Lip lift surgery, available in Brighton through renowned cosmetic surgeon Paul Banwell, is a straightforward procedure that can have a profound impact on both appearance and self esteem.
Lip lift procedures have grown rapidly in popularity in recent years.
In years past, this aesthetic issue would likely only be addressed as part of a fuller face lift, but modern techniques have made it far easier to tackle individual issues without recourse to more major surgery.
Patients also have the option of lip fillers, these too can create the appearance of a lip lift, although they do not in reality alter the distance between the lip and the base of the nose.
Nevertheless, for many they will be a suitable option that produces the visible change desired.
Paul Banwell, a leading UK surgeon with a clinic in Brighton, can perform both the surgical lip lift operation, but also administer high-quality fillers for those for whom this is a more suitable option.
The options available at his clinics ensure the best approach is also chosen for each patient.
Lip lift is a procedure that corrects the distance between the bottom of the nose and the upper lip.
This distance is actually not fixed – as we age, it can grow with sagging of the skin caused by collagen depletion.
Surgery is quick – typically taking around an hour – and can be performed under local anaesthetic.
There are patients for whom the distance between the nose and upper lip has grown, and so the need for surgery or remedy only becomes apparent over time.
For others, the gap is a genetic or hereditary issue, perhaps apparent from a young age.
In common with any leading surgeon, Paul Banwell would factor the cause into the treatment.
Ultimately, however, the cause may be of little interest to the patient; what concerns them far more is whether treatment is possible.
You will be relieved to learn that, in the vast majority of cases, it is.
Lip lift surgery is never a medical necessity, the distance between nose and upper lip will not have health concerns – or at least not immediately obvious physical ones.
The benefit lies in the impact the aesthetic concern has on the individual. It may be that you feel the gap dominates the lower half of your face, it may nag away as a cause for concern.
There are in fact ‘ideal’ measurements for the philtrum (the distance between nose and top lip) – these are between 11 and 13mm for women and 13 to 15mm for men.
Does this mean that anyone who has a philtrum that is outside of this range should seek surgery?
Of course not, the range is merely used in anatomy books as ‘perfect’ using Phi or the Golden Ratio (Fibonacci Sequence).
Many will have a philtrum that is outside of this range and yet would never have given the distance between their upper lip and nose a moment’s thought.
As with so many aspects of cosmetic surgery, the benefit in treatment lies in how the individual perceives any part of their appearance.
For those who do have concerns, the impact can have a huge impact.
Concern about this, or any other aspect of our facial features, can impact greatly on self-esteem and confidence and sadly this can have an effect on many areas of our life.
Our work life can be affected, so too relationships. We are less than we should be.
This is often the true benefit of surgery and a change that is wonderful to see.
The physical change is noticeable, but it is often the change to self that is profound.
Also known as a batman lift or eagle lift, the lip lift addresses more than just the spacing between nose and upper lip.
The surgery will improve the Cupid’s Bow, with the lips taking on a more voluminous appearance.
Lip volume is enhanced, but not overly so – the mantra being surgery should make you look a superb version of yourself, but still yourself.
Post surgery and recovery, you will look that bit younger and the face that bit more balanced. Friends and family will notice that you look great, and this will likely shine through in your renewed confidence too, but you won’t have that look of ‘work having been done’.
It is important we mention scarring. Lip lift surgery will create a small, visible scar. This scar will be discreet – Paul Banwell can provide further information during initial consultation.
Offering both surgical options and also fillers, Paul Banwell can advise as to the best option in your specific case.
Fillers can produce superb results and profound change, although they cannot lessen the distance in the philtral column.
Fillers will also need regular appointments, they are not a long-term option, instead repeat procedures are needed. Typically, fillers would be expected to produce results that last for around a year.
In a web page it is of course impossible to suggest which would be the best option for any individual prospective patient. Your surgeon would outline the results possible through each option during consultation and outline which option they would recommend, and their reasons for suggesting this course of action.
Lip lift is a procedure, whether through surgery or fillers, that requires very careful adjustment. After all, the measurement is made in millimetres and so any adjustment has to be tiny. A small change makes a profound difference, making a big change would create an even bigger concern.
The aim of surgery is to improve the Cupid’s Bow and make a subtle adjustment to the philtrum. The skill and experience of the surgeon is crucial.
Many trained cosmetic surgeons and those who administer fillers can offer treatments, but the success of these lies in the surgeon or practitioner’s ability to get the results perfect.
A small variation in results can be the difference between the perfect Cupid’s Bow and one a little off, the perfect distance between nose and upper lip, or a distance that still isn’t quite right.
