POSTED UNDER Lip Lift Reviews
Bullhorn Lip Lift; detailed and ongoing review of entire experience
UPDATED FROM May6385
So sorry I've been M.I.A., I've been...
May6385July 28, 2011
$1,700
So sorry I've been M.I.A., I've been dealing with some family/personal issues... I'm now 9 weeks post-op and much of the swelling has subsided. I'm still not happy with the columella but it has improved a bit and I'm just hoping that it will continue to do so. I've read that this procedure is often overcorrected initially as the skin relaxes quite a bit in the first 6 months. I just hope that mine will relax enough to improve the stretched down appearance of my columella. The distance between my lips and nose has held steady at 10mm which is only 1 mm shy of the "ideal" although at this point I'm not even concerned with the ideal, just a normal looking columella. I'm trying my best to stay patient and hopeful but sometimes it's so hard and I'm really struggling right now. I just want to feel happy with the result after all of this! The scar has improved and I'm massaging the area with a silicone based cream twice daily. I've posted a few new pictures and will go through the posts and answer any questions that I can. :)
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Replies (5)
July 28, 2011
sandy I agree you need artistic as well as technical ability.
A sign of too much vitamin C is mouth soreness. or ulcers in the mouth. C is great for detoxing, but don't overdo.
A sign of too much vitamin C is mouth soreness. or ulcers in the mouth. C is great for detoxing, but don't overdo.
July 28, 2011
Sandy, you can post a question in the section below to real board certified docs about your case. Post a photo of mouth and nose and chin.
July 28, 2011
Yes Sandy, Researcher Becky is right! If you have a question you are able to post it here and one of our Board Certified Doctors will provide some answers. Thanks Researcher!
-Britt
July 28, 2011
May, I really like your columella like this. I feel it looks more natural and makes the nose to lip ratio even smaller. Very Audrey Hepburn. Google a pic of Hepburn and check out her lips and columella. She's considered one of the most beautiful women who ever lived.
July 28, 2011
Hi Sandy in Texas,
I honestly think your lip will drop a bit more. I just don't think enough time has passed since your surgery to judge the final result. Although based on what you said your doctor said, you might have reason to worry. But you should know that after my procedure my mouth looked very strange. My lips had a geisha look to them where you can't see the corner of the mouth just the center portion. It was almost like the center part of my lips were ready to whistle or blow a kiss but the sides of my lips weren't cooperating, haha! Not sure if that makes sense. I've considered looking into a corner lip lift as well, but there seems to be a consensus that corner lip lifts leave visible scars and can leave your mouth feeling tight with difficulty smiling. That makes me nervous! As May said, your nose and mouth will be changing a lot in the next couple of weeks. It's been 9 weeks since I had my procedure and I'm just starting to feel somewhat normal. In fact, I feel like the tip of my nose is still swollen and the area where the incision is located is still somewhat numb. That tells me I'm still healing. As far as I know, my doctor did not touch my columella, he simply cut underneath it, but he did cut into my nasal sills to hide the scar. I haven't noticed any distortion to my columella, but I have noticed that because he cut into my nasal sills, it's making my nostrils appear bigger. I think it's due to the redness of the scar. Sometimes when I look at my nostrils they seem like two big, black holes and I freak out! But then there are some mornings when my scar isn't as red and on those days my nostrils look normal sized. I'm hoping that as the scar begins to fade my nostrils will begin to look normal again. I want to post my own review, but the camera on my blackberry is just not very good. May's pictures are great because they really show the scar. And speaking of May, I see what you mean about the columella seeming slightly lower, but I think it's due to swelling. I think her columella and yours will go back to normal. I'm not sure what your columella looks like, but as far as May's columella, I would have never noticed anything different about it. I think May looks great! And I bet you'll look great too, but you have to give it time. I know that's easier said than done. Now as for the distance between my nose and lip, I'm not sure if I'm measuring correctly, but I think that from the bottom of my columella to the top portion of the cupid's bow, the space is half an inch. I think I'm slightly over the ideal distance. I just hope my lip doesn't drop any further because then I'll be going back for a revision!!!
