Would a direct lip lift or a Bullhorn combined with corner lip lift deliver better results for me?

Question

Hi, Which lip lift treatment is suitable for me? I don’t like the corners of my mouth,. Outer part of the lips can be lifted without surgery so I can get away with only sub nasal lip lift? Botox or fillers can raise lateral lips so more red lip is shown? Thank you :)

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello !

Based on your pictures, it looks like you would be an excellent candidate for a 3D lip lift, a medialized corner lip lift and a lower V-Y (as the upper and lower lip need to be balanced).

Traditional lip lift methods, like soft tissue or skin-only treatments, have their drawbacks. They often focus on tightening the skin beneath the nose, which can cause more noticeable scars, change the shape of your nostrils  and provide short-lived results. Why? These methods struggle to counter the lip’s constant movements during the day. Moreover, too much tension on any surgical cut can lead to more visible scarring, no matter which part of the body it’s on.

This is where the Orbicularis Oris Suspension (OOS) method comes in. It addresses the limitations of the soft tissue technique, focusing the lifting forces on the sturdy, bone-covering tissue by the side of your nose. By incorporating this method into every 3-D upper lip lift, we reduce the risk of problematic scars as the pressure is shifted away from the skin to the tougher bone beneath. This results in less tension on the skin and a decreased chance of wide, thick, or dark scars, regardless of skin color.

Of course, an « in person » consultation is necessary. It is best to schedule a consultation with an expert in lip reshaping surgery.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

Hello, hope you are well. Based on the photos you provided, you would be a good candidate for a subnasal ("bullhorn") lip lift. With good surgical technique the scar is generally easily camouflaged, and inconspicuous when it heals. It is also an easier area to assist with scar modulation if needed after surgery. I would suggest this as a primary procedure, because it can address the lip asymmetry, excess verticality of the upper lip, and increase vermilion show centrally and laterally without violating the vermilion border (where the pink and white skin of the lips join). I favor an incision that does not violate the nasal sill because it can cause effacement of the nasal base when the labial skin is pulled into the nose--an unnatural appearance. A corner lip lift can be performed alongside the primary procedure, or staged if needed (that's a nuanced discussion that requires in-person examination). 
Cheers,Dr. Tower

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is my impression that lip lift would be appropriate procedure for you. It will shorten the distance between lip and nose, create more symmetric and larger lip. My suggestion would be incision that extends inside the nostril sill. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with good reputation in this procedure is recommended. Good luck.

Would a direct lip lift or a Bullhorn combined with corner lip lift deliver better results for me?

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Would a direct lip lift or a Bullhorn combined with corner lip lift deliver better results for me?

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Everything you need to know about Lip Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.