?
Most patients schedule at least one week off work for recovery. Initial swelling and bruising are normal and typically subside within two weeks, with the final results becoming more evident over several months.
Q. 3. Can I combine a lip lift with other procedures?
Yes, many patients opt to combine a lip lift with other cosmetic procedures such as facelifts or rhinoplasty for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Discuss desired outcomes with your surgeon.
Q. 4. Will I notice scars after the procedure?
The incision made during a lip lift is typically well-hidden just under the nose, leading to minimal scarring. Following your surgeon’s after-care instructions can also help reduce the visibility of scars.
Q. 5. How do I know if I am a good candidate for a lip lift?
Ideal candidates are those who desire enhanced lip fullness and youthfulness, are in good health, and have realistic expectations. A consultation with an experienced surgeon will be essential to determine your candidacy.