I honestly think your lip will drop a bit more. I just don't think enough time has passed since your surgery to judge the final result. Although based on what you said your doctor said, you might have reason to worry. But you should know that after my procedure my mouth looked very strange. My lips had a geisha look to them where you can't see the corner of the mouth just the center portion. It was almost like the center part of my lips were ready to whistle or blow a kiss but the sides of my lips weren't cooperating, haha! Not sure if that makes sense. I've considered looking into a corner lip lift as well, but there seems to be a consensus that corner lip lifts leave visible scars and can leave your mouth feeling tight with difficulty smiling. That makes me nervous! As May said, your nose and mouth will be changing a lot in the next couple of weeks. It's been 9 weeks since I had my procedure and I'm just starting to feel somewhat normal. In fact, I feel like the tip of my nose is still swollen and the area where the incision is located is still somewhat numb. That tells me I'm still healing. As far as I know, my doctor did not touch my columella, he simply cut underneath it, but he did cut into my nasal sills to hide the scar. I haven't noticed any distortion to my columella, but I have noticed that because he cut into my nasal sills, it's making my nostrils appear bigger. I think it's due to the redness of the scar. Sometimes when I look at my nostrils they seem like two big, black holes and I freak out! But then there are some mornings when my scar isn't as red and on those days my nostrils look normal sized. I'm hoping that as the scar begins to fade my nostrils will begin to look normal again. I want to post my own review, but the camera on my blackberry is just not very good. May's pictures are great because they really show the scar. And speaking of May, I see what you mean about the columella seeming slightly lower, but I think it's due to swelling. I think her columella and yours will go back to normal. I'm not sure what your columella looks like, but as far as May's columella, I would have never noticed anything different about it. I think May looks great! And I bet you'll look great too, but you have to give it time. I know that's easier said than done. Now as for the distance between my nose and lip, I'm not sure if I'm measuring correctly, but I think that from the bottom of my columella to the top portion of the cupid's bow, the space is half an inch. I think I'm slightly over the ideal distance. I just hope my lip doesn't drop any further because then I'll be going back for a revision!!!
July 28, 2011
Hey Kenya! So so happy to hear you're doing better and starting to feel more normal. Sounds like the distance is almost perfect! My nostrils are also a little wider, I think that some of that is due to the scar tissue inside the nostrils (my doctor hid the incisions inside the nose, yours also I think?) Massage is really supposed to help break down scar tissue, you're supposed to press on the scar until it turns white and massage the area twice a day usually with some sort of scar cream. I've read that the massage is actually the most effective part of using scar creams, not the creams themselves.(I've been using a silicone based gel for the past few weeks). This is a bit more difficult when you're dealing with scars inside the nose but give it a try. Use a latex glove so that you don't introduce bacteria, scoop some Aquafor or scar cream on your finger and massage the insides of your nostrils putting firm pressure on thick areas. At 9 weeks we don't have to worry about disrupting incisions and I think that this will really help to break down some of that scar tissue, I've felt a difference already (things are starting to feel more pliable) and I just started this sort of pressure massage about a week or so ago :)
July 29, 2011
Hi Kenya. That geisha girl look is a good discription so without knowing the final result, which I get it in my head I'm close to what is probably near my final look. For the last few days I've been calling it the Joker like Jack Nicholson Ha! Ha! May and I had a good laugh about that, but the geisha will do just as well. I'm happy to know someone outthere knows the look. I guess you diton't still look that way? I get up everymorning hoping the geisha, or the joker left during the night but no such luck.
what a joke, but I really do think every woman needs a top lip, and this is a worthy operation. Seems like the Dr's would tell you a little more about the freaky ways you could instead of just letting you think whatever your imagination might run wilds with.
All you can do is laugh to keep from crying. After your entry maybe I'll sleep tonight , but probably not. when you get time tell me when the geisha left. I really need to hear your description. THANK YOU> I am sure the rest of the girls need to hear this one too. It just boils down to it appears that a really big cupids bow is all there is to the lip instead of the lip being somewhat straight across with a slight curve like normal lips. this is the best site, as no doctors office is going to listen to all of this crap, they just tell you you will be fine. I did notice none of the girls in my doctors office had a lip lift so how would they even know what you are talking about. I even gone as far a putting concealer over the top of my cupids bow about one eight on an inch. well I could get real silly about this. Thanks again for the geisha entry. Sandy
what a joke, but I really do think every woman needs a top lip, and this is a worthy operation. Seems like the Dr's would tell you a little more about the freaky ways you could instead of just letting you think whatever your imagination might run wilds with.
