For patients in South Africa

Lip lift in Turkey from South Africa: a plain guide

A lip lift shortens the space between the base of the nose and the upper lip. This shows more of the pink part of the lip and, often, a little more of the upper teeth when you smile. Unlike filler, the change is permanent. For South African patients the main questions are how long to stay, how visible the scar will be, and how follow-up works from home.

Who it suits

• People with a long upper lip, or who show little of their upper teeth when smiling
• People who want a fuller, more defined upper lip without depending on filler
• People in good general health who do not smoke, or can stop before surgery
• People with realistic expectations about the scar and the recovery

A lip lift changes the shape and position of the upper lip; it does not add much bulk. If volume is the main goal, a lip implant or lip fat transfer may be worth discussing. If a lip lift is not the best fit, the surgeon will say so. More detail is on the lip lift treatment page.

How it is done

You start by sending photographs and your goals online for a surgical plan. On arrival in İzmir you have health checks, blood tests and a face-to-face meeting with the surgeon. The surgeon removes a small strip of skin below the nose and lifts the upper lip; the incision is usually placed along the natural curve at the base of the nose so the scar is as discreet as possible. The operation typically takes 45 to 90 minutes.

How long to stay, and the flight home

After surgery you recover at Mandarin Grove, with nursing checks, dressing changes and follow-up visits. Most patients are cleared to fly after five to seven days, once the surgeon is happy with the wound. Direct flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, followed by a short domestic flight to İzmir. South Africans need an e-Visa before travelling.

• Rest with your head raised for the first three days
• Keep the incision clean exactly as instructed
• Expect the lip to look tight, or slightly over-corrected, in the first week
• Avoid strenuous exercise until the surgeon clears you

Recovery at home

Most people return to normal daily activities within one to two weeks. Over weeks two to six the swelling settles and the new lip shape and tooth show become clearer. Over months two to three the scar matures and fades, and the tissues settle into their final position. Follow-up continues by photograph and message; İzmir is one hour ahead of South Africa. Keep your GP informed.

Surgical treatments are covered by our treatment guarantee for one year from the date of treatment. It covers medical complications from the operation and any revision the treating team judges clinically necessary; that treatment is carried out in İzmir at no charge, but flights and accommodation are your own responsibility. It does not cover a preference for a different look where the result falls within what was discussed before surgery.

Risks

As with any operation, there are risks, and the surgeon explains your own risk profile before you agree. They include swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, asymmetry, slow wound healing and a visible scar, and less often bleeding, infection or the need for revision surgery. Not smoking makes wound problems less likely.

What we will not do

We will not confirm a lip lift before a surgeon has assessed your face, we will not promise an invisible scar, and we will not clear you to fly before the surgeon is satisfied. You can read our clinic facts and complaints page before deciding, and see other facial options in the face surgery guide for South African patients.

Frequently asked questions

Is a lip lift permanent?

Yes. Unlike filler, a lip lift permanently changes the shape and position of the upper lip, although the face continues to age naturally.

Will there be a scar?

Yes, there is a scar below the nose. It is placed to be as discreet as possible and continues to mature and fade over two to three months.

How long after a lip lift can I fly home to South Africa?

Most patients are cleared to fly after five to seven days, once the surgeon has checked the wound. The flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg or Cape Town takes around ten hours.

Why does my lip look too tight after surgery?

In the first week the upper lip often looks tight or slightly over-corrected. This usually settles as the swelling goes down over the following weeks.

Will my medical aid pay for it?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover a cosmetic lip lift, and standard travel insurance usually excludes planned surgery abroad. Ask both directly before booking.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.