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Patient displayed underwent a Lip Lift with Dr. James Pearson. Split photo demonstrates relative elongation of the upper cutaneous lip which is improved following a Lip Lift.


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Overview - Corner Lip Lift

GOALS	To enhance the balance, proportion and/or shape of the lips. To enhance 'red lip show' at the sides of the lips. To minimize the appearance of the 'downturned mouth'.
PROCEDURE	Corner Lip Lift
ANESTHESIA	Local anesthesia. Sedation is optional, and not needed for most patients.
LENGTH	Under 1 hour
AFTER PROCEDURE	Resume most activities immediately. Sutures removed in 7 days.
RECOVERY	Swelling much improved by 3-5 days. Return to work in 1 week.

Above Left: Photos demonstrate a patient who underwent a lateral or corner lip lift with Dr. Pearson.
Above Right: Photos demonstrate a patient who underwent both sub-nasal and lateral or corner lip lift with Dr. Pearson.

Above Left and Right: Photos demonstrate patients who underwent a lateral or corner lip lifts with Dr. Pearson.

Above Left and Right: Photos demonstrate patients who underwent both sub-nasal and lateral or corner lip lifts with Dr. Pearson.

Corner Lip Lift Before and After photos.
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Corner Lip Lift

Also known as "Outer Lip Lift" or "Lateral Lip Lift" or "Lateral Vermilion Advancement"

The Lip Lift is one of Dr. Pearson's signature surgical procedures. Dr. Pearson is sought after for his ability to achieve substantial lip enhancement while preserving a natural, un-operated appearance, along with inconspicuous surgical scars, and for his many satisfied Lip Lift patients.

Introduction
The Subnasal Lip Lift involves lifting or shortening the upper lip to restore balance between the upper and lower lips.

The Corner Lip Lift may be performed at the same time as a Subnasal Lip Lift or independently, depending on the concerns and needs of the patient. The Corner Lip Lift allows for increased 'red lip' show near the corners of the upper lip. The procedure is performed by surgically removing skin just above the lateral vermilion border (red lip border) of the upper lip. The surgical incision is concealed within the transition between the vermilion border and the lip skin.

Corner Lip Lift Illustration

Above Illustration. Click illustration for higher-resolution image.
1: Pre operative appearance of upper lip. Note apparent lateral red lip 'inversion' and diminished lateral red lip (vermilion) show.
2: Red arrows depict area of concern and surgical target.
3. Red line depicts intended area of new vermilion border. Blue arrows depict area of anticipated lip lift.
4: Post operative appearance. Note improved lateral vermilion show and inconspicuous surgical scar.

Background
The lips are unique facial features, which receive special attention. During social engagement, our eyes are drawn disproportionately to one's lips in a similar manner as they are to one's eyes. Lips figure prominently in speech and communication and often receive makeup to accentuate their appearance.

Various methods of lip enhancement are available including minimally invasive as well as surgical techniques. Both temporary and permanent options are available. Temporary options are a good way for patients to experiment with changes to the lip and 'try on' their new appearance. Many procedures may be performed in the office.

A natural appearance to the lips is integral to a favorable result. Size, shape, symmetry, proportion and balance must all be factored in to the doctor's plan and approach. Simply 'plumping' the lips is not sufficient to acheive the results desired by most women.

Evaluation and treatment by a facial specialist like Dr. Pearson can maximize your chances for a superior result. Dr. Pearson's lip enhancement patients appreciate his gentle touch, painless technique, artistic sensibility and eye for detail.

The Aging Process
Pearson Lip Enhancement Diagram During the normal aging process, the lips change in size and shape. The red portion of the lip (vermilion) decreases in height and the skin-covered portion of the upper lip (cutaneous lip) elongates. Volume is lost from the red lip as well as from portions of the cutaneous lip responsible for lip contour including the white-red border of the lip (the "white roll") and the portion of the cutaneous lip below the nose which comprises the so-called "Cupid's bow" and adjacent "philtral columns". In addition, the lateral portion of the upper red lip may decrease in height which minimizes 'red lip show' near the lip corners. In some cases, the lateral red lip appears to 'turn in' which may contribute to the appearance of downturned corners of the mouth. The cutanaous (skin-bearing) portions of the upper and lower lips also develop vertical lines from both age-related skin changes and the repeated action of the underlying muscles over many years. Together, these changes impart a less youthful appearance to the lip and mouth.

Candidates for Lip Lift Procedure
You may be a candidate for lip enhancement if the changes in size or shape of your lips contribute to an unsatisfactory appearance of the lips or if you are interested in lip enhancement.

In particular, you may be a candidate for the Corner Lip Lift procedure if you have concerns about the loss of red lip show near the upper lip corners or the appearance of downturned corners of the mouth.

