Which is the Best Option For You? Lip Filler or Lip Lift?

Do you want to plump up your lips?

Or are you frustrated by fine wrinkles around your mouth?

If yes, here are a few options to help you get the lips of your dreams. Lip filler and lip lifts are the two most popular options. But what makes these two different? And which procedure is correct for you?

Lip Filler

Lip filler, also known as lip augmentation, is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures today. Lip filler is a simple non-surgical procedure that adds volume and fullness to both the upper and lower lips. The lip filler has been proven safe and contains hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body.

However, not all lip filler procedures are created equal. Dr. Dhavla Patel is specialized in lip augmentation surgery in Chicago and helps patients achieve their aesthetic goals. If you want to add more volume to your lips but are concerned about the results looking overdone or obvious, our experienced cosmetic surgeons understand and use their trained eyes to deliver stunning results.

Lip Lift

Lip lift surgery is a cosmetic procedure that reduces the space between the nose and the upper lip. This is accomplished by making incisions, most commonly under the nose, where any scarring can be hidden. Lip lift surgery is a specialty of Dr. Dhaval Patel, our expert facial surgery specialist in Chicago. His gentle technique leads to a quick recovery with little bruising and no pain. His goal is to achieve greater symmetry while lifting the lip to reveal more of the pink area. This gives the appearance of a fuller pout while also addressing excess tissue between the upper lip and nose.

Lip lifts significantly improve facial harmony in patients with significant space between the lip and the nose. Lip filler without this procedure can accentuate the space and produce an unnatural result. A lip lift is a brief surgical procedure that can be performed under general or local anesthesia, depending on the patient's needs.

What makes the difference between these two?

Lip filler:

There is no need for anesthesia, surgery, or downtime with hyaluronic acid-based lip fillers like Restylane Kysse. The product is simply injected into thinning lips to add volume, resulting in a softer, plumper, and fuller pout. Fillers can also improve lip texture by smoothing fine lines and wrinkles that make the lips appear older.

Lip augmentation results are now more natural and elegant than ever before, thanks to advancements in facial plastic surgery. Dr. Dhaval Patel can recommend the best lip augmentation technique for you to achieve the fuller, more sensual look you desire. Contact CI Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation with our double-board-certified plastic surgeons in Chicago IL.

Lip lift:

Lip lifts, as opposed to lip fillers, are a minor surgical procedure designed to make the upper lip appear more youthful. This entails lifting the upper lip slightly to expand the colored area, thereby correcting a thinning or flat cupid's bow. Dr. Dhaval Patel, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, typically employs the "bullhorn" technique, which involves removing a small strip of skin (shaped like a bullhorn) from the base of the nose. The incision's edges are then brought together, enhancing the upper lip's contours and making it more visible. While this can enhance one's pout, no actual volume is added to the lips. Because lip lift surgery is performed, the results can often last a lifetime.

What is the recovery time for both procedures?

The recovery times for the two procedures will differ slightly. After a lip lift, sutures are hidden within the skin crease at the base of the nose and removed one week later. These are kept clean and moist with ointment to prevent scab formation. Swelling and bruising are generally minor. The incision may appear tight and slightly pink for several weeks to months, but this will all improve with time. During the healing process, the scar can be easily concealed with concealer. A dermal graft just adds some swelling to your expected recovery time.

Depending on the person with lip fillers, you can expect some swelling and possibly some bruising. Swelling usually occurs the day after the injection and subsides within 1-2 weeks. Most newer fillers last between one and two years, but most patients require a touch-up about a year after their initial injection.

What procedure is best for you?

Dr. Dhaval Patel can advise you about whether lip plastic surgery in Chicago would benefit your facial goals. A lip lift may be the right solution for you- if you have a large section of tissue between your upper lip and nose.

Lip filler, on the other hand, can be an easy and convenient first step if you're just looking to refresh the look of your lips. Lips can shrink with age, and wrinkles can form around the edges of the lips. Lip filler can add volume and fullness to the lips, giving them a more youthful appearance and a natural-looking pout while minimizing wrinkles. Because lip filler is gradually absorbed by the body, it is critical to understand that it must be reapplied every year or so to keep the appearance. It's also worth noting that a lip lift and lip filler are not mutually exclusive options. Many patients who choose a permanent lip lift opt to enhance their appearance with lip filler, which can add volume to their lips.

Lip fillers and lip lifts are quick procedures that can dramatically improve the appearance of your lips. Contact CI Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a more youthful and glamorous appearance.