What is a Bullhorn Lip Lift?

A bullhorn lip lift, also known as a subnasal lip lift, is a non-filling treatment that can make the lips appear bigger. The results are permanent with adequate care, whereas filler is not. Lip lifts come in a variety of shapes and sizes. A surgeon shortens the philtrum (the space between the lips and the nose) with a bullhorn lip lift. Since a slight scar along the nostrils runs in one continuous line from one nostril to the other nostril in the shape of a bullhorn, this type of lip lift is called a bullhorn.

People who want their lips to look bigger or who want them to be higher or poutier without adding plumping are good candidates for lip lifts. Patients with smaller mouths and wider nasal bases are also ideal prospects. If you don't have roughly 1.5 cm of space between the top of your lip and the base of your nose, you might not be a good candidate for a bullhorn lip lift. This is also true if you smoke and refuse to quit or take a 2- to 4-week break during the healing process.

It's a good idea to talk to your surgeon ahead of time if you have an oral condition like herpes or a disorder that affects your blood's ability to clot to see if the treatment is ideal for you.

How Much Does a Bullhorn Lip Lift Cost? 

Since a bullhorn lip lift is a cosmetic treatment, insurance companies are unlikely to pay for it. The cost varies depending on the surgeon and your individual circumstances. The treatment can cost anything from $1,000 to $3,000, but the higher end is more typical.

How Does The Procedure Work? 

A bullhorn lip lift narrows the area between the upper lip and the nose, forcing the lip upward and revealing more pink tissue. A lip lift does not modify the volume or size of the lips or give them the "duck-bill" appearance that might result from overzealous lip augmentation, but it does make more of the top lip visible. This gives the mouth a broader, more prominent appearance.

When you smile after a bullhorn lip lift, your teeth will be more noticeable. You can simulate a lip lift by pulling your upper lip up slightly with your finger. In the weeks leading up to the procedure, you may need to get medical clearance.

Here's what to expect on the day of your procedure:

• To numb the area, you'll be given a topical or local anesthetic.
• The surgeon will make an incision from one nostril to the other once you're numb and the area has been cleaned.
• They will then cut the skin and sew or suture the wound shut.

Targeted Areas For Bullhorn Lip Lift

The upper lip and the philtrum (the region between the nose and the lip) are targeted by the bullhorn lip lift. Lip lifts come in a variety of styles, but the subnasal bullhorn is a popular choice. Because the scarring is subtle, it is usually masked by the nostrils.

Risks and Side Effects 

Bullhorn lip lifts, like most cosmetic operations, have the potential for complications or side effects. This is one of the reasons why choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is so important.

Scarring, poor wound healing, blood loss during or after surgery, nerve damage, and an adverse reaction to anesthesia are all risks associated with plastic surgery.

What to Expect After The Procedure? 

After a lip lift, your surgeon should advise you exactly what to expect. For the first 2 to 4 weeks after surgery, you may experience bruising and swelling on your lips. Because there is more tissue to mend, people with naturally bigger lips may take longer to fully recover than those with thinner lips.

It can take 3 to 4 months for the scarring to fade away. If properly maintained, the results should be long-lasting.