V-Y Mucosal Advancement of the Lip

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A V-Y mucosal advancement of the lip is a surgical procedure that involves making a V-shaped incision on the inside of the upper or lower lips, and then, pulling and suturing them together. As the V-shaped incision is closed from one end with stitches, it takes on the shape of a Y. This mucosal reshaping results in plumper lips without the use of dermal fillers. This safe outpatient procedure is popular for candidates with thin or drooping lips. Costs range between $4,000-$6,000 per lip.

V-Y Mucosal Advancement of the Lip Overview - 872

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The Skinny


Average Recovery

10 days

Permanence

Permanent

Application

Surgical Procedure

Surgical

Yes

Cost

$3000 - $4000

The Specifics


What is a V-Y mucosal advancement of the lip?

A V-Y mucosal advancement of the lip is a surgical lip lift procedure designed to augment the volume of the upper lip and/or lower lip.

Anatomy of the Lip

Female lip anatomy infographic

A plastic surgeon makes a V-shaped incision on the inside of the upper lip or lower lip within the oral mucosa and pulls the lip advancement flap (lip tissue) tighter, closing the wound into a Y-shaped incision. Incisions are on the inside of the upper lip or lower lip so there is no visible scarring. This procedure is ideal for older patients or younger patients with drooping or thin lips.

What cosmetic concerns does a V-Y mucosal advancement of the lip procedure treat?

  1. Lip Size: A V-Y mucosal advancement of the lip alters the vermilion border of the upper lip and/or lower lip to create increased volume and size.
  2. Lip Ptosis: The V shaped incision with a Y shaped closure can pull a ptotic lip back into a more desirable position.

Who is the ideal candidate for a V-Y mucosal advancement of the lip procedure?

Ideal candidates for a modified lip lift include those with a thin upper lip or lower lip, and individuals with lip defects like drooping lips. Lip lifts are not recommended for those with infections in and around the mouth or on the upper lip or lower lip, smokers unwilling to quit around the time of the procedure, and those with certain chronic conditions.

What is the average recovery associated with a V-Y mucosal advancement of the lip procedure?

Most V-Y mucosal advancement of the lip patients resume normal activities after one day. A soft diet and limitations on strenuous activities may last up to two weeks. Patients should limit excessive movement of their upper lip and lower lip. Most swelling and bruising will resolve within one to two weeks.

What are the potential side effects of a V-Y mucosal advancement of the lip procedure?

Possible side effects from a V-Y mucosal advancement of the lip procedure include bruising, bleeding, swelling, numbness (from damage to the mental nerve), lip defects such as lip lengthening, full-thickness defects like separation of the oral mucosa from the orbicularis oris muscle, and asymmetry.

What can someone expect from the results of a V-Y mucosal advancement of the lip procedure?

A V-Y mucosal advancement of the lip will provide immediate and permanent results. Swelling and wound healing will resolve over about two weeks.

What is the average cost of a V-Y mucosal advancement of the lip procedure?

This is a one time permanent surgical procedure that can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $4,000. The actual cost of the V-Y advancement surgical procedure is dependent upon location, plastic surgeon, and length and involvement of the surgery. Remember this is a cosmetic surgery (not a reconstructive surgery), so it will not be covered by insurance.

thumbs-upPros

  • No Scar
  • Hidden Incision
  • Permanent

thumbs-downCons

  • Asymmetry
  • Prolonged Edema

Invasiveness Score

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.

What to Expect


A V-Y mucosal advancement of the lip is a surgical procedure that reshapes the lips for a plumper appearance. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after a V-Y mucosal advancement of the lip.

The Takeaway


A V-Y mucosal advancement of the lip is a surgical lip lift procedure performed by a plastic surgeon to enhance the volume and size of the upper lip and/or lower lip. It is ideal for individuals with a thin upper lip or lower lip, and those with lip defects. Incisions are made on the inside of the lip within the oral mucosa so there is no visible scarring. The incision and flap technique are used to create natural crowding of lip tissue for lip augmentation.

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Source List

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AEDIT uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Maloney, BP. “Cosmetic Surgery of the Lips.” Facial Plast Surg, vol. 12, no. 3, 1996, pp. 265–278.
  2. Johnston, MC, Millicovsky G. “Normal and Abnormal Development of the Lip and Palate.” Clin Plast Surg. 1985 Oct;12(4):521-32.; 1985-10-01
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