Dr. Sam Lam Plastic Surgery Forum

I am 71 yr. old Caucasian. In October I had a vermillion lip lift. I thought I had researched as much as possible to be prepared. First the surgeon cut straight across the cupids bow, no v shape at all. Next, he only sewed one half himself, and had a new Dr. in training sew the other half. I was not aware this would behappening. My question: How can I get a little bow to my lip so I can know where to put lipstick. I can paint with concealer and make them look normal for a few minutes, but it wipes off the minute anything touches my mouth. I also had an infected stitch (from the ones put in by the trainee, as he sewed so much deeper than my Dr.) and have a indentation just 1/4" from center of nose, it is also a little darker there. I was told to wait and it would loosen up, but it is still tight and too much red in center. Any suggestions?? I am to go back in April. Do I dare trust him.

sounds as if you had a lip lift from under your nose area. if it is only a few weeks to months out, you might want to just wait to see how things progress or consult with your physician regarding that matter. i cannot tell you whether to trust your doctor or not since i did not do the procedure. that is a judgment you have to make. as far as getting some more bow in the lip i assume you mean better definition along the lip line, you could do a little restylane there but i would have to see your lip to make sure that it would look good for you. in general, i am not a big fan of making the upper lip bigger or giving a lot of definition to the upper lip, especially in someone 71 years of age. i think it can look fake, especially after a lip lift where the lip is already lifted upward. nevertheless, you should ask your physician if you go to him what he thinks. sometimes there is not a perfect answer for everything so just be careful and conservative. remember i am a big volume thinker in other words women focus way way way too much on their lips when they in fact look tired and not so fresh and making lips look bigger without rejuvenating or balancing the face can be both a waste of money or make the lips look unnaturally full relative to the face, i.e., fake so just be careful. an aesthetic perspective to me is as important as good technique.
best,
sml

The procedure was not under the nose, but around the edge of the lip. What I was unaware of beforehand, was he cut the little notch (bow) off and my upper lip is not only lifted, but no shape (half moon shape) All I need is a notch. I first had restalyne done, but that didn't last long so had the surgery. I have thought of a tatoo
specialist to lighten the center of the lip to look better. I will go see the Dr. one more time in april, just don't know if I can let him cut any more. Thank you for you response. I know you must be busy.

yes, that is known as a lip advancement not a lip lift technically. the lip advancement leads to lip scarring. that is typically what happens. more cutting usually does not solve it. you will just have to wear lipstick to cover it in my opinion. in any case, speak with your doctor about this. sorry that i cannot be more of assistance to you.
best,
sml