Face
Lip Lift Surgery in Austin, TX | Subnasal Bullhorn
Add permanent fullness and definition to your upper lip with a lip lift in Austin. Subtle, long-lasting results without filler. Board-certified surgeon. Book a consult.
Recovery Time
Discussed at consultation
Surgeon
Dr. Rocco Piazza II, ABPS
Location
Austin, TX
Financing
Cherry, CareCredit & PatientFi →Overview
What Is a Lip Lift?
Thin lips — whether caused by genetics or the natural effects of aging — can leave the upper lip looking less defined and reduce how much tooth shows when you smile. At The Piazza Center in Austin, Texas, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rocco Piazza performs the subnasal bullhorn lip lift, a precise technique that shortens the space between the base of the nose and the upper lip. The goal is a better-balanced, more proportioned upper lip — not added volume, but the visual effect of it, achieved by removing a small amount of skin above the lip rather than injecting filler.
Because the results hinge on such fine, precise proportions, a lip lift is only as good as the surgeon performing it. It takes in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy and rigorous surgical training to make the meticulous, subtle changes needed for symmetrical, harmonious lips.
At a Glance
Everything You Need to Know
The Technique
A subnasal bullhorn lip lift shortens the philtrum — the space between the base of the nose and the top of the upper lip — adding visible surface area to the lip without any injected volume.
A Permanent Alternative
Unlike lip fillers, results are permanent. Commonly considered by patients with a long upper lip, little tooth show when smiling, a top lip that has folded inward with age, or asymmetry.
Recovery Snapshot
Most patients rest 7–10 days, with stitches typically removed around one week. Swelling settles and final results appear within 2–4 weeks.
Why Choose a Lip Lift
The benefits,
in one refined procedure.
A lip lift enhances the shape and position of the upper lip, offering a youthful, refined appearance without the upkeep of repeat filler appointments.
- 01
Youthful Lift
Creates a more youthful, lifted appearance of the upper lip.
- 02
More Tooth Show
Enhances natural lip shape and improves tooth show when smiling.
- 03
Permanent Results
Offers a permanent alternative to lip fillers.
- 04
Facial Balance
Improves overall facial balance and harmony.
- 05
Better Proportion
Shortens an elongated upper lip for a more attractive profile.
Show your smile
with confidence.
A lip lift doesn’t just reshape the upper lip — it can improve how much tooth shows when you smile, and it improves overall facial balance and harmony. For many patients, that’s the detail that makes a smile feel finished.
Lip Lift &
Dermal Fillers.
A lip lift permanently reshapes and better proportions the upper lip, but it doesn’t add plumpness. For patients who’d also like more volume, dermal fillers can be judiciously applied after healing to achieve a fuller, picture-perfect look.
- Permanent Reshaping
- Optional Added Volume
The Process
Will a Lip Lift Work for Me?
The only way to know for certain if a lip lift with The Piazza Center will help you achieve your cosmetic goals is an in-depth consultation with one of our board-certified surgeons. They’ll listen with patience and empathy as you describe your ideal look and share your concerns.
Next, your surgeon will review your medical history and carefully examine your face and lips. Once all the pertinent information is collected, they’ll assess whether a lip lift can help and, if so, walk you through the procedure and answer any questions you have.
Is a lip lift
right for you?
Patients typically pursue a lip lift when their top lip is very thin or barely visible, their lips look unbalanced or asymmetrical, they want a permanent solution instead of temporary fillers, or their top lip has folded inward with age. During your consultation, Dr. Piazza will assess whether it’s the right fit for your anatomy and goals.
Investment
Cost & financing.
Lip lift surgery is tailored to each patient’s facial structure and goals, so cost can vary. Dr. Piazza provides detailed pricing during your consultation, and flexible financing is available through Cherry, CareCredit®, and PatientFi.
What to Expect
Your recovery,
step by step.
- 01
First Few Days
Swelling and soreness are expected and managed with rest; a soft-food diet and sleeping with the head elevated are recommended.
- 02
Week 1–10 Days
Stitches are typically removed around one week. Most patients take 7–10 days off, though some resume light desk work after a few days.
- 03
2–4 Weeks
Swelling continues to subside and the incision line fades, revealing your final results.
Results
Your Lip Lift Results
Patients find a renewed sense of happiness with their look when they see their proportional, youthful pout. The top lip is more pronounced and complements the rest of the face for a more harmonious, attractive overall appearance.
Results are permanent, though natural aging continues. Dr. Piazza loves seeing how a lip lift helps patients Live Confidently.
Rocco C.
Piazza II
Dr. Rocco Piazza is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Austin, TX, specializing in facial rejuvenation procedures like the subnasal bullhorn lip lift — reshaping and proportioning the upper lip for natural, harmonious results. With a lifelong passion for aesthetic surgery, he is dedicated to helping each patient achieve their ideal look while promoting a holistic approach to overall health and wellness.
At The Piazza Center, Dr. Piazza prioritizes exceptional patient care and results, creating lasting relationships with his clients.
- Board Certified in Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
- M.D., Alpha Omega Alpha, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
- Recognized as a Top Doctor on RealSelf
- Recipient of the Doctor’s Choice Award for Plastic Surgery
- Published author with significant contributions to the field of plastic surgery literature
Rocco C. Piazza II — MD, FACS · Founder, The Piazza Center
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions.
Still have questions specific to your body and goals? Dr. Piazza addresses them one-on-one during your private consultation.
Schedule a Consultation →Lip lift surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure, so it is typically not covered by insurance. However, our team can provide detailed pricing and financing options during your consultation to help make the procedure more accessible.
Most patients experience initial swelling and minor discomfort for a few days, with stitches typically removed after about one week. Full recovery and final results are usually visible within 2 to 4 weeks, as swelling subsides and the incision line continues to fade.
Yes, a lip lift provides permanent results, although natural aging will continue. The procedure can offer long-term enhancement to lip shape and facial harmony without the need for repeated treatments like fillers.
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Schedule Your Consultation
with Dr. Piazza
Every patient deserves individualized care. Meet with Dr. Piazza to discuss your specific goals and develop a plan tailored to you.