It is worth noting that while all surgeons will have medical qualifications, the same is not true for many who offer dermal fillers.
Almost anyone can set themselves up as a practitioner who offers dermal filler treatments, because the field of non-surgical procedures is wholly under-regulated.
Results can therefore vary greatly depending both on the quality of the fillers used and the individual’s level of experience and skill.
We recommend that anyone considering fillers still only considers a surgeon, trained doctor or practitioner with Save Face accreditation, rather than allowing just anyone to perform delicate injections into their face.
It is, of course, far better to see results than to write about them. Please take the time to browse before and after images on this site – Paul Banwell would also show you relevant examples during your consultation.
Although undertaken by a cosmetic surgeon, this is not major surgery. It is performed under local anaesthetic and typically only takes around an hour to perform.
Stitches can come out after around a week post surgery and while there may be some mild pain post operation, this can be managed through standard painkillers.
Further details about the healing process would always be given both during consultation and also as part of the aftercare.
Paul Banwell would hold follow-up checks to ensure healing was as expected.
To book a consultation with Mr Banwell, please call 01342 330302 or use our Contact Form.
Paul Banwell is an award-winning, internationally trained cosmetic surgeon with more than a decade’s experience.
Paul is a member of the British Association of Plastic and Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
You might also have seen Paul on TV or other media outlets – a pioneer and leading voice in the field of cosmetic surgery he is demanded by major publishers and TV networks.
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Now that I have been ‘signed off’ I just want to thank you so much for all your care, expertise and advice. I am so happy with the result of my surgery; it has bought back a confidence which I had lost, and enabled me to wear clothes which previously wouldn’t have suited me. I will know where to come if I decide I need anything else improved!
I decided to have treatment with Mr Banwell as I had been seeing him on several occasions regarding stomach irregularities due to a disastrous lipo operation abroad a few years ago. We discussed various options together and I always felt comfortable talking with Mr Banwell and trust him completely to give me the correct advice when considering surgery. I felt my expectations were realistic as Mr Banwell had advised me of the possible downside of the procedure. However, all my expectations were exceeded tenfold! My stomach is looking so much better aesthetically and my breasts look amazing! Mr Banwell and his team excelled at making me feel comfortable and relaxed. I felt I was able to discuss matters with friendly people who cared. I feel Mr Banwell takes time to cover all aspects of the procedure in a friendly, caring and informative manner. I feel happy to say one couldn’t be in safer hands. My overall experience with Mr Banwell and his team has been very positive in all aspects culminating in amazing results. I couldn’t be happier.
I felt upon meeting Mr Banwell that I was really comfortable dealing with him. He put me at ease with his friendly and professional approach. My overall experience was excellent, I can’t praise it enough. Mr Banwell was so patient with all my questions, he explained everything clearly, he is so friendly as well as professional and his admin team back up his service perfectly. You all turned a daunting experience in to a breeze. I would recommend you to everyone.
I liked what was written about Mr Banwell and that he was a family man with lots of experience specialising in the operation I wanted. All my expectations were met and at my consultations any worried and questions were answered. I felt Mr Banwell took away any worries I had and has a very kind manner. I would recommend Mr Banwell and say that you are in a high standard of care and well looked after. I had an enjoyable time and was looked after in every way and Mr Banwell and his team are professional in every way.
I was made to feel at ease with everything. Nothing was too much, lots of care and thought. Pain was very minimal. Lots of follow up care which was first class. I got exactly what I wanted, I have a lovely new look which I could not achieve on my own. If something is bothering you and you can not get to your goal there is help. I had an excellent experience.
I was very happy with the care I got from Mr Banwell, his team and the staff at the McIndoe Surgical Centre. Mr Banwell and his team were extremely friendly and quick to meet my needs at all times. The team were very professional and always made me feel at ease and welcome at all my consultations and throughout my stay at the surgical centre. The outcome of my surgery is amazing! I am extremely happy with the results I got; it turned out better than I thought. The surgery has really helped my confidence and way of life and I am very grateful for that. Mr Banwell is a fantastic surgeon with a very friendly and professional approach, which is wonderful. I would definitely, without hesitation, recommend Mr Banwell and his team to others considering cosmetic surgery.
The Banwell Clinic is recognised as a boutique cosmetic clinic specialising in all aspects of skin health and our philosophy is to help Protect, Restore & Rejuvenate your face and body. Our extensive portfolio of treatments include injectables, thread lifts, plasma shower, luxurious signature facials, acne treatments, microdermabrasion, hair removal and cellulite treatments, all carried out in a friendly, warm environment by an expert team.
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