Lip Lift for Sandton Patients | Dr Deon Weyers
A lip lift raises a long upper lip by removing a small strip of skin under the nose. Sandton patients are seen a short drive away at our Fourways practice, which makes the follow-up visits easy to fit into a working week.
Lip lift surgery is short, but the first fortnight shapes how you feel about it. Swelling, stitches under the nose and a fresh scar all affect how comfortable you are being seen at work or socially. Planning that fortnight in advance is the most practical step you can take.
Dr Deon Weyers sees every patient personally at Life Fourways Hospital, close to Sandton. There is no separate Sandton rooms; consultation, surgery and stitch removal all take place in Fourways.
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Lip Lift Sandton: Fitting Recovery Into Your Diary
For most Sandton patients, the question is less “should I have a lip lift” than “when can I take the time”. Knowing what each week looks like helps you choose a date.
The procedure itself is done under local anaesthesia. Skin is removed at the base of the nose and the incision is closed with fine stitches, so you go home the same day with a small dressing or none at all. A lip lift shortens the upper lip; for an overview of the procedure itself, see the main lip lift page.
- Same-day procedure
- Local anaesthesia
- Stitches out day 10 to 14
- Short drive to Fourways
- Scar care from week three
Swelling usually builds for the first three days, which is when most people prefer to stay home. Numbness and some swelling continue through the first two weeks, and any bruising generally fades by the end of the second week. The stitches come out between day 10 and day 14 at the practice.
Because Fourways is close by, you can schedule the stitch-removal visit around meetings rather than taking a whole day. Many Sandton patients choose a surgery date before a quieter period at work, such as a long weekend or a week of leave.
What the Early Scar Looks Like
In the first weeks the scar under the nose looks like a fine pink line, often with slight firmness and some redness where the stitches were. It is usually easier to see in bright light and on close inspection than in normal conversation.
From around the third week, once the wound has fully closed, a scar programme starts. The colour typically softens over the following months. If it stays raised or red, the practice offers further scar management.
Plan for the stitches, not just the surgery. The stitch-removal week is usually when patients feel ready to return to most of their routine.
The First Two Weeks vs the Weeks That Follow
Weeks One and Two
Swelling peaks around day three and settles gradually. The lip may feel tight and numb, and the area must be kept dry while the stitches are in.
Exercise is paused, and most people limit face-to-face social plans. The stitches are removed between day 10 and 14.
Week Three Onwards
With the stitches out, the scar care programme begins. Remaining swelling continues to fade and the lip settles into its new position.
Most normal activities resume, including exercise once cleared. Full recovery is usually around six weeks, and the scar keeps maturing for months.
| Phase | What you may notice | How to plan around it |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 to 3 | Swelling building, tightness, numbness | Rest at home; keep the area dry |
| Days 4 to 9 | Swelling easing, stitches visible | Desk work from home if you prefer |
| Days 10 to 14 | Stitches removed at the practice | Book the visit around your diary |
| Weeks 3 to 6 | Pink scar, lip settling | Start scar care; return to exercise when cleared |
| Months 2 onwards | Scar fading gradually | Keep up sun protection over the scar |
From Consultation to Stitch Removal
Each visit takes place at Life Fourways Hospital with Dr Weyers.
Consultation
Dr Weyers measures the length of your upper lip, your tooth show and the shape of the lip border, and explains whether a lift suits your concern.
Choosing a date
You agree a surgery date that leaves room for the first fortnight of recovery, including the stitch-removal appointment.
Procedure day
The lip lift is performed under local anaesthesia and you return home the same day with written aftercare instructions.
Stitch removal
You come back to Fourways between day 10 and 14 to have the stitches removed and the wound checked.
Scar review
A later review checks how the scar is maturing and adjusts the scar care plan if needed.
Is a Lip Lift the Right Choice?
A lip lift suits a particular concern. These are the signs that it may be worth discussing.
