Preparing for Direct Lip Lift (photo)

I see no reason why you could not have a bullhorn lip lift. You may want to add volume to your lips afterward. The scar from a direct excision would be acceptable but it is not as commonly done.

Hello, hope you are well. Based on your photos, I think you would be much better off with a conventional subnasal "bullhorn" lip lift rather than a direct lip lift. The scarring will be substantially less visible. You also have atrophic lips and would benefit from augmentation.

Best,
Dr. Tower

You can have a subnasal lip lift as long as you’re aware of the potential visibility of the scar. Your case is complicated for several reasons, one being the difficulty in hiding the scar. But you’re right in saying that lip fillers didn’t look good. They won’t look good. And not sure if there’s a better option here. Direct lip lifts at the vermillion border have their own issues. So, I have managed this type of lip lift with multiple stages, scar injections, and CO2 laser thereafter, to great satisfaction. Nevertheless, I don’t take everyone for this type of case.

Consult an expert for an evaluation. Let me know if you want more details. Hope this helps!

Under no circumstances would I recommend a direct lip lift. Scars at the white line can lead to irreversible damage and distortion. You are an excellent candidate for a lip lift. However, I do not recommend a bullhorn lip lift. The technique I recommend an extensions laterally. The value of a lateral extension is that is will pull up the corners more than centrally. The extended lip lift does 4 things: shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip, increases the mucosa of the upper lip, increases the incisor show and pulls up the corners. This takes about 1 hour to perform under local anesthesia and costs $4,000.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Lip implants are easy to put in and are easy to remove. They are permanent and look very natural without the ugly scars of direct lip surgeries. Lip implants can really get rid of most of the creases around the mouth as well as give volume.

When preparing for follow-up consultations regarding a direct lip lift, it's important to have a comprehensive list of questions to ensure you fully understand the procedure and its implications. Here are some questions you might consider asking:

Surgeon's Experience and Expertise:
How many direct lip lift procedures have you performed?
Can you show me before and after photos of your previous patients who have undergone this procedure?

Procedure Details:
Can you explain the surgical technique you will use for my lip lift?
How long will the procedure take?

Risks and Complications:
What are the potential risks and complications associated with a direct lip lift?
How do you handle complications if they arise?

Recovery Process:
What should I expect during the recovery period?
Are there specific care instructions I should follow post-surgery?
How long will swelling and bruising last?

Results and Expectations:
How long before I see the final results?
What is the expected longevity of the results?

Scarring and Aesthetics:
What will the scars look like, and how noticeable will they be?
Are there treatments available to minimize scarring?
Cost and Financial Considerations:

What is the total cost of the procedure, including any follow-up visits?
Do you offer payment plans or financing options?

Personalized Recommendations:
Are there any specific preparations I should make before the surgery?
Given my specific anatomy and concerns, why do you recommend this procedure over others?
Having these questions prepared can help you make an informed decision and ensure you feel confident and comfortable with your chosen surgeon and the procedure.