Mission Viejo Lip Lift Orange County Surgical Specialists

Did you know you can achieve fuller, smoother, younger-looking lips without fillers? Although injectable lip fillers provide noticeable volumizing, the results are temporary. Furthermore, not everyone wants the plump or “bee-stung” look fillers provide. A Mission Viejo lip lift is an excellent option for those wanting to achieve naturally fuller, shapelier lips permanently. Double board-certified surgeon Reza Bolourian, M.D., F.A.C.S. of Orange County, CA, specializes in performing precision lip lifts using the latest and most advanced techniques to give you smoother, shapelier lips.

What Is a Lip Lift?

A lip lift is a specialized surgical procedure in which your doctor removes a small portion of tissue to reduce the distance between the nose and the upper lip.

This draws the colored part of the upper lip (the vermillion) upward, increasing the amount that is visible. In addition to broadening the vermilion for a more shapely, prominent upper lip, a lip lift can also help reduce wrinkles on and around the upper lip. Dr. Bolourian works with each patient to understand their unique facial anatomy and customizes their procedure to meet their individual cosmetic goals.

What Are the Benefits of a Lip Lift?

A lip lift subtly enhances your appearance by improving lip shape, proportions, and youthful definition — all without adding volume.

  • Shortens the distance between the nose and the upper lip, creating a more youthful, lifted appearance
  • Improves lip definition without fillers or implants
  • Reveals more of the pink lip for a fuller, more defined smile
  • Enhances overall facial harmony, especially in profile and at rest
  • Permanent results with no need for ongoing maintenance
  • Pairs beautifully with other facial procedures like rhinoplasty or chin augmentation
  • Performed with hidden incisions for minimal visible scarring
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Before & After Lip Lift

Your Mission Viejo Lip Lift Consultation

Your first step to learning whether a lip lift can help you meet your aesthetic goals is to schedule a consultation with Orange County Surgical Specialists. Dr. Bolourian will walk you through the details of the procedure, answer all of your questions, and help you determine whether a lip lift is a good fit for you. We care about helping you make informed choices about your options and delivering results that make you feel your absolute best.

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Customized for You

Dr. Bolourian will perform your Mission Viejo lip lift in-office in about one hour or less. At your consultation, he will assess your needs and lip shape to determine the best type of lip lift procedure for you. Depending on the type of lip lift you have, you may be given local or general anesthesia for your comfort.

In a sub-nasal lip lift, also called a bullhorn lip lift, Dr. Bolourian creates an incision at the base of the nose where it can be easily concealed. He then draws the center and sides of the lip upward from within before closing the incision.

The other technique, called a direct lip lift or gullwing lip lift, may be better for patients wanting a more defined upper lip border. In this technique, Dr. Bolourian makes the incision along the top of the upper lip and draws the lip upward from this point. In some cases, these two approaches may be combined.

Lip Lift Results

Patients tend to be highly satisfied with the results of their lip lifts. The upper lip will have better volume and a more naturally shapely appearance. Unlike the temporary results that are achieved with fillers, the results of a lip lift are long-lasting because they reduce the distance between the nose and upper lip.

The lip lift can make the smile look more pronounced and engaging by exposing more of the upper teeth, which can be particularly appealing and create a more youthful appearance. The procedure can also refine and accentuate the Cupid's bow, giving the lips a more defined and aesthetically pleasing shape.

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Lip Lift Recovery and Aftercare

Dr. Bolourian and the caring team at Orange County Surgical Specialists will provide you with all the aftercare instructions you need to make a smooth recovery. Post-procedure swelling typically takes between one and two weeks to diminish. The incision may appear more visible for the first six to eight weeks post-procedure, but will soon fade and blend in. Make sure to follow your aftercare guidelines carefully and attend your post-operative appointment to check your healing. As initial swelling goes down, you will be able to enjoy your lips' enhanced, youthful shape.

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​​Why Choose Orange County Surgical Specialists for Your Lip Lift in Mission Viejo, Orange County?

Dr. Reza Bolourian brings advanced surgical skill and a subtle artistic eye to every lip lift procedure. As a dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon, he understands the delicate balance required to refine lip aesthetics without exaggeration. At Orange County Surgical Specialists, every lip lift is tailored to your individual anatomy, resulting in elegant, long-lasting improvements that enhance—not distort—your natural features. Our Mission Viejo team is known for expert technique, natural-looking outcomes, and compassionate care from consultation through recovery.

Lip Lift Frequently Asked Questions

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Are there any risks associated with a lip lift?

As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of bleeding or infection, which can be lessened by following aftercare instructions carefully at home. Other risks include unsatisfactory results or an adverse reaction to the anesthesia used during the procedure.

How much does a lip lift cost?

Because each procedure is tailored to the patient, the cost of a lip lift varies. We are happy to provide an estimate for your individual lip lift at your consultation.