All you can do is laugh to keep from crying. After your entry maybe I'll sleep tonight , but probably not. when you get time tell me when the geisha left. I really need to hear your description. THANK YOU> I am sure the rest of the girls need to hear this one too. It just boils down to it appears that a really big cupids bow is all there is to the lip instead of the lip being somewhat straight across with a slight curve like normal lips. this is the best site, as no doctors office is going to listen to all of this crap, they just tell you you will be fine. I did notice none of the girls in my doctors office had a lip lift so how would they even know what you are talking about. I even gone as far a putting concealer over the top of my cupids bow about one eight on an inch. well I could get real silly about this. Thanks again for the geisha entry. Sandy
July 29, 2011
Kenya, just a short note, I think! Like I wrote to May we'll have these new girl's that haven't gotten their lift yet so confused, as they probably think they will be ready to roll in a week or so. Now its really two months. The girl on love that face looked fine after a week. I hope we are being helpful, or maybe we are going to put the lip lift out of buisness. I hope not. You know that nasty entry that lady wrote about, didn't we have anything better to do then worry about lips and we all jumped on her. She really didn't know how right she is as I think most of us are house bound. My doctor put liquid skin on my incision. I went to the store today , Way across town, looked in the mirror before I went in I actually look like I have a rubber band holding my nose on as this liquid skin is raised and right under the columella. I didn't really know what it looked like until I got in the sun where I could really see. I am actually laughing as I am writing you this. Bye! Sandy
August 1, 2011
Hi Sandy,
Sorry it's taken me so long to respond. I'm in the process of moving. Before the lip lift, my lips sort of naturally turned in on the sides and they were fuller in the middle. Overall, I would say I had thin, flat lips. I think this type of lip tends to result in the geisha look with a lip lift. The reason being that with a lip lift, most of the lift is done in the middle of the lip and not on the sides. When the middle is lifted, it makes the sides appear more flat resulting in the geisha/joker look. I'm on week 10 and my upper lip has flattened out a lot more (thank goodness!). The extreme geisha look is gone, but my lip is still a bit geisha looking. Initially, I was mortified because it was very joker like as you mentioned is your case. But it's definitely starting to settle and I'm no longer self-conscious about it. You know, I think what also causes that geisha look is the fact that the nose tip is swollen. For the longest time, my nose looked sort of like one of those Who characters from Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas movie. My nose looked high on my face, wide, and upturned. As the tip of my nose settles down so does my lip. At two months I still looked awful and I definitely didn't want to go out in public because my scar was so bad. In fact, while my scar is a lot better, you can still see it even with makeup on and you can especially see it in the sun. I think it's going to be a while before you feel okay to go out in public. In my case, while my scar looks a lot better than before, I'm still self conscious about being seen in public. I sort of look like I'm in the process of recovering from a bad cold and now the area beneath my nose is raw from blowing it. I can tell you with certainty that you are no where near your final look. You have to be patient, which I know is very difficult. At two months I was anxious to feel healed, but it just wasn't the case. I still find that with every week that passes my lip gets better and my nose less swollen. For me it's sort of a trade off. I didn't have nice lips to begin with and a lot of space between my nose and my upper lip. Now I still don't have what I would consider nice lips, but I have less space between my nose and my upper lip. In othe words, I wouldn't say the shape of my lips improved, but it didn't get worse either. I was looking to improve the space between my nose and my lips not the shape of my lips so I guess I don't feel disappointed. Also, now that my upper lip isn't so flat, I feel that fillers will have a better and longer lasting result. In short, try not to stress out. Even if it doesn't feel like it, it's still early in the healing process for you. Trust me, I was in your place. I felt horrible, but thanks to May's reassuring words I was able to get through it. I'm so grateful for May's post and for this forum. You are not alone! And it will get better, maybe not perfect as we all would like, but better. As for the girl on love that face, I just can't see how she would look so normal after only a week. I can't help feeling like the website is being a little misleading. I would at least expect some swelling so soon after. Hmm...
Sorry it's taken me so long to respond. I'm in the process of moving. Before the lip lift, my lips sort of naturally turned in on the sides and they were fuller in the middle. Overall, I would say I had thin, flat lips. I think this type of lip tends to result in the geisha look with a lip lift. The reason being that with a lip lift, most of the lift is done in the middle of the lip and not on the sides. When the middle is lifted, it makes the sides appear more flat resulting in the geisha/joker look. I'm on week 10 and my upper lip has flattened out a lot more (thank goodness!). The extreme geisha look is gone, but my lip is still a bit geisha looking. Initially, I was mortified because it was very joker like as you mentioned is your case. But it's definitely starting to settle and I'm no longer self-conscious about it. You know, I think what also causes that geisha look is the fact that the nose tip is swollen. For the longest time, my nose looked sort of like one of those Who characters from Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas movie. My nose looked high on my face, wide, and upturned. As the tip of my nose settles down so does my lip. At two months I still looked awful and I definitely didn't want to go out in public because my scar was so bad. In fact, while my scar is a lot better, you can still see it even with makeup on and you can especially see it in the sun. I think it's going to be a while before you feel okay to go out in public. In my case, while my scar looks a lot better than before, I'm still self conscious about being seen in public. I sort of look like I'm in the process of recovering from a bad cold and now the area beneath my nose is raw from blowing it. I can tell you with certainty that you are no where near your final look. You have to be patient, which I know is very difficult. At two months I was anxious to feel healed, but it just wasn't the case. I still find that with every week that passes my lip gets better and my nose less swollen. For me it's sort of a trade off. I didn't have nice lips to begin with and a lot of space between my nose and my upper lip. Now I still don't have what I would consider nice lips, but I have less space between my nose and my upper lip. In othe words, I wouldn't say the shape of my lips improved, but it didn't get worse either. I was looking to improve the space between my nose and my lips not the shape of my lips so I guess I don't feel disappointed. Also, now that my upper lip isn't so flat, I feel that fillers will have a better and longer lasting result. In short, try not to stress out. Even if it doesn't feel like it, it's still early in the healing process for you. Trust me, I was in your place. I felt horrible, but thanks to May's reassuring words I was able to get through it. I'm so grateful for May's post and for this forum. You are not alone! And it will get better, maybe not perfect as we all would like, but better. As for the girl on love that face, I just can't see how she would look so normal after only a week. I can't help feeling like the website is being a little misleading. I would at least expect some swelling so soon after. Hmm...
