What Sub-nasal Lip Lift Gives the Best Results?

Question

Which lip lift gives best results, the one where they cut under the nose and take out some skin, or the one where they use nylon threads with the incisions being in the nose and mouth? Can either of these techniques also lift the corners of the mouth? Thank you.

Gary Linkov, MD · Answer

Some surgeons will prefer to completely hide all incisions in the nose and mouth as you say for their lip lift. The problem is these techniques are not as long-lasting as the bullhorn incision at the nasolabial junction (between the nose and mouth). The corners of the mouth are best lifted with either filler for temporary results or a surgical corner lip lift. Hope that helps.
Gary Linkov, MD

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Good day! For your guidance, the subnasal bullhorn lift is a technical variant of the gull-wing lip lift. The sub-nasal lip lift or bull-horn lip lift involves the removal of either an ellipse or a curved-edge ellipse of tissue from under the nose. The skin then is raised, and sutured to lift the lip and expose more of the upper-lip vermilion. However, ask your doctor about corner lift that focuses on the outer edge of the upper lip to the corner. This procedure is used to raise the corner of the mouth and improves the look of despair. This is performed in the office under a local anaesthetic in less than an hour. It is best to find a board-certified plastic surgeon that has extensive experience with your case and discuss realistic goals and expectations. Best of luck! #RealSelf100

James M. Pearson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. The Lip Lift procedure is performed to accentuate the size and/or shape of the upper lip by removing skin from the region just underneath the nose. As the distance is decreased between the nose and the lip, the red lip is 'lifted'. In appropriate individuals, shortening this distance may impart or restore a more favorable balance to lips and face.
  
For the Sub-nasal Lip Lift, Incision sites are concealed in the natural creases between the nose and the upper lip. When carefully designed, meticulously performed and appropriately cared for, scars in this area can be subtle and inconspicuous.
  
A Corner Lip Lift may be employed to lift the corners of the mouth. 
  
The use of nylon or other permanent threads 'suspend' the lip is not considered a viable alternative to the Lip Lift procedure.

Jeffrey Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

My procedure of choice is the upper lip lift, which utilizes the incision made right under the nose which then heals as a virtually undetectable scar. To be quite frank, I have never heard of the application of these threads, but if their experience is anything like that from prior uses of the threads, then likely it is not a great way to go.

Ricardo L. Rodriguez, MD · Answer

I like the "Bullhorn" incision under the nose. The beauty of it is that it can reshape the cupid's bow line of the lip.
 
If you use deep nylon sutures that bear the load of the closure, you can avoid scarring issues. Scars occur when the tension is at the incision itself. If you unload the tension, the scar will do well.
 
I have tried the nylon threads, the problem is that it looks great static, but it restricts lip motion when you move the lips side to side. Some patients find this objectionable.
 
The corners of the mouth can be lifted by a procedure called the "DAO release", Botox to the depressor anguli oris muscle, or a corner lift.

What Sub-nasal Lip Lift Gives the Best Results?

Answers (7)