Gullwing Lip Lift (Vermillion Advancement of the Lip)

The Gullwing lip lift increases the size of the lips by creating incisions around the entirety of the lip directly at the border that separates the lip from facial skin. The Gullwing lip lift is a good alternative for patients who also wish to permanently advance the position of the lower lip or for men with facial hair who can then more easily conceal the surgical scar.

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The Skinny

avg. recovery: 10 days
permanence: Is permanent
Type: Minor Surgical Procedure
surgical: Yes
cost: $3000 - $4500

About the Procedure

Last Updated: 09.18.2021

The Gullwing lip lift technique can be used to create a permanently larger upper and/or lower lip. The Gullwing lip lift, also know as a vermilion lip advancement, augments the lip directly at the border of the mouth. Unlike a subnasal or Italian lip lift, there is no scar underneath the nose. Scars will be concealed within the pigmented portion of the lips. Before the lip lift surgery begins, the area around the mouth will be marked for where the skin will be excised. Once the patient has been anesthetized and the treatment area is completely numbed, incisions will be made and excess skin will be removed. The edge of the lips will then be advanced outward to cover the areas where the skin has been excised. This in effect creates the appearance of an enlargement of the lip. The procedure, however, does create fine line scarring along the lip line. The scar is faint enough to be entirely covered by the use of lipstick. This is the only lip lift procedure that can also be performed on the lower lip. Men with facial hair are good candidates for this procedure as resulting scars can be easily concealed. Costs range for this procedure from $3,000 to $4,500.

The goal of a Gullwing lip lift is to create fuller lip volume.

Concerns

Gullwing Lip Lift (Vermillion Advancement of the Lip) addresses concerns such as:

Lip Size

What to Expect

The Gullwing lip lift is a surgical procedure that removes some of the skin above or below the vermillion border then repositioning the vermillion to reform its border. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after a Gullwing lip lift.

Before Treatment

An antibiotic and antiviral medication may be prescribed
Stop taking any blood thinning medications for 2 weeks
Stop smoking 4 weeks before and after surgery
No alcohol 2 days prior
No eating or drinking 6 hours before the procedure

During Treatment

Local anesthesia with sedation
Incision made along vermillion border
Strip of skin is removed
Vermillion is grasped and pulled outward into its new position
Sutures to close

Recovery Notes

Following a Gullwing lip lift the mouth will be sore and swollen. Limit expressive movement of the mouth such as laughing, yawning, or talking. Do not eat anything that will necessitate opening the mouth wide. A liquid or soft diet will likely be recommended while healing.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for a Gullwing lip lift presents with an elongated white lip or has height mismatch between the white lip and red lip.

Not Recommended For

Gullwing lip lift is not recommended for candidates with active infections in or around the mouth such as herpes, lupus, blood-clotting diseases, diabetes, or heavy smokers unwilling to quit for a short period.