August 1, 2011
Kenya, thanks for the responding. I sent May some pictures, and she said, If I would have a disk made she would post it for me on this site. I know what recovery looks, and what I have is not recovery , it's simply a botch job as I have no pull up on the sides. I can' believe May and went to the same doctor. If you will e-mail me where to send you some pictures I will do so. I sent, Dr. Rodriquez in Maryland some pictures, his girl Kelly said, Dr. R had done a lip lift on her. That's the first office girl out of all the offices I have called that the doctor had given one of them a lip lift. I was pretty impressed. You know I have complained of my job being to short well I have figured out my doctor is pulling the columella down on your skin to shorten the distance from the nose to the lip. This really distorts the nose. Maybe not for everyone, but for me it made a bad look as it pugged my nose even more than it already was as he moved it forward about one eigth of an inch. The columella should not be touched other than to put the cut under it. As far as your healing scar, before surgery and after surgery I took alot of vitamine C and MSM, oil of oregano, the predisone and lord knows what else. At least four grams of vitamine c and two grams of MSM that is a sulpher you know. Sulpher is for healing also. Anyway you can't hardly see my scar, Now, after I got home from Dallas I read that vitamine c boosts the collagen and could make the scar worse. It's like a miracle as all of you girls, doctors included talk about the red scar. I don't know if it would help this far out. I haven't got a red scar or raised scar either. Gettine back to my botch job, my sides are never going to heal themselves as they never got touched so they can't raise. If this doctor had just gone over a little bit further under my nose I would be kinda of alright. Doubtful, though as one side is way uneven compared to the other, I know you girls think I am still healing, and I'm sure your right, to a small degree, a very small degree. I really don't look natural. when your doctor dosen't know the termonology, maybe I know how to spell either Ha! anyway gullwing, or bullhorn, that's scarry. I really don't want anyone to use him until I get some of these things straight. I'm going to send him some of these stupid pictures and ask him if he would like to add them to his photo gallery. This is not the right way to do this procedure, but isn't it a goo idea. The girls that got it right probably are on this site, as anyone knows it takes time to heal. If you came out of surgery with a big fat lip, it look the right height and length that would be fine, but if it looks all screwed up after surgery in my experience, it's screwed. Try the vitamine c and other stuff I named and see if it helps as it is good for you anyway. You would probably have to take an awful lot of vitamine c to create collogen to a scar. I am so healed I can whistle and such my bottom lip over my top lip. I just didn't get much bang for my buck, just a freak show. LITERALLY..I'm sure you guys are tired of hearing me gripe, but if anyone out there has heard anything about Rodriguez in Maryland, Please let me know. I don't think I can handle anymore unqualified doctors. I think i read this on Niamtu's site there a difference in a doctor that has done seven procedure and one that has seve hundred. For yo girls interested in face work I found a really good site. Dr. P. Simoni, he shows enough of his work to consider him pretty artistic, I called and talked to one of his girls, and he is not that expensive, the girl told seven to ten thousand for his so called, Simoni face lift, but he does minor nips and tucks aswell. I thought he could maybe fix my lips. He is in Beverly Hills, California, plastic surgeon to the stars so they say! but his site is worth reading just for education. they believe now that you don't get rid of the fat in the face, you simply redistribute it..
Enough for now. Talk soon----- Sandy
Enough for now. Talk soon----- Sandy
August 1, 2011
Kenya, I just wrote, but I failed to tell you and the other girls about CareCredit.com. Do you remember me mentioning me going to see Dr. Sam Lam when I was in Dallas, well them gave me several phamplets, the one about carecredit, it's a finance company. The interest is fourteen percent but for ten thousand, the payment would be $347.00 a month for three years. Just get it drafted, It beats out of the pocket, this stuff can get expensive. Sandy You guys know I read my entry after I put them on the site, if I'm note mispelling I'm forgetting words in the sentence. Well, I sure you are all getting the point. Again, any word on Rodriquez let me know, and if anyone has read much on a corner lift, I want to know about that too. How the procedure is done for one thing. I think they take a heart shaped piece of skin out of the inside of the corner, top lip. That's not enough info for me at this point. It's not smart to be dumb, or learn later as I am doing now. Sandy
August 7, 2011
Hi Sandy, I actually went to a consultation with Dr. Rodriguez, but I'm still not sure. He has photos on his website of befores and afters, but I'm still not convinced. I'm just one of those people that notices details, like when I got there, there were no other patients there, so that scares me. And he didn't really seem to know why I was there. It just didn't seem that professional. It was almost a little too relaxed, and I want someone who will take the "reins" so to speak, and say "this is what we're going to do, this is what would work on you..." but it wasn't like that at all. I could have been hanging out talking with a friend about the procedure.
