Central Lip Lift is one of the most popular outpatient cosmetic procedures performed to rejuvenate and shape the upper lip. The main focus of this surgery is to reduce the gap between the nose and the lip (philtrum). Here are the detailed details of this procedure:

1. Surgical Mechanism

In this procedure, the surgeon makes a “bullhorn”-shaped incision just below the bridge of the nose (where the nose connects to the face). Then:
• A certain amount of excess skin is removed from this area.
• The underlying muscles and tissues are pulled up.
• The edges of the skin are joined together with fine stitches.

2. Goals and Results

This surgery creates three major changes:
• Reduction of the philtrum distance: As the lip rises, the distance between the nose and mouth, which has become too large due to genetics or aging, is normalized.
• Increased tooth exposure: When speaking or smiling, the front teeth (rabbit teeth) are more visible, which is a sign of youth.
• Lip volume: The red part of the lip (vermillion) turns outward, making the lips appear fuller without the need for gel.

3. Differences with gel injections

Many people confuse the two, but they have structural differences:
• Lip gel: only adds volume to the lips but does not reduce the distance from the nose to the lips (sometimes it even makes the lips heavier and droopier).
• Central lift: raises the structure of the lips and creates a permanent change.

4. Recovery and Aftercare

This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and takes about 45 to 60 minutes.
• Suture removal: Usually 5 to 7 days after surgery.
• Swelling: Peaks in the first 3 days and subsides after a week.
• Scar: Because the incision is made right in the shadow line under the nose, it is almost unnoticeable after complete healing (about 3 to 6 months).

5. Ideal Candidates

• People whose lip-to-nose distance is more than 1.5 cm.
• People whose teeth are hidden behind the upper lip when smiling.
• People who are looking for a permanent result and do not want to constantly inject gel.

Important note about possible complications

As with any surgery, there is a risk of scarring or asymmetry. Choosing a skilled surgeon who specializes in the fineness of stitches is crucial in this procedure, as the surgical site is the center of attention on the face.