Lip Lift
Houston, TX
Houston, TX
As we age, the space between the nose and upper lip can gradually lengthen. In some cases, that space has always been a little longer due to facial structure. Either way, it can make the upper lip look thinner or less defined than it used to, especially when smiling.
A lip lift is a subtle, long-lasting way to restore shape and balance to the upper lip without adding volume through lip filler or other injectable treatments. At Paul F. Fortes MD Plastic Surgery, we offer a range of lip lift procedures in Houston, including traditional lifts, corner lip lifts, and custom techniques tailored to your anatomy and goals. Dr. Paul Fortes is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience in facial plastic surgery, providing patients with natural-looking results and personalized care.
A lip lift is a cosmetic procedure that shortens the distance between the base of the nose and the top lip (also called the vertical height) to reveal more of the upper lip and enhance the Cupid’s bow. By carefully removing a thin strip of excess skin, the lip lift surgery repositions the upper lip area into a slightly higher position, exposing more of the pink tissue and sometimes the upper teeth, depending on the technique.
Unlike lip injections or dermal fillers that add volume, a surgical lip lift changes the shape and proportion of the lip for a more defined lip border and youthful appearance.
Whether you’ve always had a naturally thin upper lip or you’ve noticed changes with age, like a long upper lip, loss of volume, or lipstick bleed lines, a lip lift in Houston may be the perfect fit.
Benefits of a lip lift include:
A lip lift shortens the space without adding bulk, offering a more refined, youthful balance to the overall appearance of the face.
You may be a good candidate for a lip lift if you’ve noticed your upper lip becoming longer, flatter, or less defined, or if lip injections have never quite given you the look you want. This surgical procedure can also correct downturned lips, help reveal upper teeth, and support the structure of thin lips that have changed with age or sun damage.
Ideal candidates are in good health, do not smoke, and have a long upper lip or minimal upper lip visibility. Many patients choose this procedure because they want a more permanent option instead of ongoing injectable treatments. Having realistic expectations and a stable medical history is important. If you have certain skin conditions, delayed healing, or smoke regularly, this may not be the best option. During your consultation, Dr. Fortes will review your medical history, examine your skin, and walk you through the best approach based on your needs.
Your first visit will include an in-depth consultation with Dr. Fortes at our Houston office. He’ll assess the relationship between your nose and upper lip, the structure of your facial features, and your past use of lip filler or other treatments. You’ll discuss your goals, and Dr. Fortes will walk you through the technique he recommends.
If you move forward with the procedure, you’ll receive pre-op guidelines tailored to your surgical lip lift. This usually includes pausing certain medications or supplements, avoiding strenuous exercise, and planning for several days of rest at home.
Your lip lift surgery will take place at our Houston surgical center, typically under local anesthesia. You’ll be awake but comfortable, and the procedure usually takes less than one hour.
Dr. Fortes will mark the incision along the base of the nose, carefully remove a thin strip of skin, and lift the upper lip to its new position. He’ll use delicate sutures to close the incision, keeping everything aligned with your natural creases to ensure a clean and virtually invisible result.
The lift is a surgical reshaping technique, not just a volume enhancer, so the outcome is subtle but lasting.
You’ll receive detailed post-operative instructions, including how to care for the incision and what to avoid. This may include sleeping with your head elevated, avoiding strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for the first one to two weeks, applying topical ointment as directed, and limiting excessive mouth movement during the early healing period. Stitches are removed around day five to seven, and most patients feel ready to return to normal activities shortly after that.
Lip lift results are visible right away, but they continue to improve over several weeks. The upper lip will look shorter, more defined, and slightly fuller, not from added volume, but from repositioning. The Cupid’s bow often becomes more sculpted, and more of the upper teeth may show when smiling.
Final results typically settle by six to eight weeks. Scars are hidden at the base of the nose and fade with proper care. Once healed, your results are long-lasting, often permanent. Unlike lip injections, this cosmetic procedure doesn’t require repeat visits or maintenance.
Lip lift cost varies depending on the technique, complexity, and whether you’re combining your lip lift with other procedures such as a facelift or eyelid surgery. At Paul F. Fortes MD Plastic Surgery, your quote will include the surgeon’s fee, local anesthesia, facility costs, post-op visits, and all supplies needed for recovery.
We’ll provide a detailed breakdown after your consultation. Keep in mind that lip lift surgery is a custom procedure, and prices can vary by geography and provider expertise. Financing options are available to qualified patients.
Dr. Paul Fortes is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 10,000 surgeries performed since 1998. He’s known for his thoughtful, individualized approach to facial plastic procedures and his deep understanding of how facial structure, proportion, and symmetry work together. Every lip lift he performs is tailored to your unique anatomy, never a one-size-fits-all approach.
Our private plastic surgery center in Houston offers a modern, comfortable setting for both local and out-of-town patients, with a surgical team focused on safety, discretion, and excellent outcomes.
If you’re considering a lip lift in Houston, we’re here to help you take the next step. Schedule a private consultation with Dr. Fortes to explore your options and receive a personalized treatment plan based on your needs and facial structure.
Call our office at (346) 472-2706 or request an appointment online today.
Most patients describe only mild discomfort after surgery. Local anesthesia is used during the procedure, and over-the-counter pain medication is usually enough afterward.
Risks include infection, scarring, or asymmetry, though complications are rare when performed by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon.
Results are permanent, though your face will continue to age naturally over time.
A lip flip uses Botox to roll the lip outward. A lip lift is a surgical reshaping that lifts the upper lip, with more noticeable, lasting results.
Most patients recover within one week, with full healing by six to eight weeks. Following post-operative instructions helps ensure the best result.
