Is a Lip Lift Painful?

Lip lifts are performed under twilight sedation and local anesthesia so that you will be peacefully resting throughout your session. Afterward, you can use over-the-counter pain medications and ice packs to help alleviate any mild soreness or discomfort.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Unlike dermal fillers, which require a return visit every 6-12 months to redo the procedure, a lip lift provides lasting changes after a single session.

How Long Until I See Results?

Mild swelling can initially obscure your results, but as it fades, you will gradually begin to see a fuller-looking upper lip appearance. Your full and final result will become evident within 3-6 months.

Can I Combine a Lip Lift With Other Procedures?

Yes! Dr. Sato is happy to explore cosmetic procedure combinations with you during your private consultation in Houston, TX, as this can lead to more comprehensive and age-defying changes. A lip lift can be paired with a facelift or facial fat grafting as desired.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Lip Lift?

Although a lip lift is a relatively minor surgery, there are still some risks to be aware of. These are greatly reduced by choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Erika Sato in Houston, TX. Risks with a lip lift include: Infection Scarring Bruising Bleeding Poor reactions to anesthesia Nerve damage Asymmetry

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Lip Lift

Introduction to Lip Lift

With the aging process, the area between the base of the nose and the upper lip (philtrum) can elongate, flattening the smile. A surgical lip lift can gently elevate the upper lip, revealing more of its pink portion while enhancing tooth show. A lip lift is an excellent alternative to lip fillers and implants for patients who desire a highly natural-looking lip augmentation outcome. Dr. Erika Sato, a precision-oriented board-certified plastic surgeon, is dedicated to providing patients with seamless care and superior cosmetic results at her AAAASF-certified in Houston, TX.

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What is a Lip Lift?

A lip lift is a minor surgical procedure that can help attain a fuller, more sultry upper lip appearance without the use of lip fillers or implants. During surgery, a small piece of skin is removed from the area at the base of the nose. The upper lip is drawn upward by shortening the philtrum, revealing more of its feminine pink color and allowing for a slight show of the teeth. The procedure is ideal for patients who have noticed a flattened, depleted upper lip as the result of the natural aging process.

A woman with long blonde hair touches her lips softly, gazing at her reflection in a mirror, in a softly lit, intimate setting - Lip Lift in Houston, TX

What Are the Benefits of a Lip Lift?

A lip lift in Houston, TX, comes with several impressive advantages:

Improved lip contours
Increased upper lip volume
A more alluring, attractive smile
Elevated corners of the mouth
Enhanced definition in the Cupid’s bow
Improved symmetry
Increased tooth show
Smoothed lip lines
Minimal downtime
Minimal scarring
Long-lasting results
An excellent alternative to dermal fillers
A boost in self-confidence
A more youthful-looking, inviting appearance

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Lip Lift?

If you feel that your upper lip and your nose are too far apart or the philtrum has elongated due to aging, you may be an excellent candidate for a lip lift with Dr. Sato in Houston, TX. The procedure is a viable way to combat thinness and deflation in the upper lip without injecting foreign substances into the body. Dr. Sato will meet with you for a private consultation to assess whether your lip augmentation goals are best served through a lip lift or other cosmetic procedure.

Let’s Get Started

What’s the first step?

During your private lip lift consultation with Dr. Sato in Houston, TX, she will discuss your goals for creating a more attractive, youthful smile while preserving your individuality and unique assets. Dr. Sato will take all the time necessary to carefully answer your questions and ensure you have realistic expectations regarding what a lip lift can accomplish. She will go over your medical history, reviewing any allergies, pre-existing conditions, past surgeries, and current medications and supplements. This will aid her in minimizing the risk of complications and ensure that your lip lift will be safe and successful.

What to Expect on the Day of Lip Lift Surgery

Dr. Sato can utilize several different techniques to perform your lip lift procedure. Your choice will depend on your unique wishes and goals.

Bullhorn lip lift – A small incision is created along the base of the nose through which your surgeon will excise skin and tissue to resize the philtrum, resulting in a fuller and more youthful-looking upper lip aesthetic.
Corner lip lift – This procedure can correct downturned corners of the mouth, which tend to project a sad or dejected facial expression. Incisions are created at the corner of the lips, through which the tissue and skin are lifted and repositioned.
Lip advancement – A small incision is created in the middle of the upper lip, allowing the lip tissue to advance forward and thus appear fuller.

Lip lifts usually take several hours to complete and are performed under twilight sedation with local anesthesia. Changes are considered long-lasting.

Lip Lift Recovery

The healing process after a lip lift can take several weeks to complete. Minor swelling, bruising, and tenderness are common after the procedure, but these symptoms will fade within a few days. Dr. Sato will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions that you should follow in the letter. These will go over how to clean your lips, apply ointments, and minimize the risk of infection. You will need to postpone strenuous exercise at first in order to avoid disturbing your incisions. You will also be advised to eat softer foods, avoid pursing the lips, and stay away from alcohol in the first week after your procedure.

How Much Does a Lip Lift Cost in Houston, TX?

The cost of a lip lift in Houston depends on several factors, such as the techniques utilized, the type of anesthesia employed, and the extent of the changes desired. After examining you during your private consultation, Dr. Sato will ensure you clearly understand the costs of a lip lift.

Why Choose Dr. Sato?

Dr. Erika Sato is a highly experienced and respected board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston, TX, who performs the full range of age-defying cosmetic procedures for the face, breasts, and body. Using today’s most advanced techniques, she delivers concierge care and elegant, nuanced outcomes.

Dr. Sato is proud to be a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the Texas Medical Association (TMA), and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). Her immaculate facility houses two AAAASF-certified operating rooms and is located next door to the Memorial Houston Surgery Center, providing a stress-free and convenient patient experience from start to finish.

Throughout Dr. Sato’s esteemed career, countless organizations and publications have recognized her for excellence. From 2022 to 2024, Dr. Sato was the recipient of the Texas Super Doctors award in Texas Monthly, and in 2021 and 2023, Newsweek selected Dr. Sato as one of America’s “Best Plastic Surgeons.” She was also honored as a Top Doctor by TX Top Doc and was the Houston Chronicle’s choice for Best Plastic Surgeon in Houston. In addition, Dr. Sato appeared on Bravo’s Married to Medicine Houston as a cast member.

Lip Lift FAQ’S

Although a lip lift is a relatively minor surgery, there are still some risks to be aware of. These are greatly reduced by choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Erika Sato in Houston, TX. Risks with a lip lift include:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Poor reactions to anesthesia
- Nerve damage
- Asymmetry

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Patient Reviews

“absolutely hands down the best”

Dr.Sato is absolutely hands down the best . I had my lips done previously the year before by someone else and Dr.Sato fixed them ! She made my lips look amazing ! Dr.Sato has the most gentle touch and I had the best experience !

— Malaeh Sanchez

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If you are interested in learning more about how lip lift surgery can augment your smile and provide a more feminine pout, contact Dr. Erika Sato in Houston, Texas, today to set up a private and informative consultation!

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