Lip Aaesthetics
Why are lip aesthetics essential? The lips are a soft and movable tactile sensory organ that play a significant role when we eat and speak. This can also be an erogenous zone when used in kissing and other acts of intimacy.
Our lips change over the years due to tissue atrophy and dehydration. Bone growth and the development of dental structures, highly corrective orthodontia or repeated labial herpes infections are factors that can also alter the lip’s physiognomy. The usual lip aesthetic problems encountered mostly by women are having lips that lack volume or are too thin, have little or no definition, or wrinkles or “smoker’s lines”. Throughout time, we have enhanced our lips in many ways for reasons such as cultural beliefs, beauty and aesthetics, and even social status. So, being one of the key aesthetic parts of the face, you want to make sure you see an EXCELLENT practitioner if you’re aiming to enhance your lips.
Dr Lisa Friederich, a female plastic surgeon and fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, has an innate appreciation and understanding of aesthetics which is invaluable in her planning and practice in plastic surgery. Dr Friederich tells us that for her plastic surgery is an art, and it was this artistic drive that attracted her to plastic surgery. And as a woman, Dr Friederich offers her valuable insight into surgical options for both men and women, especially when it comes to lip aesthetics. From the various procedures Dr Friederich has worked on, the Lip Lift is one of the more popular even for famous people like Hollywood stars. As we age, the upper lip between the base of the nose to the upper lip border lengthens due to gravity, and having a long upper lip can make you look older than you are. Hence, the Lip Lift modifies the cosmetic appearance of the lips by reshaping them to increase the prominence of the vermilion border as well as enhance the facial area above the lips into a more aesthetically pleasing shape.
A Lip Lift is a permanent procedure usually performed under general anaesthesia as a day surgery. It can also be performed as a standalone procedure under local anaesthetic and oral sedation which takes about one and a half hours.
If you are wondering if there is an ideal age for lip lift surgery, this procedure is suitable at any age so long as you are born with ‘long’ lips. Usually, a Lip Lift is requested by people in their 40’s onwards, since they develop lengthening of the upper lip with age.
What about scarring?
Dr Friederich does this procedure using the latest innovations in Lip Lift surgery – the incisions are hidden in the creases at the base of the nose and inside the nostrils and become very difficult to see over time. There are no bandages or dressings applied to the lips although it will be suggested that you avoid excessive mouth movement such as vigorous chewing, talking and smiling. A soft non-chew diet such as protein smoothies, soups and purees might also be recommended. It’s an individual thing, but there may be slight bruising and swelling and pain is very minimal.
You will look fresh and youthful and be back at work after a week or so.
Stay tuned for our next article on Lip Aesthetics with Dr Lisa Friederich, the non-surgical approach.
If you’d like to arrange a consult with Dr Lisa Friederich you can call her at the Silkwood Clinic on (02) 9387 3900 or if you’d like to read more about her first check out the blogs below:
Dr Lisa Friederich talks gender transition
Everything you need to know about labiaplasty with Dr Lisa Friederich
All about Labiaplasty with Dr Lisa Friederich Female Plastic Surgeon
Further Reading Related to Lip Aesthetics
- What Makes Attractive Lips? – Dr Guy Watts Perth plastic Surgeon
- Facial Rejuvenation – Dr Carmen Munteanu Specialist
- Lip Lift Sydney – Dr Bish Soliman
- Upper Lip Lift Surgery NSW – by Dr Micheal Kernohan
- Facial Plastic Surgery Procedure by Dr Jake Lim
- Facelift Surgery by Anthony MacQuillan Plastic Surgeon