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Lip Lift
in Houston, TX
If you would like to improve your smile, enhance the look of your lips, and decrease the distance between your upper lips and your nose, a Lip Lift with facial plastic surgery specialist, Dr. Sean Delaney is a great option. A lip lift can boost the prominence of the vermillion border and reshape the cosmetic appearance of your lips for improved facial harmony and a more sensual look.
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What Is A Lip Lift?
A lip lift is a subtle surgical elevation of the upper lip accomplished through various techniques. In general, a lip lift involves removing skin to decrease the distance between the top lip’s edge, also known as the “philtral distance.” This shortening exposes more of the pink lip, creating a fuller appearance without the need for injections. Dr. Delaney customizes every Lip Lift to fit the goal and unique facial structure of every patient.
Lip lifts are popular among the younger Millennial and Gen Z patients with genetic predisposition for an increased distance between the upper lip and bottom of the nose. However, as we age, the skin around our lips and cheeks becomes more lax leading to a “long lip.” This refers to the elongated appearance of the upper lip that happens as looser skin begins to pull the lips downward resulting in a thinner appearance.
After you receive Local Anesthesia to numb the area excess skin is removed to shorten its vertical length, which can be accomplished by making an incision under the nose. After the excess skin has been taken out, the incision is closed with sutures placed underneath the skin and removed by Dr. Delaney about 7-14 days after your procedure. Care is taken to remove enough skin to see an improvement, but not too much to make your top front teeth show when your lips are relaxed. Because of where incisions are made with a Lip Lift the incisions are often hidden along the natural folds of the lower part of the nose, making them nearly invisible. There is also minimal downtime following a lip lift, making it a convenient option for busy men and women looking to return to their daily lives quickly.
View Before & After Photos
View More PhotosAm I a good candidate for Lip Lift Surgery?
Some patients believe they have a “long lip” that changes their facial harmony because the distance from the top of their lip to the bottom of their nose is too long. This appearance can be a genetic trait, from the aging process, or for some the use of lip fillers of time have weighed down and expended the lip. As a general rule of thumb, the ideal distance between the two areas, called the “philtral distance” ranges from 10mm to 17mm depending on multiple factors, including the height and overall facial structure of every patient. No two patients are the same, so Dr. Delaney designs his surgical treatment plan specific to every patient based on their proportions to achieve the most optimal outcome.
Patients for this procedure should also be healthy, positive thinking patients of every ethnicity without medical conditions that might be affected by Lip Lift Surgery. Dr. Delaney does not operate on patients who smoke, chew tobacco, vape or take illicit drugs prior to or at the time of surgery, as these activities have a detrimental effect to the healing process.
Why should I select Dr. Delaney for my Lip Lift surgery?
What sets apart double-board certified, facial plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Delaney apart from other Houston plastic surgeons can be described in the superior combination of his unparalleled training, advanced surgical techniques, artistic perspective, and devotion to the highest level of patient care throughout your aesthetic journey. He has also published extensively on advanced facial plastic surgery techniques, including numerous scientific journal articles and textbook chapters with Dr. Russell Kridel. Dr. Delaney has been named a Texas Rising Star in plastic surgery.
When you get a Lip Lift with Dr. Delaney, you have the peace of mind of knowing that an experienced and well-respected facial plastic specialist is overseeing your care from start to finish.
What can I expect from
a Lip Lift Consultation at FPSA?
Our Lip Lift consultations are comprehensive, you can expect to be with us for an hour or so. When you first arrive, a Team FPSA member will take your photograph at multiple angles and will also review your medical history and patient information forms with you.
During your Lip Lift consultation, Dr. Delaney will ask you what bothers you about your lips and your overall facial features and what you would like to see changed. You will have the opportunity to share all your questions and concerns with Dr. Delaney during your consultation. In addition, one of our patient concierges will accompany you every step of the way as your guide throughout your consultation. Your concierge will review before and after photos, educational materials, provide you with an estimate for your individualized treatment plan, and answer questions you may have prior to booking your surgery.
What is a Lip lift
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What can I expect right after Lip Lift Surgery?
Right after surgery your lips may swell. The swelling dissipates over 5-7 days , however, many patients choose to wear a mask for the first few days when going out in public.
You will be seen the very next day in our office for your first post-operative visit. You should sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated for the first week after surgery. You will want to eat foods that are soft and require minimal chewing for a week.
Our patients often comment that the overall discomfort is far less than they expected. Most patients feel very little pain immediately after surgery but may experience some discomfort later in the evening or the next day or so. We have found that most patients can manage discomfort levels with Tylenol, but we can also prescribe medication for pain management.
Dr. Delaney will monitor the healing during your post-operative visits. Some of the sutures used during surgery will be removed at day 7 and the remaining around day 10.
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How long is the recovery time for Lip Lift Surgery?
Because the incision closures under the nose can be easily seen initially and the swelling of the lip is significant, we recommend that you take time off of work for one to two weeks, particularly if you want to keep the surgery to yourself. Approximately two months after surgery, most swelling from a lip lift should have faded, revealing a more defined, youthful shape with natural-looking enhancement.
