Bullhorn lip lift: is it worth the scar?

Question

I am very keen on getting a lip lift because I can't see my upper teeth when I smile and Ive always hated that and sometimes avoid smiling. but I'm quite hesitant (not only because of the ridiculous cost of the surgery and having to travel from asia to the US) but I'm also afraid of the scarring. I've had a nose job 4 years ago that included alarplasty so I already have a little bit of "raised" scarring on the side of my nostril (but thankfully not too obvious). I need your opinion doc's! Thanks

Jill Hessler, MD · Answer

The incisions from a lip lift scar can be hidden in the natural shadows and lines of the face.  Things that can optimize the scar include meticulous closure by your surgeon, keeping the incision clean and ointment applied during the healing phase while sutures are in place.  After sutures are removed using sunscreen and topical silicone can be helpful to minimize any visibility of your lip lift incision.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello silversadeLip lifts are minor surgical procedures that actually shorten the distance between the nose and upper lip and allow more of your central upper teeth to show both at rest and when you smile. This has sometimes been called the Bullhorn procedure because of the shape. The incision at the base of the nose, just within the nostrils, tucks the muscle and shortens the skin providing a youthful upper lip in less than an hour under local anaesthetic. Incision treatments with laser, microneedling, and topical creams are available as you heal to provide the best result possible

Miguel Mascaro, MD · Answer

Great question! you are not alone, I promise you! To be honest with you, about 80% of what determines scarring happens during the procedure, and the last 20% happens afterwards.  So having a good protocol as well as educating the patients as to what to do, what to avoid, etc I find is extremely important.  I find that for most people the incision heals up very well within a few weeks, but others can take a little bit longer.  It also depends on what you are looking to accomplish.  I find that when there has been a previous alarplasty it can either help or hurt - its 50/50.  The reason being that it depends on where they designed the incision to be hidden. Believe it or not, a mm or 2mm makes a huge difference and affects where we hide the little incision (at least for me anyway).  I hope some of this helps! Best of luck.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

We as plastic surgeons try very hard to hide the scars.  I haven't had to revise any lip lift scars thus far.  Good scar management is important for healing.

Bullhorn lip lift: is it worth the scar?

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Answer: Bullhorn lip lift: is it worth the scar

Answer: Bullhorn lip lift: is it worth the scar

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Everything you need to know about Lip Lift

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Bullhorn lip lift: is it worth the scar?

Answers (4)

Answer: Bullhorn lip lift: is it worth the scar

Answer: Bullhorn lip lift: is it worth the scar

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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.