Anatomy and ideal proportion:
The distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip should be approximately half the distance between the lower lip and the chin. Over time or constitutionally in some people, this upper distance is lengthened, resulting in abnormal coverage of the upper teeth and an inversion of the upper lip (i.e., it moves inward toward the mouth), which consequently appears diminished in height and volume.
The surgical facelift restores the ideal proportions and thus the height of the upper lip, which should correspond to a ratio of 1/1.6 (golden ratio) of the height of the lower lip. This upper lip lift causes its eversion, so it appears plumped up and will no longer cover the teeth in an exaggerated way when resting and smiling.
Technique :
First, a local anesthetic is applied, which puts the entire upper lip to sleep. The scar, in the shape of horns, is hidden in the natural shadows at the base of the nose. Excision of the excess skin and closure with stitches.
Results:
Time frame for final results:
2 weeks to see a significant result, 2 to 5 months to see the final result (discreetly pink scar for 1 to 2 months but concealable with makeup)
Longevity of results :
5 to 10 years
Before surgery:
Smoking must be stopped 1 month before the operation (risk of skin necrosis is important if you are an active smoker)
Do not take Aspirin 10 days before the operation, inform Dr. Lucas of any anticoagulant medication (Sintrom, Coumadin, Eliquis, etc.) in order to arrange for its discontinuation or replacement.
Take Arnica capsules 5 capsules 5 times a day for 5 days before surgery to prevent hematoma.
Intervention :
Pain: the pain during the intervention will be almost non-existent, with an adapted anesthesia
Duration of the operation: 45 minutes
Anesthesia: local
Location: operating room
Outpatient
After surgery:
Post-operative pain: 1/10 often responding to Dafalgan
Social eviction :
7 days with swelling and hematoma
Return to work: 8 days
Return to sport: 10 days
Instructions:
Bed rest without major effort (which can cause the opening of small vessels during effort and lead to a hematoma) for 48 hours
Ice for 1 week, as often as possible, to reduce swelling
Arnica capsules 5 times a day for 5 days after surgery to prevent hematoma
Permanent cessation of smoking to prolong the effect of the surgery and minimize complications
Check-up by Dr Lucas on D1, D7, 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year.
Sun protection with an index higher than 50 during the 6 months following the surgery.
Follow-up of the scar by Dr. Lucas for 1 year after surgery is essential.
Complications
– Hematoma, infection
– Pain or even localized skin necrosis, responsible for a delay in healing (the risk is increased by smoking).
– Nerve damage
Abnormal, hypertrophic or even keloid scars, of unpredictable appearance and evolution, can compromise the aesthetic aspect of the result and require specific local treatments, regular follow-up is essential.
Combinations and alternatives
The lip lift can be combined with the perioral CO2 laser to correct the skin texture or with a lip filling with hyaluronic acid or fat.