Dr. Delaney and the FPSA Team will be with you every step of the way during your journey. We will see you multiple times over the first couple of weeks, and also at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. Our high standard of patient care, including follow-up care, is unparalleled in Houston.
Can I combine Lip Lift with other procedures?
Many patients like to take advantage of the opportunity to have just one recovery period and pair up both surgical and non-surgical procedures. Patients often combine Lip Lift with injectables in other areas of the face or with IPL, Morpheus8, or FaceTite. Some patients combine Lip Lift with other surgical procedures such as Chin Implant Augmentation or Central Neck Lift.
How long does a Lip Lift Last?
Lip Lift is a permanent solution for patients desiring longer-lasting results than what is typically provided by injectable fillers. However, it is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle following surgery and avoid smoking, vaping, and sun damage.
Keeping your lips moisturized is another important element of long-term care. Use a gentle, hydrating lip balm or a prescribed ointment to prevent dryness and cracking. This helps maintain the results of the surgery and enhances the natural shape and fullness of your lips.
Day Of Surgery
What do I need to do before surgery?
It is important to stop using hyaluronic lip filler at least one year prior to having Lip Lift Surgery or have lip filler dissolved at least 3 weeks prior to surgery. If you have a permanent implant in your upper lip, Dr. Delaney does not recommend Lip Lift surgery.
With any surgical procedure, it is necessary to avoid any medications or supplements that may thin the blood two weeks before and two weeks after your Lip Lift surgery. Our clinical staff will review instructions relating to medications and supplements at your pre-operative appointment.
We recommend that patients avoid alcohol for two weeks prior to and after your surgery. You should maintain a healthy diet and avoid salt, fatty foods and processed sugar. Some patients eat pineapple for the anti-inflammatory effect of its naturally occurring Bromelain. We recommend taking Arnica, Bromelain, and Vitamin C supplements 5 days before the surgery and 1 week following surgery. It is also very important to avoid significant sun exposure. Dr. Delaney does not operate on patients who smoke, chew tobacco, vape or take illicit drugs prior to or at the time of surgery, as these activities have a detrimental effect to the healing process.
What happens on the day of surgery?
A Lip Lift is an out-patient procedure that usually takes about an hour and is done in our fully accredited surgical suite under Local Anesthesia.
On the day of your Lip Lift, Dr. Delaney will give you local anesthesia to numb the area. You’re awake during the lip lift procedure but won’t feel any pain. If you’re having another cosmetic surgery at the same time, like a facelift or chin implant augmentation, you will have IV Sedation.
If you are having Local Anesthesia, you may have a light breakfast. If you are having IV Sedation Anesthesia, you should have nothing to eat or drink (not even water, candy, or gum) after midnight the night before your procedure. Patients should arrive approximately 1.5 hours prior to the start time on the day of surgery. You should wear a button-up top or loose-fitting clothing to allow you to change easily without placing unnecessary pressure or stress on the nasal area. You will need an adult driver on the day of your surgery to bring you to our office and to pick you up following surgery.
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Pre-Operative
When is my pre-operative appointment?
Your pre-op appointment will take place two to three weeks before your surgery. We strive to make this appointment as stress free as possible. At this appointment, you will receive pre-operative and post-operative instructions, review and sign consents, take pre-operative photos, and make final payment. You will also receive the list of your prescriptions. Most of our patients find that using our Capsule Pharmacy service in advance of the pre-op is quite convenient because all prescriptions will be delivered to our office and ready for you at the pre-op appointment.
At this appointment, patients also like to select skincare products appropriate for pre-operative and post-operative skin health and optimal healing.
What is the difference between Lip Fillers and Lip Lift?
Deciding between Lip Lift and Lip Fillers depends on your desired outcome. Lip Fillers are injections that plump your lips, adding volume. They’re ideal for those wanting fuller lips without a lasting, dramatic change. Lip lifts, on the other hand, are surgical procedures that shorten the space between your nose and upper lip. This makes the pink part of your lip more visible and can be a better option for those with a long upper lip and want a more permanent change.
What is the difference between a Lip Lift and a Lip Flip?
A Lip Flip is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that involves the injection of Botox into the upper lip. The Botox relaxes the muscles around the upper lip, causing the lip to flip slightly outward, creating the appearance of a fuller lip. This procedure is particularly effective for individuals who want a subtle enhancement rather than the more pronounced results achieved with dermal fillers.
Does insurance cover surgery?
Insurance does not cover Lip Lift surgery because it is an elective, cosmetic procedure.
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Fully Accredited
On-Site Surgical Facility
Dr, Sean Delaney, Dr. Russell Kridel and Team FPSA provide patients with an exceptional surgical experience at our AAAHC accredited on-site operating facility. Our patients enjoy the comfort, ease and convenience of having surgical and medical aesthetic procedures in our beautiful practice environment. Facial Plastic Surgery Associates’ operating room has been certified by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Accreditation by this highly regarded, independent organization ensures that our in-office operating room meets the highest quality of standards and safety. This accreditation is similar to the process completed for out-patient surgical facilities associated with hospital systems.
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