Surgical Scar
The surgical scar is designed to coincide with the 'vermilion border' which is the natural interface between the red lip (vermilion) and skin. Since our mind's eye anticipates a transition in color, a scar is less noticeable. Surgical scars are not invisible. However, when designed carefully, performed meticulously, and cared-for properly, scars are typically inconspicous to onlookers following healing and scar maturation. Patients with a concern about their lateral lip appearance feel that an inconspicuous surgical scar in this area is a reasonable trade-off for their desired improvement in the appearance of lateral red lip show.

Recovery after Lip Lift
For surgical procedures, mild soreness, and temporary swelling and bruising improve over a couple of days. Most people choose to wait until any sutures are removed (5-7 days) prior to returning to work.

Complementary Procedures
Resurfacing of the skin surrounding the mouth can help to improve the vertical lines which appear on the white portion of the upper and lower lips.

Possible Non-surgical Alternative Treatments
Volumizing fillers may be used to rejuvenate the lips by restoring volume or enhancing lip shape and contour.


>FEATURED VIDEO Lip Lift Before & After

How often does Dr. Pearson perform the corner lip lift procedure? How many Lip Lifts has Dr. Pearson performed ?

Dr. Pearson performs the lip lift surgery frequently, as reflected in the many before and after photos in our gallery and online patient reviews for this service. The lip lift is one of Dr. Pearson’s specialty procedures. He has performed many.

Where is the incision site placed?

The Subnasal incision site is designed to be concealed just underneath the nose in the natural skin crease between the lower nose and the upper lip.

For a Corner Lip Lift, the incision is placed at the interface between the lateral vermilion border (that is where the 'red' lip meets the 'cutaneous' upper lip (skin).

How far towards the midline does the incision extend ?

This is a very individualized surgical decision, and varies from patient to patient. The length of the incision depends on how much of the lateral upper lift is intended to be affected by the procedure.

How much skin is removed during the lip lift?

This is a very individualized surgical decision, and varies from patient to patient. The amount of skin removed depends upon Dr. Pearson's evaluation, the patient's goals and the laxity of the skin.

Is the lip muscle cut during this procedure? How is the lip muscle treated?

With Dr. Pearson's technique, the underlying lip muscle is generally not incised in most cases.

That is because most people are able to achieve their aesthetic lip goals without the need for the surgeon to cut into the lip muscle. The fascial tissues overlying the muscle are tightened, which imparts lift longevity while minimizing those potential risks and prolonged healing involved with muscle-cutting techniques.

Are there risks involved with Lip Lift surgery?

Yes. During your consultation, Dr. Pearson will discuss with you the potential risks of surgery. Precautions are taken to minimize risks. Most patients do not experience complications. As a Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Pearson's surgical practice is limited to the Face and Neck. We believe that our high level of sub-specialization and practice focus enables us to minimize risks associated with Facial Plastic Surgery.

Associated potential risks involved with facial plastic surgical procedures include but are not limited to infection, bleeding, hematoma, neurovascular injury, scarring, asymmetry, hair loss, unfavourable cosmetic result. Prior to any surgical procedure, Dr. Pearson will personally discuss with you any specific or additional risks that may apply in your particular case.

Is the procedure permanent?

The Lip Lift does not become 'undone'. The excised lip skin does not grow back. However, with continued aging, one may expect additional and progressive upper lip elongation to develop with aging.

Can an onlooker tell that I had a Lip Lift?

Any surgical scar is not invisible. However, when carefully designed, meticulously performed and appropriately cared for, scars are typically imperceptible to onlookers and may be further disguised with makeup.

Is the procedure painful?

Patients report that they feel no pain or discomfort during the procedure. On the evening of the procedure, many patients use pain medications to control the soreness and help them to rest. Most patients discontinue use of prescription pain medications within 2-3 days.

Can I drive myself home from the procedure?

Yes. Since only local anesthesia (numbing medication) is typically used, you may resume normal activities immediately following the procedure.

Is there swelling and/or bruising following the procedure?

For most women, bruising is minimal. Swelling of the lips is expected. Lips appear most swollen on the day after the procedure. By 1 week, most (but not all) of the swelling has dissipated.

Will the Lip Lift impart the appearance of 'duck lips'?

This is a common concern. At our practice, we have not had that occur. If the correct amount of lifting is performed, the Lip Lift procedure does not impart the forward-projecting lip appearance referred to as 'duck lips.'

How do I care for my lips during the healing period?

Patients are provided with detailed instructions at the time of the procedure.

How long before I can return to work?

Most women choose to return to work by about 7-10 days, when most of the swelling has subsided.

When can I resume full activity including exercise?

In most cases, patients may resume full activity by 2-3 weeks following the procedure.

Why would anyone consider this procedure if they can achieve the results they want using injectable treatments?

Most patients who consider this procedure are not satisfied with the results achieved using fillers. Interested patients seek a more balanced lip appearance or a shortened upper lip, and not simply increased fullness of the lips.