What is a lip lift? A lip lift is a surgical procedure performed under local anesthetic that corrects sagging skin and severe wrinkles on the “philtrum,” or the space between the nose and the upper lip. This common sign of aging can be a major cause of concern for some who otherwise have smooth, beautiful skin; it can also be combined with other facial procedures like a facelift, neck lift, fat transfer, or chin augmentation.
Is a “lip flip” an alternative to a surgical lip lift? A surgical lip lift lifts the upper lip by shortening the length of skin between the bottom of the nose and the top of the lip. On the other hand, a non-surgical lip flip uses injections to add volume to make the upper lip more pronounced. The results of a lip flip are long-lasting but are not permanent. Depending on your individual skin’s needs, Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks will recommend a personalized treatment plan that could include either of these options, or a combination of both, to correct your specific concerns.
How much does a lip lift cost in Houston? The average cost of your lip lift in Houston typically ranges from $3,000 to $4,000. The total cost for your lip lift will depend on factors such as your surgeon’s fee, the location of your procedure, and other miscellaneous medical expenses. At Heights Plastic Surgery, we accept cash and all major credit cards. We are also happy to offer financing through CareCredit® for patients. Because lip lift is often more about cosmetic appearance and is less of a medical necessity, it is typically not covered by most insurance plans.
What does recovery after a lip lift look like? Houston lip lift patients often experience swelling and bruising for 5 to 10 days following their lip lift procedure. Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks may provide you with prescription medication that can help manage your pain. Our team will ask that you keep your head elevated when lying down for the first 2 weeks following your surgery. Patients can typically return to work and regular daily activities about 1 to 2 weeks following their facelift. It’s important that you avoid direct sunlight and the use of heavy makeup for 3 to 4 weeks following your lip lift. After about a month, you may start to take full-body showers again. Any scars will be reduced to thin, easily hidden white lines after about 6 weeks, at which time you may resume more vigorous physical activities and workout routines. While you will be able to see some results of your lip lift immediately following surgery, ultimate results will appear once all incisions have healed and the swelling subsides. This usually occurs roughly 3 to 4 months later.
Am I a good candidate for a lip lift? In Houston, Heights Plastic Surgery qualifies lip lift candidates with the following concerns: Moderate to severe vertical lip lines (also called “smoker’s lines”) Sagging skin that makes their upper lip appear smaller Ideal candidates for a lip lift in Houston are healthy, non-smokers who have no conflicting contraindications (existing conditions that would render this procedure unsafe or unviable). Keep in mind that after a lip lift, you will need to account for about 1 to 2 weeks of social downtime, as there will be visible sutures on the face until their removal at your follow-up appointment.