UPDATED FROM May6385
I'm adding new photos, up the nose close ups...
May6385July 4, 2011
I'm adding new photos, up the nose close ups of the scar at 6 weeks with and without makeup (as requested by Kathy, yikes! Busy week and I'm running late so I'll respond to questions next week, Sorry! Hope you all had a happy 4th!
Replies (5)
July 4, 2011
Hello! Thanks for the new pictures! I have been checking your post daily for them. I know I have already asked you this but if you don't mind and have the time, can you put a few pictures up of your scars? Can you take some pictures from an angle looking up? The pictures you have look nice but Id also like to see the bottom side of your nose. Sorry, for asking for these pictures so much but I really really want to get a lip lift done THIS SUMMER but am having a hard time deciding which route to go with as far as incisions go. Also, have you seen this doctors lip lifts? www.williamsoncenters.com if that link doesn't work, google williamson centers dot com (type in the actual . and not the word "dot") And I'd like to hear what everyone reading this thinks about this doctors lifts if you don't mind. Thanks so much!
July 4, 2011
I just posted requested photos, I'll check out that site when I get a chance. Running late!
:)
:)
July 5, 2011
May, thank you so much for posting updated pics. I've been thinking of posting my own review but I just haven't had a chance. Maybe next week I'll take the time to do it. Your posts have been very helpful and reassuring. This week will be week 6 for me and I am stressing out because my scar is still very visible. I've read that scar revision is ideal starting week 6-8. I'm not sure if I should consider pursuing scar revision. In your pics, your scar is looking really great. I wish mine looked like yours. My scar is still red and bumpy, although not as bumpy as before. I know I have to be patient, but ugh! I just want to look normal again! Thanks again for your updates.
July 5, 2011
That scar doesn't look that bad...I hope any scare revision is included in the price...it should be for any board certified plastic surgeon....they have to submet every cASE THEy ever do...every 10 years and the costs...so they should not rip anyone off, or unbundle in an unethical way.
July 5, 2011
My nephew's wife is a plastic surgeon getting board certification. I think she passed her written part so far....Just finished a hand fellowship at Mayo clinic. She is more interested in reconstruction of injured people. Brilliant and very ethical woman. My sis and I want her to be in private practice, but she loves working in her busy midwestern mecca type hospital where injured farm workers come to get things sewn back on. She likes the hospital because she never knows what each day will bring. I wonder if cosmetic plastic surgeons fee the same way.
She told me i didn't need plastic surgery and she would feel bad operating on me because in her opinion, I don't need it....however, that is the midwest. I live in Califoria...Its different here.
She told me i didn't need plastic surgery and she would feel bad operating on me because in her opinion, I don't need it....however, that is the midwest. I live in Califoria...Its different here.
July 5, 2011
I soooo know what you mean about just wanting to look normal again, not perfect, not your absolute best, just normal... it's the whole "the watched pot never boils" phenomenon, lol and its pure misery at times, and then when it's over we forget all about it and barely think of it again :) You absolutely should post a review, I think it's so great to add to the knowledge bank, the more information that is out there the better off the next person will be :)Bumpy, lumpy and red is normal for 6-8 weeks by the way. Like I've mentioned in one of my posts I've also had lower eyelid surgery, and let me tell you they looked awful at 8 weeks, red, raised, I was freaking out! Right around 3 months (which I've read is the beginning of scar maturity) the scars really flattened out, lost their color, and now you can't see them at all with makeup on, and barely without makeup (it's only been 6 months post-op since that surgery) Being overly aggresive with scar revision before 3 months is a mistake in my opinion! All revisions have their own risks and side effects to consider as well so I think it's just best to be patient and let your body heal itself naturally. Take vitamins, eat a healthy diet, get a little exercise and enough sleep, wear sunscreen, stay busy, TRY TO FORGET HOW YOU LOOK (god it's hard isn't it) and check yourself out at month 3! You just might look in the mirror and be really happy with what you see and not need to do anything at all. If you're overly aggressive with the scar in the early healing stage you can end up making it worse, be especially careful with steroid injections (they can cause indented scars which are not pretty at all). Give your body a chance (and all the fuel it needs!)! Think of how short of a time 3-4 months is in the grand scheme of things. You WILL look normal again! Don't stress :)
July 5, 2011
May, thank you so much!!! Your words are so reassuring! I honestly would not be able to get through this without your posts. You are a godsend!!! I'm going to follow your advice, wait it out, and try to stop obsessing over how I look. I'm so glad that I'm not alone in this process. I feel that once the scar fades I'll be happy with the result (keeping my fingers crossed). As for you, I personally think you look fantastic! While you were gorgeous to begin with, the lip lift has really given you youthful, fuller lips. And again, while you had a great smile before, I love your new smile. I'm planning for another revision rhinoplasty at the end of this year. Hopefully I'll look half as good as you do. I love your nose and your lips. Can we trade? ;)
July 28, 2011
Hey Kenya! Sorry I've been so horribly slow to respond (rough couple of weeks for me). How are you doing? How has your scar improved? I'm still hating my columella so I'm open to a trade, lol :)
UPDATED FROM May6385
Update, four weeks post-op: In answer to...
