What are long-term outcomes for a bullhorn lip lift in a young patient?

Question

As a 25 year old woman, I have a long philtrum and could benefit from some lip eversion. However I am concerned with the scar widening over the decades. Is this a risk in a young patient seeking a moderate to substantial reduction in philtrum length? Thank you!

Ricardo L. Rodriguez, MD · Answer

The most quoted bad long term effects of lip lift are:lip lengthening over time after surgerythick scar, or scar that slides downdistortion of the nose (tip slides down or nostrils widen)All these problems are caused by the tension of the moving lip on the stable nose skin. As the lips movement pulls on the nose skin, it will distort the nose, have the scar migrate down, or the body will lay a lot of collagen on the scar to hold the wound together (thick scar). These are all preventable by using deep permanent sutures fixed to a stable base. In this case, in the middle we fix to the septum cartilage of the nose and laterally to the periosteum membrane that wraps the nasal bones. Check out the website below for more articles on Lip Lift.

Gary Linkov, MD · Answer

The ideal candidate for the Elelyft, or upper lip lift, is someone with a philtral length of 13mm or longer, no upper dental show, and/or a thin upper lip. The nasal base to mouth width ratio needs to be taken into consideration to avoid leaving the lip corners down. 
Postoperatively, after a lip lift, you can anticipate bruising and swelling that will be noticeable to you and others for about 1 week. After the sutures are removed or dissolve, depending on the type used, there will be redness along the incision line for 4-6 weeks but this can be covered with makeup after about 10 days. Sometimes the upper lip lift is overcorrected with the initial procedure and will slowly assume its final position over weeks to months. Once the area heals well, you do not need to worry about any worsening scar in the long run. Getting the area to heal well requires good surgical technique and great postop care. 
Consult with an experienced lip surgeon for a complete range of options that are appropriate for your situation.
Gary Linkov, MD
Lip Specialist
Manhattan

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Report
Lip lift to shorten the white part of the lip. This can be done and examinaion is needed to say how much to shorten.This is based on my 45 year experience with lip lifting. I have done the M type NOT the bullhorn which can leave an obvious scar around your nostril. Meet with an actual patient is the best way to evaluate a surgeon’s work. I have seen NO negative effects long term

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

I encourage you to really study a lot of photos of women who have had the bull horn lip lift. You will realize that many of them have a central disfigurement that distorts the shape of the lip and the face. These changes are irreversible. Caution is advised.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

A lip lift does 4 things: shortens the distance between your nose and upper lip, increases the mucosa of the upper lip, increases the incisor show and pulls up the corners.  The technique I use uses PDS sutures that last for approximately 6 months.  This results in the wound healing nicely before the sutures dissolve and the scar is minimal.          Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

What are long-term outcomes for a bullhorn lip lift in a young patient?

Answers (5)

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