Am I good candidate for a surgical (bullhorn) lip lift and what are the risks?

Question

I love Botox lip flips but they don't last long enough at all. Am I a good candidate for a bullhorn lip lift?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, it appears you would be a very good candidate for a lip lift. The bullhorn lift uses a single small incision at the base of the nose, which typically heals very well and leaves little visible scarring behind. The procedure will shorten the philtrum, extend mucosal show and add a bit of fullness to the upper lip. Make sure you work with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon to ensure the best possible result.

Gary Linkov, MD · Answer

There are surgical and non-surgical approaches to lip augmentation. Non-surgical approaches include botox (slight lift, reducing gum show) and filler (volume restoration). Surgically, you can have two separate incisions under the nose (italian), one incision under the nose (bull horn), one incision at the red/white upper lip junction (gull wing) or two separate incision at the corners, or a combination, depending on your desired look and anatomy. My preferred surgical technique is called the Elelyft, which is a version of the bullhorn approach. 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.

In your situation, though the distance between your lip and nose is not too long, I would advise a conservative excision. Please see the link below for a list of risks.

Consult with an experienced lip surgeon for a complete range of options that are appropriate for your situation.

Gary Linkov, MD 
Lip Specialist / RealSelf Lip Lift Medical Reviewer 
Manhattan

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

lip lift, it can help in many instances but filelrs can give you a nice outcome too.

lip fillers and lift will not help the corners of your mouth, that needs botox, threads or a lip corner lift.  I would use daily hydration and plumping (lip essentials kit see link).  everyone can do a little filler when done well really gives nice hydration and plumping.  Best, Dr. Emer.

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.  Depending on what your goals are, this may be create the result you are looking for.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Lip lift-M type or Bullhorn? I have done the M type for 46 years and this has no scarring issues externally like the sBullhorn type. Remember if you get an alar scar it will be there forever and usually cannot be improved.

Am I good candidate for a surgical (bullhorn) lip lift and what are the risks?

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Am I good candidate for a surgical (bullhorn) lip lift and what are the risks?

Answers (9)

Answer: Lip lift

Answer: Lip lift

Answer: Lip lift-M type or Bullhorn?

Answer: Lip lift-M type or Bullhorn?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lip Lift

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