May6385June 22, 2011
Update, four weeks post-op:
In answer to Kathy’s questions, yes, you can see the scar right now, even with makeup (it’s like a newborn baby at this point, red and raised which is perfectly normal for its age, no scar will be flat and colorless in 4weeks!). I’ve added new photos without any makeup and in natural daylight to really try to give you a close up look; I picked the worst of the worst photos (no vanity) so that you can really get an idea of what my scar looks like at 4 weeks without any camouflage of any kind and in the harshest lighting. I’m not overly concerned with the scar at this point as it looks as though it will eventually resolve and become barely perceptible, hidden in the crease of the nose and further disguised by makeup (there are also scar creams, dermabrasion, and lasers if the scar doesn’t heal as well as expected). As you can see I had a scar at the base of my columella before and it really didn’t bother me. What I AM still very concerned with is the length/distortion of my columella which is still very different than it was pre-op. It’s still very stretched looking and I’m holding out hope that this will subside with the swelling. The nostrils do appear to be wider but my whole nose still feels very swollen right now and I do remember a similar look to the nostrils after my last revision rhinoplasty. In that instance I didn’t start to feel like I looked “back to normal” until my nose sort of “shrunk up” at about 3 months post-op. The volume of my upper lip has increased and more of the vermillion shows. Also notice that the overall shape of my mouth has changed. The tightness that I was feeling at week 3 has improved quite a bit and my face feels like it’s slowly becoming more mobile, though I still can’t drink out of a straw easily. I hope that I’ve answered your questions and I’ll post again and add more photos as things continue to change!
In answer to Kathy’s questions, yes, you can see the scar right now, even with makeup (it’s like a newborn baby at this point, red and raised which is perfectly normal for its age, no scar will be flat and colorless in 4weeks!). I’ve added new photos without any makeup and in natural daylight to really try to give you a close up look; I picked the worst of the worst photos (no vanity) so that you can really get an idea of what my scar looks like at 4 weeks without any camouflage of any kind and in the harshest lighting. I’m not overly concerned with the scar at this point as it looks as though it will eventually resolve and become barely perceptible, hidden in the crease of the nose and further disguised by makeup (there are also scar creams, dermabrasion, and lasers if the scar doesn’t heal as well as expected). As you can see I had a scar at the base of my columella before and it really didn’t bother me. What I AM still very concerned with is the length/distortion of my columella which is still very different than it was pre-op. It’s still very stretched looking and I’m holding out hope that this will subside with the swelling. The nostrils do appear to be wider but my whole nose still feels very swollen right now and I do remember a similar look to the nostrils after my last revision rhinoplasty. In that instance I didn’t start to feel like I looked “back to normal” until my nose sort of “shrunk up” at about 3 months post-op. The volume of my upper lip has increased and more of the vermillion shows. Also notice that the overall shape of my mouth has changed. The tightness that I was feeling at week 3 has improved quite a bit and my face feels like it’s slowly becoming more mobile, though I still can’t drink out of a straw easily. I hope that I’ve answered your questions and I’ll post again and add more photos as things continue to change!
Replies (5)
June 22, 2011
So how are you liking the results now that it has been a few weeks since you have had the lip lift? I have been paying attention to your post for a little while now and must say that it is very informative. Also, your photos are great as well! I wanted to ask you.....
1.) if you have any newer "after" shots of your new lip/nostril area.
2.) do you have any close up shots of your scars and can you see them?
3.) has your nostrils changed shape since having the lip lift?
4.)has your upper lip improved in size and volume?
1.) if you have any newer "after" shots of your new lip/nostril area.
2.) do you have any close up shots of your scars and can you see them?
3.) has your nostrils changed shape since having the lip lift?
4.)has your upper lip improved in size and volume?