What is a lip lift, and how does it differ from other lip augmentation procedures?

A lip lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the upper lip by shortening the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip. This technique makes the upper lip appear fuller, more defined, and more youthful.

What will the procedure involve, and how long does it typically take?

During the initial consultation, Dr. Bolourian will assess your facial anatomy, discuss your aesthetic goals, and create a personalized treatment plan. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the lips. In some cases, sedation may be used to help you relax or if it is performed with other procedures.

At the time of surgery, Dr. Bolourian will mark the area where the incision will be made. This is usually along the natural crease just below the nose, resembling the shape of a bullhorn, which is why the procedure is named as such. An incision is made along the marked line. This incision follows the natural contour of the nostrils and is discreetly placed to minimize visible scarring. A small strip of skin and underlying tissue is removed from the area between the nose and the upper lip. This shortens the distance between these two areas, lifting the upper lip and exposing more of the upper teeth, creating a youthful look. The incision is then carefully closed with sutures. These sutures are typically removed at three and five days.

After the procedure, you'll receive specific instructions on how to care for the area, manage pain, and reduce swelling. This may include using ice packs, avoiding certain activities, and taking prescribed medications. The bullhorn lip lift procedure typically takes about 60 minutes. The exact duration can vary depending on the complexity of the surgery and the individual's specific anatomy.

Are there any non-surgical alternatives that might achieve similar results?

Non-surgical options generally offer less dramatic and shorter-term results compared to a bullhorn lip lift. There are several non-surgical alternatives to the bullhorn lip lift that can enhance the appearance of the lips, though they may offer different outcomes compared to the surgical procedure. Dermal fillers, fat grafting, lasers, and radiofrequency devices are a few examples of non-surgical modalities to consider.

How long do the results last?

A lip lift is designed to offer long-lasting results by permanently altering the position and appearance of the upper lip. While the results are durable, natural aging and lifestyle factors can influence the overall look of your lips as time goes on.

Will the lift impact my ability to move my lips or affect my speech?

During the initial healing period, you may experience some temporary tightness or discomfort, but this is usually short-lived. The swelling and initial adjustments as the lip heals may affect lip movement slightly, but these effects typically resolve as healing progresses.

The bullhorn lip lift primarily involves the removal of a small strip of skin and the underlying SMAS and mostly does not affect the underlying muscle structure responsible for lip movement. The primary muscles involved in lip movement—the orbicularis oris—remain intact, so most patients retain their normal range of motion.

Can the procedure be reversed if I'm unhappy with the results?

While a complete reversal might not be feasible, a revision surgery could be performed to address specific concerns or adjust the results. This would involve consulting with Dr. Bolourian to evaluate your situation and determine the best course of action. The goals in revision surgery might aim to adjust asymmetries or refine the appearance rather than fully restoring the pre-surgery state.

What is the likelihood of scarring, and how visible will it be?

The risk of visible scarring from a bullhorn lip lift is generally low, especially with a skilled surgeon and proper post-operative care. The scar is typically well-concealed within the natural crease under the nose and should fade significantly over time. While some individual variability exists, most patients find that any resulting scar is minimal and blends well with the natural contours of their face.

When can I resume normal activities and makeup application?

Generally, you can resume light activities within a few days of the procedure, moderate activities after about two weeks, and more vigorous exercises around four to six weeks. Makeup application can begin gently around two weeks, with normal routines resuming by four to six weeks, depending on individual healing progress.

What is your experience and training in performing lip lifts?

I have been in cosmetic and facial plastic surgery practice for over 20 years and have performed more than 2000 lip lift surgeries.

Is a corner lift necessary with every bullhorn lip lift?

It is not necessary to perform a corner lift with every bullhorn lip lift. However, it is indicated with conditions such as drooping mouth corners, flat upper lip, unbalanced lip proportions, and loss of lip volume. Combining a corner lip lift with a bullhorn lip lift can provide comprehensive enhancement to the lip area, improving both the central and lateral aspects of the mouth and creating a more youthful, balanced appearance.

What is the total cost of the procedure, including any additional fees for anesthesia or follow-up visits?

The cost of a lip lift has a range from $5,000 to $8,500, depending on various factors such as secondary procedures, corner lift, and other necessary corrective surgeries. We will provide you with an exact cost at the time of your consultation.

Where will the procedure be performed, and will it be done under local or general anesthesia?

All cosmetic surgery procedures are performed at our fully accredited surgery center in Orange County, California. We offer a variety of anesthesia options for your comfort. If lip lift is the only procedure being performed, local anesthesia is a reasonable approach to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. If lip lift is being performed in conjunction with other procedures, twilight sedation or deep sedation may be considered. All your options will be discussed with you at the time of consultation.

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