Lip lifts are one of our most popular procedures at Purity Bridge. As we get older, not only do the pink part of our lips thin, but the distance between our nose and lips also elongates. The combined effect is very ageing, and a lip lift simultaneously addresses both problems, leaving a natural, rejuvenated appearance, with a very subtle scar. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic in the clinic, as a "walk-in, walk-out" procedure. As well as elevation of the lip, it also results in an upper lip that has a fuller rejuvenated appearance. This popular procedure is referred to as a Cupid's Bow Lip Lift frequently.
A cupid's bow lip lift at Purity Bridge involves a local anaesthetic injection to freeze the upper lip, much like that performed at the dentist. A planned special pattern of skin and underlying tissue is removed from the nasal sill and careful stitched up again to elevate the lip. The skin pattern is often described as a bull horn pattern, and some people refer to this as an Italian lip lift.
A surgical lip lift can really enhance and rejuvenate the upper lip. It can be used instead of lip fillers in certain cases, or in addition to lip fillers. There is a speedy recovery, and stitches are removed around a week later. The links below are to diaries written by two of our lip lift patients that we hope you will find helpful to gain an insight into what it is like to undergo a lip lift.
Anaesthetic
Local
Procedure Length
1 hour
Facility Stay
Day Case
Cost
From £5,500
Downtime
Light exercise can resume after 4-6 weeks
Available in-house at Purity Bridge
Yes
Anaesthetic
Local
Procedure Length
1 hour
Facility Stay
Day Case
Cost
From £5,500
Downtime
Light exercise can resume after 4-6 weeks
Available in-house at Purity Bridge
Yes
A lip lift is usually performed as a day-case procedure and typically takes around one hour.
The surgery involves removing a small strip of skin beneath the nose to shorten the distance between the nose and upper lip, helping to create a more youthful lip shape.
Most patients experience swelling, tightness and mild discomfort for the first week or two following surgery.
While initial healing occurs relatively quickly, the scar continues to mature and improve over several months.
It is important to keep the area clean and follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions carefully. You should avoid strenuous activity and excessive stretching of the upper lip during the early stages of healing.
Attending follow-up appointments is also important to monitor your recovery.
Potential risks include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, asymmetry and visible scarring.
At Purity Bridge, every effort is made to minimise these risks through careful surgical planning and meticulous technique.
A lip lift may be suitable if you feel the upper lip appears thin or elongated, particularly as part of the ageing process.
The procedure can improve lip show and definition without increasing volume, making it different from dermal filler treatment.
The scar is usually placed discreetly within the natural crease beneath the nose. During the early healing phase it may be noticeable, but it typically fades significantly over time.
Your surgeon will discuss scar care and healing expectations during your consultation.
Unlike fillers, a lip lift provides a permanent structural change to the upper lip.
Although the ageing process continues, patients generally enjoy long-lasting improvement in lip shape and balance.
Yes. Some patients choose to combine a lip lift with fillers to improve both lip position and volume.
Your surgeon can advise whether a combined approach would help achieve your desired outcome.