June 22, 2011
I'm still undecided! I just posted a new update and photos in response to your questions :)
June 23, 2011
Oh wow! Thanks again for the up close and clear photos! I don't think I have seen photos that clear of a lip lift and it gives my a more open understanding of the procedure itself. So now I have another question....Did you get that 'buyers remorse' feeling after your lip lift and after all your surgeries? If so, how long did it last and did it go away? I got that feeling after I got my eyeliner tattooed on and cried for like 3 days. Now, I'm glad that I got it done. I am also about to get a lip lift and am debating if I should get a vermillion advancement (where the doctors cuts around the border of your lips) or a bull horn like yours. I am terrified about the scarring under the nose so I think I will opt for the vermillion. Since you have had a nose job before, do you feel confident that the scarring will fade?
June 23, 2011
I think that the scarring will be fine eventually but it does take time; like I said my main concern at the moment is the columella, and yes, at this point I'm pretty emotional and unsure of whether I made a good decision. You can see the rhinoplasty scars in my before photos (they were equally red initially and faded away to almost nothing over time). With the gull wing lip lift the incision is made on the border of the lip; a far more obvious place for a scar as it isn't hidden in the creases of the nose. You will have a red scar just like I have now except it will be right above your lip rather than under your nose. In both cases you'll have to be patient and wait for the scar to mature before it loses the angry red look (I'm thinking about 12 weeks total)! I've also read that when the incision is made right above/on the border of the lip it rarely looks natural as it removes the natural contour/transition of the lip and gives them a "painted on" appearance. Just a few things to consider!
June 24, 2011
Your right about the painted on look. I have been having trouble deciding on which one to go for. I figured if I got the vermillion advancement, then I could get a light pink/flesh tone tattoo over the scar and it wouldn't look too bad. Ahhh... decisions, decisions! Please update your photos as much as possible. I am really interested in seeing how your scar turns out. Thanks so much for all your responses! You have an audience crossing their fingers for you!
June 24, 2011
Crossed fingers are always a good thing! I promise I won't leave you hanging- I'll continue to update until the final result can be seen (good or bad). Every 8 or 9 days for photos seems to make the most sense as it takes about that long to see the changes (don't you just wish there was a magical speed-heal button!!!) I would be really hesitant about messing with the border of the lip and then adding a lip liner tattoo... It's just in such an obvious place that if it didn't heal well you'd really be in trouble whereas the crease of the nose is sort of hidden and it's not too hard to cover up the redness with some concealer (rather than tattooing lip pencil over a scar. Remember as well that all scars are red at 4 weeks and I've never had a scar that didn't eventually turn pale and flatten out; it's just what they do! I guess the question is would you rather have (eventually) a pale flat scar under the columella and in the creases of the nostrils or right above/on the line of your upper lip? Another consideration when comparing the 2 procedures is the width of your mouth. If you have a wide mouth and a long upper lip remember that the bullhorn will only lift the portion of the lip that is centered under the nose and leave the outer corners untouched. That isn't always so pretty. The gullwing approach has the ability to lift the entire lip including the corners which may be a better option for those with a wide mouth and a long upper lip. The downside of course is that the scarring is WAY scarier with the gullwing approach and you will lose the natural vermillion/upper lip transition. Look at some before and afters of "corner lip lifts" as well as the scar is on the border of the lip like the gullwing (The difference being that the corner lift doesn't touch the center/cupids bow area so the scar from a gullwing/vermillion advancement will be double the length and right in the center of your face). It'll give you some idea of what to expect as far as the scarring goes anyways and there seem to be more photos and reviews online for the corner lift than for the gullwing/vermillion advancement. The lack of info kills me! A third option for a wider mouth is a bullhorn combined with a corner lift which takes care of the center portion, corners of the mouth, and doesn't leave a scar above the cupids bow where it's most noticeable. Anyways, it's good that you're really thinking this through before you do it; that alone ups the odds of it turning out the way you want; an informed decision lessens the likelihood of making a mistake :) Hope this helps, goodnight!
June 24, 2011
Forgot to give you a link (copy and paste):
{edited}
This is a patient who had a bullhorn and corner lift done by my doctor. Her photos are pretty clear and you get a good idea of scarring/incisions under the nose AND on/above the lip-line.
{Please Personal Message user for more info. Thank you}
June 25, 2011
There's no link here. I would have loved to see the pictures. There's a doctor who does vermillion advancements (gull wing lip lift) and he has before and after pictures on his web sight. I looked at them and thought that they were pretty good. I will include the link here and Id like your opinion on what you think. Link
But just in case the link doesn't get posted, try to type in riversideface dot (actual . not the word) com. Take a look the photo gallery and then click on the lip enhancement photos. There you will see the gull wing photos. Tell me what you think!
May 26, 2012
Hi there Im looking in having this procedure done.. would you please send me some picts..and your Doctor name thank you martha.
