Enhancing Your Natural Beauty with Precision and Expertise

Our lips and perioral area express our age. Thinning lips, vertical lip lines and a noticeable increase in distance from the upper lip to the base of the nose are common signs of aging.  Improvement to the appearance of this area can be quickly achieved with a surgical lip lift, as either a standalone procedure, or combined with other facial enhancement procedures. A lip lift restores youthful balance by reducing the length between the nose and mouth and improves the shape of the upper lip position. Lip filler can restore lost volume and shape to aging and thinning lips, but is inadequate when it comes to restoring youthful balance.

A surgical lip lift reduces the distance between your nose and upper lip and allows more of your natural upper lip to show. This minimally invasive procedure can benefit both younger and more mature patients. Lip lifts are commonly added to facelift procedures here at our practice to counteract the effect of labionasal tissue lengthening with age. Younger patients can benefit from a lip lift to achieve more permanent and natural-looking upper lip enhancement, reducing the need for lip filler injections. 

Our board-certified surgeons at Basu Aesthetics + Plastic Surgery, Dr. Bob Basu and Dr. Taylor DeBusk are premiere plastic surgeons in Houston for facial rejuvenation and will tailor your lip lift procedure to provide your ideal outcome.

Contact us online or call or text our office today at (713) 799-2278 to schedule a consultation at our Houston or Cypress offices.

What is a Lip Lift?

A surgical lip lift enhances the shape and prominence of the upper lip. Unlike injectable fillers that can only add volume, a lip lift involves precise surgical techniques to address concerns such as a long philtrum (the groove between the nose and upper lip) or an aged appearance of the upper lip. By shortening the philtrum and lifting the upper lip, a lip lift creates a natural and balanced aesthetic.

Benefits of a Lip Lift

A lip lift can effectively address several concerns related to the appearance of your lips and offers many attractive benefits, including:

• Shortens an aging or overly long philtrum
• Increases the height and fullness of your upper lip
• Enhances the curvature and shape of your upper lip 
• Improves the overall lip shape
• Corrects asymmetry between the top and bottom lip
• Helps create more balanced facial features
• May allow more of your upper teeth to show when speaking or smiling
• Softens vertical lip lines
• Provides long-lasting results

Lip lift Candidates

Ideal candidates for a lip lift should desire a subtle, more youthful appearance of their lips and mouth area, be in general good health, and have realistic expectations about the results a lip lift can achieve. 

Preparing for Your Lip Lift Surgery

Our surgeons will discuss your appearance goals and concerns, examine your facial anatomy, and explain how a lip lift may enhance your look. They will also review your medical history and provide pre- and postoperative instructions to ensure you enjoy a smooth surgery and recovery.

Dr. Debusk is so awesome!!! … He made me feel so comfortable through out the whole process. He explained step by step what to expect, and over succeeded my expectations! You will not regret choosing him as your Dr. for any facial procedures…

Diana H, Google Review

What to Expect During the Lip Lift Procedure

Anesthesia options

A lip lift is typically performed under local anesthesia when planned as a standalone procedure—or under general anesthesia if it is part of a more comprehensive surgical facial rejuvenation plan.

Bullhorn lift technique

Our surgeons prefer the “bullhorn” or subnasal technique to achieve optimal results with imperceivable scarring. The procedure generally involves the following steps:

1. Create an incision along the natural crease at the base of your nose. 
2. Remove a small portion of skin and muscle and precisely reposition the philtrum and upper lip to achieve the desired height and fullness.
3. Refine the lip shape and contour, if desired, by addressing the “Cupid’s Bow” or other specific concerns.
4. Close the incision (many lip lifts are “cosmetically closed” with surgical glue and do not require sutures) 

Recovery After a Lip Lift

Aftercare is minimal following lip lift surgery, and you can return to work and most daily activities the day after your procedure. You may experience some swelling and bruising in the treated area; however, these effects are short-lived and easily managed with pain relievers or a cold compress. 

We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for 2 weeks to allow proper healing and prevent excess swelling. 

