Lip Lift
While dermal fillers offer temporary volume, a Lip Lift addresses the fundamental structural changes that occur with age. At De La Cruz Plastic Surgery, Dr. Emmanuel De La Cruz utilizes a meticulous approach to shorten the philtrum (the space between the nose and the lip), which naturally lengthens over time. By performing this procedure in our AAAA-certified facility, we ensure that your results are not only beautiful and permanent but executed with the highest surgical safety standards in Houston.
Shortening the upper lip space and increasing "vermillion show."
5–7 days for initial healing; sutures removed around day 6.
60 minutes under local anesthesia or light sedation.
A permanent, natural-looking lift that enhances tooth show and volume.
A more youthful, balanced, and rejuvenated facial aesthetic.
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A Lip Lift is a permanent surgical procedure designed to enhance the visibility of the upper lip and improve facial balance. Unlike fillers, which add volume but can sometimes lead to a "ducky" or heavy appearance, a Lip Lift physically repositions the lip. By removing a small, "bullhorn-shaped" strip of skin directly beneath the base of the nose, Dr. De La Cruz lifts the pink tissue of the lip, creating a more pronounced, youthful curve and revealing a subtle, elegant "tooth show" when the mouth is at rest.
On the day of your surgery, Dr. De La Cruz carefully marks the incision line in the natural crease at the base of your nose to ensure the final scar is virtually invisible. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, making the experience comfortable and efficient. Once the small strip of skin is removed, the muscles are tightened, and the skin is closed with microscopic sutures. This surgeon-led approach ensures the lift is tension-free, preventing the "pulled" look associated with less advanced techniques.
The primary benefit of a Lip Lift is its permanence. Because it is a structural change, the results do not fade like fillers.
Additionally, it creates a more "vertical" lift rather than horizontal projection, avoiding the overfilled look. It restores the "Cupid’s Bow" and gives the face a refreshed, feminine, or more defined appearance that looks entirely natural.
The ideal candidate is someone who feels their upper lip is too thin or that the space between their nose and lip is disproportionately long. It is also an excellent option for patients whose upper teeth are completely hidden when they speak or smile. During your consultation, Dr. De La Cruz will evaluate your facial anatomy and skin elasticity to ensure a Lip Lift will provide the balanced, aesthetic result you desire.
Recovery from a Lip Lift is relatively swift. You can expect some swelling and minor bruising for the first few days, which can be managed with cold compresses. Most patients feel comfortable returning to social activities within a week once the microscopic sutures are removed. We provide a comprehensive aftercare plan to ensure the incision heals into a faint, barely visible scar, allowing your results to take center stage.
As the swelling subsides over the first 2–4 weeks, your new lip contour will emerge. The result is a more prominent, lifted, and youthful mouth that enhances your overall facial structure. Because Dr. De La Cruz prioritizes proportionality, your results will look like the best version of you—never "operated on," just elegantly rejuvenated.
Precision is paramount in facial surgery. Choosing a double board-certified surgeon like Dr. Emmanuel De La Cruz ensures that your Lip Lift is performed with an expert understanding of facial nerves and musculature. At De La Cruz Plastic Surgery, we combine technical mastery with a commitment to a patient experience, ensuring your journey to a more confident smile is as seamless as the results themselves.
Dr. De La Cruz places the incision in the natural shadow and crease at the base of the nose. Once healed, the scar is typically so fine that it is undetectable to the naked eye.
Fillers add volume but can sometimes weigh the lip down. A Lip Lift physically shortens the distance between the nose and lip, pulling the lip upward to reveal more of the "pink" part permanently.
Yes. While many no longer need them, fillers can still be used to add further plumpness or refine the lip's shape once the surgical lift has fully healed.
Because the area is thoroughly numbed with local anesthesia, patients generally report very little to no pain during the procedure and only mild tightness during the first few days of recovery.
