Facial imbalance can significantly worsen the appearance of your face. For some people, reducing the size of the nose can be helpful while others need just shortening the length of the upper lip. Shortening the upper lip can help some people improve their facial balance and even regain youth. A lip procedure called bullhorn lip lift can create a defined upper lip and that is more eye-pleasing and harmonious with other facial features.
Compared to lip fillers, bullhorn lip lift gives you a permanent result so you don’t need to refill your lips with fillers.
If you consider bullhorn lip lift to improve the balance and appearance of your face, you may have a lot of questions about this procedure. Below are 5 frequently asked questions about bullhorn lip lift that can help you better understand this procedure.
1. What is a bullhorn lip lift?
A bullhorn lip lift is a procedure that enhances the volume of your lips without the use of fillers. With proper care, it creates a permanent result. During this procedure, the plastic surgeon shortens the distance between the lips and the nose, making the lips appear fuller.
The procedure takes about 1-2 hours in the plastic surgeon’s office. The cost of the procedure depends on several factors, but generally, you need to be ready to pay between $1,000-$3,000.
2. Who is a bad candidate for a bullhorn lip lift?
Advanced technologies allow performing the bullhorn lip lift procedure for almost everyone. However, there are some people who are not suitable for the procedure. One of the most common reasons why a person isn’t suitable for a bullhorn lip lift is a significantly higher proportion of teeth that will show with a lip lift. In this case, a bullhorn lip lift can result in an even more significant showing of the teeth and dissatisfaction with the final result.
Besides, if the space between the highest part of your lip and the base of your nose is less than 1.5 centimeters, you can be a bad candidate for a bullhorn lip lift. Smoking can also be a reason to refuse a bullhorn lip lift.
3. What are the risks and side effects of bullhorn lip lift?
A bullhorn lip lift is an invasive procedure. Just like any cosmetic surgery, it poses risks of some complications and side effects. After the surgery, you may face complications like scarring, blood loss (before and after the procedure), allergic reaction to medications, poor wound healing, and nerve damage.
In most cases, it is possible to prevent complications when the procedure is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. You should also follow all doctor’s recommendations to minimize the risk of blood loss and scarring on the face.
4. How to prepare for the procedure?
Your plastic surgeon will inform you about all things you can and cannot do before the procedure. Generally, it’s recommended to avoid eating at least 6 hours before the bullhorn lip lift to prevent anesthesia complications. You would need to stop using alcohol and tobacco products at least 2 weeks before and after the surgery.
5. What to expect after the bullhorn lip lift procedure?
In the first several weeks after the procedure, you may experience swelling and bruising at the surgery site. If you have naturally fuller lips, the recovery can take longer compared to people with naturally thinner lips. This happens because people with fuller lips have more tissue that needs to heal. The scarring usually disappears within the 3-4 months after the surgery.
Some general recommendations include resting in the first 24 hours after the procedure and avoiding strenuous activities. You should also avoid sleeping on your face and opening your mouth wide. For this reason, your doctor may recommend using a smaller toothbrush. Cleaning the incisions regularly and using a lip moisturizer approved by your plastic surgeon will help the incisions heal faster.
