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As a destination practice offering world-class care, the Quatela Center attracts patients from around the globe. Our virtual consultations and support program take the effort out of travelling for surgery.
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Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery
973 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: (585) 244-1000
Fax: (585) 271-4786
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery
973 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: (585) 244-1000
Fax: (585) 271-4786
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Lip Lift
At the Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery, our facial plastic surgeons perform lip lift surgery in Rochester, NY, to add width to thin lips, improve the shape of the mouth, and restore a more youthful appearance. This simple procedure reduces the distance between the upper lip and the base of the nose (known as the philtrum). In addition to elevating the top lip, a lip lift can expose more of the top lip, making a naturally thin lip look fuller.
Lip Lift
Before & After Photos
Case: 1 of 8
Before & After
Case: 1 of 7
Lip Lift Case #6
This patient had been receiving injectable fillers, but she wanted to more permanently, and subtly, improve the appearance of her upper lip. This was achieved with a lip lift by Dr. Lee.
Before & After
Case: 5 of 7
Case #1435
Upper lip lift, also had rhinoplasty and Juvederm to nasolabial folds
Before & After
Case: 6 of 7
Lip Lift Case #5
This patient wanted to address lip asymmetry, as her left upper lip border was lower than the right side, and she was looking to increase the amount that her upper lip showed. Dr. Lee performed an upper lip lift to achieve symmetry and increase top lip show. Read More
Before & After
Case: 7 of 7
Lip Lift Case #4
This patient wanted to address her thin lips. Dr. Quatela performed an upper lip lift to elevate and show more of the top lip.
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Is a Lip Lift Better Than Filler?
Injectable fillers may be the appropriate choice for patients who are looking to add volume to the lips. Filler injections are nonsurgical, in-office procedures that increase the plumpness of the lips. However, for patients with naturally thin or aging lips, a surgical lip lift may be the best procedure to achieve their goals.
Ideal Lip Lift Candidates
The ideal lip lift candidate is someone who:
- Is in overall good health
- Wants a cosmetic improvement of the appearance of their lips
- Has an upper lip that has begun to sag or droop with age
- Has realistic goals and expectations about the results
The first step in deciding if you are a good candidate for a lip lift is meeting with one of our facial plastic surgeons for a private, personal consultation appointment.
Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Vito C. Quatela is a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing facial rejuvenation procedures. Dr. Quatela is a past president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and is highly respected by his peers as a recognized expert in all areas of facial plastic surgery, including rhinoplasty, facelift, and other facial procedures.
Dr. Heather Lee is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist who has trained extensively with Dr. Quatela. She specializes in both aesthetic and functional procedures and is known for her meticulous surgical results and compassionate care.
Dr. Alex Montague is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist who trained under Dr. Quatela for a facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship. He has exemplary skills in both technique and patient care and specializes in aesthetic and functional procedures.
Your Lip Lift Consultation
During your consultation, your facial plastic surgeon reviews your health history and listens to you describe your primary aesthetic concerns. Additionally, your lip and nose area will be carefully examined to assess your bone structure, skin elasticity, and personal characteristics and concerns. The consultation is an important opportunity to discuss your short- and long-term cosmetic goals and ask questions about your treatment options. Your surgeon will explain the lip lift procedure, what you can expect during recovery, and potential complications.
The consultation is a good time to establish a rapport with the doctor and ensure you’re comfortable with the practice. Based on the consultation, your surgeon will create a personalized treatment plan designed around your needs and lifestyle.
Your Lip Lift Procedure
The lip lift procedure is done in the operating room and can be performed on its own or with additional procedures such as rhinoplasty or a facelift. The procedure takes about an hour.
While a few different techniques are used for lip lifts, our facial plastic surgeons prefer the sub-nasal lip lift, which removes a strip of skin just beneath the nose. This allows the small incision to be hidden in the crease of the nose to reduce visible scarring.
Recovery After a Lip Lift
Recovery after a lip lift is fairly minimal without extensive downtime. Some minimal discomfort may occur, which can be treated with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. Bruising, swelling, and numbness are normal for the first few weeks and will subside as the area heals. Most patients return to work after a few days, and exercise is restricted for 2 weeks following the procedure. Final results can be seen within approximately 3 to 6 months.
Following your surgeon’s specific post-operative instructions is essential for a successful recovery. Do not hesitate to contact our office if any questions or concerns arise during your recovery.
Vito C. Quatela, M.D., FACS
Specializes in Facial Procedures
Compassionate and dedicated to personalized patient care, Dr. Quatela is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon recognized worldwide for his expertise in facial rejuvenation. He established the Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery in Rochester, New York to provide excellence in aesthetic surgery.
Read On
Heather Lee, M.D.
Specializes in Facial Procedures
A board-certified facial plastic surgeon and a board-certified otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeon, Dr. Lee is dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children by using her surgical talents. She specializes in procedures of the face and head including facelift, functional and cosmetic nose surgery, blepharoplasty, and injectable treatments.
Read On
Alex Montague, M.D.
Specializes in Facial Procedures
Known for his exemplary skills in both technique and patient care, Dr. Montague is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon. He specializes in cosmetic and functional facial surgery and injectable treatments.
Read OnLip Lift FAQ
What is a lip lift?
A lip lift is a simple surgical procedure that elevates the upper lip. It is done either to shorten the distance of an overly long upper lip or to increase the amount of “red show” for a lip that is naturally very thin.
What are the benefits of a lip lift?
As we age, the upper lip tends to stretch and lengthen with gravity. This usually results in the red part of the lip rolling inward—giving the appearance of thinning—and falling downward to cover the upper teeth, making the mouth appear older. The benefit of elevating the upper lip is a lifted and more rejuvenated appearance.
What techniques are used for a lip lift?
Several techniques have been used to perform a lip lift. At the Quatela Center, our facial plastic surgeons use the sub-nasal technique, which places the incision just under your nose, concealing the scar. A small strip of skin is removed, and the area is carefully closed with sutures.
Who is a good candidate for a lip lift?
You may be a good candidate for a lip lift if you feel the distance between your nose and top lip is too long or that the upper lip is too thin.
How long does a lip lift last?
The results of a surgical lip lift are permanent; however, your lips and overall face will continue to age and change.
People who live in Buffalo, Syracuse, and other areas of New York travel to the Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery for lip lift surgery and other facial rejuvenation procedures. Request your consultation using the online form to meet personally with one of our facial plastic surgeons or give our office a call at (585) 244-1000 to schedule an appointment.
Quatela Center
for Plastic Surgery
The Quatela Center's reputation as one of New York's finest cosmetic plastic surgery practices attracts patients to Rochester from throughout the state. Choose one of the locations below for driving directions to our practice.