- The upper lip looks long – A noticeable distance between the nose and the lip
- Teeth hidden at rest – Upper teeth barely visible when the mouth is relaxed
- Lip turned inward – The pink part of the upper lip seems to have rolled in
- Filler has not helped – Volume has been added but the lip still looks long
- Time to recover – Able to set aside roughly two weeks of lighter commitments
- Nicotine-free – Willing to avoid nicotine around the time of surgery
The final decision is made in person, after the lip has been measured and the options compared.
Planning Your Lip Lift Around Work and Social Plans
A few practical steps make the first fortnight easier.
- Avoid important events in the first two weeks.Swelling and visible stitches are normal until around day 10 to 14.
- Book the stitch-removal visit early.Choose a time that suits your diary when you confirm your surgery date.
- Prepare soft foods.Eating and talking can feel tight at first, so softer meals help in the early days.
- Pause the gym.Exercise is avoided for the first two weeks and resumed once you are cleared.
What a Lip Lift Costs for Sandton Patients
The practice’s published range for a lip lift in Sandton is R30,000 to R50,000. See lip lift prices in Sandton. Your fee is confirmed in a written quote after your consultation.
The written quote lists what is included, so you know the total before deciding. Scar products and any procedure added on the same day are shown separately.
A lip lift for appearance is generally self-funded, because South African medical aids do not usually cover cosmetic lip surgery.
What Sandton Patients Often Ask Before Booking
These points come up often when patients are planning a lip lift around a busy schedule.
Risks and Possible Complications
Possible Complications to Understand
Scarring: the scar below the nose occasionally widens, thickens or stays red, and may need extra scar treatment or a small revision.
Result not as planned: the amount of lift can differ slightly from the plan, or the two sides of the lip may differ a little.
Numbness: a numb or tight upper lip is common early on and usually improves; persistent changes are uncommon.
Wound issues: infection, delayed healing or a reaction around the stitches.
More tooth show: more upper teeth may show when you smile, which is usually intended but should be discussed beforehand.
Anaesthetic: reactions to local anaesthetic are uncommon and are discussed before the procedure.
What Supports Good Healing
- Keep it dry – until the stitches are removed and the wound has closed.
- Skip nicotine – as it slows healing and can worsen the scar.
- Go easy on your mouth – with soft foods and no strenuous exercise for two weeks.
- Use sun protection – on the scar once healed, alongside the scar programme.
Call the practice promptly if swelling or pain increase after the first few days, if redness spreads from the incision, or if you develop a fever or any discharge.
Medical disclaimer. This page is general information and does not replace a face-to-face consultation. Surgical decisions require an in-person assessment, a full consent discussion and the individual medical advice of your surgeon.
Lip Lift Sandton: Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a practice in Sandton?
No. The practice has one location, at Life Fourways Hospital, a short drive from Sandton. All visits take place there.
Is a lip lift the same as lip reduction surgery?
No. A lip lift shortens the skin between the nose and the upper lip; it does not make the lips smaller. If your concern is lip size, raise it at consultation so the right option can be discussed.
How much time off work will I need?
It depends on your work and how comfortable you are being seen with swelling and stitches. Many people plan lighter commitments until the stitches come out between day 10 and 14.
Will people notice the scar?
The scar sits in the crease below the nose. It is pink at first and fades over months, and is usually most visible on close inspection.
When can I exercise again?
Exercise is avoided for the first two weeks. You will be told when it is safe to return, usually after the stitches are out and the wound has healed.
What does a lip lift cost in Sandton?
The published range is R30,000 to R50,000, with your exact fee confirmed in a written quote after consultation.
Will it change my smile?
More of the upper teeth usually show, which is often the aim. Read more in does a lip lift change your smile.
Plan Your Lip Lift From Sandton
Dr Deon Weyers is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and a member of APRASSA. He sees Sandton patients at the practice’s single location at Life Fourways Hospital.
Call 011 875 1694
Office hours: Monday to Thursday 08:00 – 17:00, Friday 08:00 – 14:00 · send a message
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