May 26, 2012
Hi there Im looking in having this procedure done.. would you please send me some picts..and your Doctor name thank you mttyal
June 23, 2011
Honestly, I think this is the most beautiful lift I've ever seen. I know you're self-conscious but you look gorgeous. Not "done".
I canceled my surgery and am willing to travel to your dr.
I totally understand if this is too much to ask but is there anyway chance you'd maybe put some oversized sun glasses and hat on (for anonymity) and take a picture from a greater distance? I'd love to see the way it compliments your whole face.
Thanks for everything!!
I canceled my surgery and am willing to travel to your dr.
I totally understand if this is too much to ask but is there anyway chance you'd maybe put some oversized sun glasses and hat on (for anonymity) and take a picture from a greater distance? I'd love to see the way it compliments your whole face.
Thanks for everything!!
June 23, 2011
Your comment really cheered me up, I'm still feeling nervous and emotional about the whole thing so thanks for the reassurance! You have no idea how long this last 4 weeks has seemed; like an eternity! I'll send you a few pics privately through this site, I know it's helpful to see the whole face but I feel a little hesitant about that so please don't share them and delete them when you're through!
June 27, 2011
Hey! Im still waiting a lip lift and still having trouble on deciding where to put the incision. May I also have a full face picture? You can block out the eyes if you want and I can delete the picture too. I would like to see the scar close up to. I seen the new picture you put up, from the angle of the camera, you cant even see the scar! It looks GREAT!! Im slowly thinking about getting a bull horn lift now!
June 23, 2011
May, thank you for sending. I really appreciate that-- and deleted.
Ladies, I gotta say, May was beautiful before but her LL is STUNNING!!!
I'm so skeptical of this procedure because it can so easily not work out, but man, when it works, it has the most stunning effect.
I really hope you feel better soon May because you look incredible.
Did you see before and after pics of this procedure in the doc's office before you had your LL?
Does he have a fair amount of experience? and do his other patients look this good?
I just need to find a window for the recovery time and a flight to Texas-- yes, I'm considering leaving the plastic surgery Mecca of Los Angeles for Texas for this one.
Ladies, I gotta say, May was beautiful before but her LL is STUNNING!!!
I'm so skeptical of this procedure because it can so easily not work out, but man, when it works, it has the most stunning effect.
I really hope you feel better soon May because you look incredible.
Did you see before and after pics of this procedure in the doc's office before you had your LL?
Does he have a fair amount of experience? and do his other patients look this good?
I just need to find a window for the recovery time and a flight to Texas-- yes, I'm considering leaving the plastic surgery Mecca of Los Angeles for Texas for this one.
June 24, 2011
No problem! I chose Dr. Kasden based on the before and after photos of one of his other patients, the fact that he does do a lot of lip lifts (I called and asked a bunch of questions) and very good online reviews (you can look those up on this site) Here is a link to another of his patient's LL photos/review on another site (copy and paste):
http://www.makemeheal.com/pictures/viewAlbum.php?albumid=5973
I did want someone who has a lot of experience with this particular procedure given that it doesn't seem to be very common; I really didn't want someone who only does a lip lift every few years cutting into my face! I made the appointment based on those considerations and to be honest didn't look through the before and afters in his office. Traveling there wasn't bad at all; you have to add in travel costs but save on the cost of the procedure as rents/overhead in a city like LA are much higher than in most places in the country and those the overhead costs are reflected in the price of the procedure. Ultimately though, price should never ever be your main concern when it comes to your face! It'll cost a lot more to fix a bad result and I'm not just talking about money!
http://www.makemeheal.com/pictures/viewAlbum.php?albumid=5973
I did want someone who has a lot of experience with this particular procedure given that it doesn't seem to be very common; I really didn't want someone who only does a lip lift every few years cutting into my face! I made the appointment based on those considerations and to be honest didn't look through the before and afters in his office. Traveling there wasn't bad at all; you have to add in travel costs but save on the cost of the procedure as rents/overhead in a city like LA are much higher than in most places in the country and those the overhead costs are reflected in the price of the procedure. Ultimately though, price should never ever be your main concern when it comes to your face! It'll cost a lot more to fix a bad result and I'm not just talking about money!
June 27, 2011
Thank you for your very honest posts and photos, you look amazing, so much so that I contacted your Dr's office in hopes of doing it myself. I have SO many reservations, but I really want it done, and seeing your recovery has really helped ease a bit of the worry I had. I just have a question, how long before your stitches were removed? I am coming in from out of state, and was hoping to do this on the sly, I live with my bf and the recovery time is kind of scary long. I was hoping to do it without him noticing, but may need to plan another "week vacation" if i heal slow. The recovery time kind of scares me! Thank you in advance!!!
There are alot of options out there, but the new girls need to ask questions from the gals that have already had it done. good and bad.