Dr. Paul D.  Durand, of Careaga Plastic Surgery, is a Cleveland Clinic-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in procedures of the face and body. He has gained extensive recognition in both plastic and reconstructive surgery and has presented and published on numerous topics, including invitations to lecture and perform live surgical demonstrations in Latin America and Asia. Haute beauty chats with Dr.  Durand about the benefits of getting a lip lift and who are the best candidates for this type of procedure.

HB: How does a lip lift work?

The procedure takes less than an hour and can be done under either local or general anesthesia. The area of skin to be excised is precisely marked in the crease where your nose meets your upper lip. After the skin is removed, careful closure is performed in multiple layers to ensure excellent healing.

HB: Who is a good candidate?

Patient selection is key when performing this procedure. Best candidates are those with an increased distance between the nose and upper lip or those in which the upper lip folds inward.

HB: Do you prefer a lip lift to other methods?

As we age, the distance between the base of your nose and upper lip increases. In addition, the upper lip inverts (folds inward). A common mistake in treating this is to continue filling the lips with hyaluronic acid (filler) injections, which just makes matters worse.

HB: What does recovery look like?

There is no pain or dressings after this procedure. The patient just has to apply antibiotic ointment to the incision line a few times a day and avoid sun exposure. Stitches are all removed after 7 days.