DR. BASU DISCUSSES LIP LIFTS ON THE BEHIND THE DOUBLE DOORS PODCAST

On a recent episode of Behind the Double Doors: The Houston Plastic Surgery Podcast, Dr. Basu explains how this minor procedure makes a huge impact. Listen to the episode now:

Lip Lift Results

You’ll see immediate improvement after lip lift surgery; mild swelling quickly resolves, and final results will be visible around the 3-month mark. You can expect your upper lip to appear fuller and more pronounced, with a natural and balanced aesthetic. While the aging process continues, the results of a lip lift are long-lasting, and many patients report enjoying their enhanced lip appearance for 10 years or more.

Lip Lift Scars

Incisions are carefully placed within natural creases and borders of your nose so your scar will be discrete and well-concealed. Scar massage, physician-grade skincare products, and sunscreen will help the thin scar fade to the point that it becomes virtually invisible. 

How Much Does a Lip Lift Cost in Houston?

The cost of lip lift surgery in Houston will vary based on your personalized procedure plan. Your total costs include facility fees, the cost of anesthesia, and all pre and post-op appointments. 

At Basu Aesthetics + Plastic Surgery, we offer a variety of plastic surgery financing options available to make your procedure as affordable as possible.

Can I Combine a Lip Lift with Any Other Procedures?

Complementary Surgical Procedures

Combining a lip lift with other surgical procedures can provide comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Procedures such as a facelift, eye lift, or rhinoplasty can address additional concerns and create a harmonious balance between facial features. We would be happy to discuss your goals during your consultation and evaluate whether combining a lip lift with other surgical procedures can optimize your results. 

Complementary Non-Surgical Procedures

Non-surgical treatments can also be used in conjunction with a lip lift to enhance your overall facial appearance. Dermal fillers can further augment the lips by adding volume to thinning lips.  Chemical peels or a Hydrafacial can improve the tone and texture of your skin for a brighter, more youthful complexion. We will recommend non-surgical treatments that complement your lip lift results, if appropriate.

The Importance of Choosing a Board-Certified Surgeon for Your Lip Lift

Selecting a board-certified surgeon with extensive experience and expertise in performing the procedure you desire is crucial. Board certification ensures that your surgeon has undergone rigorous training and meets the highest standards of patient care and safety; you can have confidence in the quality of care and exceptional results you will receive.

Dr. Debusk took the time to explain the surgery, answer questions and spend the time needed with me to calm my nerves. I can’t say enough good things about him.

Lisa R, Google Review

Frequently Asked Questions about Lip Lifts

Are there any risks or potential complications associated with a lip lift?

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with a lip lift, including infection, bleeding, scarring, asymmetry, changes in sensation, and dissatisfaction with the results. Choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon and diligently following both pre- and post-operative instructions minimizes these risks.

Will a lip lift leave visible scars?

It may; however, Dr. Basu and Dr. DeBusk thoughtfully place the incision along the natural crease of the base of your nose. Most patients cannot see the scar unless they pull at their skin to expose the natural indentation between the nose and upper lip. The scar will initially appear as a thin red line and fade over time; individual healing and scar formation can vary, but our team will guide you through scar management techniques to promote optimal healing.

Can I achieve the same results with lip fillers instead of a lip lift?

No, lip fillers cannot reduce a long philtrum or allow more of your natural lip to show. Lip fillers primarily add volume and can support and improve lip shape while a lip lift addresses facial balancing with the structure and shape of the upper lip, including the Cupid’s bow. We will assess your specific concerns and discuss the pros and cons of both options to help you make an informed decision during your consultation. 

If you have further questions about lip lifts or any other aspect of the procedure, please reach out to us. Our experienced team is here to provide you with the information and support you need to make confident decisions about your lip enhancement journey.

MEET THE BOARD-CERTIFIED EXPERTS AT BASU AESTHETICS + PLASTIC SURGERY

If you want to enhance your lips’ appearance and rejuvenate your facial aesthetics with a surgical lip lift, contact us online or call or text our office today at (713) 799-2278. Dr. Taylor DeBusk and Basu Aesthetics + Plastic Surgery founder Dr. Bob Basu are experts in achieving natural results that have helped thousands of men and women look and feel their best. In addition to surgical lip enhancement, our plastic surgeons also specialize in a full range of facial rejuvenation procedures, including facelift, buccal fat removal, rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, brow lift, chin augmentation, hairline advancement, ear surgery, and more.

See why Cypress and Galleria/Uptown Houston patients trust our board-certified surgeons to help them become the best versions of themselves.

AREAS SERVED:

• Uptown Houston
• Cypress