Bullhorn lip lift

Treatment: Bullhorn lip lift

The term "bullhorn lip lift" refers to the rejuvenation of the face through a simple outpatient procedure under local anaesthetic. The skin between the nose and the upper lip is removed. This gives the face a younger appearance and lifts the upper lip. A bullhorn lift is also known as an upper lip lift. Although the average age of patients undergoing this procedure is between 40 and 60 years, it varies between 30 and 80 years. This also depends on your genetic predisposition.

Suitability for the bullhorn lip lift

The treatment is best suited to men and women whose teeth appear to be hidden by an elongated or drooping upper lip area. Although there is great interest in a lip lift among "older" people, younger people are also opting for a lip lift to give the face a more balanced and beautiful appearance. The procedure may be an option for you if the following occur:

• Your teeth are not visible when you smile.
• Only the lower teeth are visible when you smile.
• They have a long distance of more than 1.5 cm between the nose and the upper lip.
• They have thin, flat lips.
• Your lips are too short or a filler treatment is not an option for you.
• You want to emphasise your upper lip with a "pouty" look.

If you require orthodontic treatment instead of a lip lift, a doctor may advise against the treatment and suggest an alternative.

Bullhorn lip lift procedure

During the surgical procedure, your upper lip line is lifted. This improves both your facial expressions and your smile. The operation shortens the distance between the bottom of the nose and the top of the lip. Please note the following:

• Part of the skin under the nose is removed to lift the upper lip.
• The procedure takes about 45 to 90 minutes.
• The initial recovery time is 5 to 7 days.
• Sometimes swelling or bruising occurs. This usually disappears within 2 to 3 weeks.

The incision line is practically invisible to most people and is located directly under your nose. The incisions follow the shape of the nasal area and leave barely visible scars.

The operation usually takes no longer than 90 minutes. After anaesthetising the skin, the surgeon makes the incisions with a scalpel and removes a strip of skin. To loosen the skin below the lower incision, the doctor uses another instrument. This is inserted under the skin, creating a tunnel. This loosening reduces the tension and minimises the risk of scarring. Any bleeding is stopped and the skin layers are then sutured together. A doctor works with both soluble and insoluble sutures. Once the wound is closed, the surgeon places a dressing over the area. This dressing should be worn for at least one day. Do not remove the dressing until the doctor advises you to do so.

Lip lift combined with other facial surgery

A lip lift is not only suitable for facial rejuvenation in middle or old age. Many young people also consider a bullhorn lip lift. The procedure can improve the look and appearance of the face. Men and women of different ages benefit from this outpatient procedure. A lip lift can be performed in conjunction with other facial procedures. This can include a Mini or full face lift be, but also a Eyelid reductionchin augmentation and other techniques offer excellent results in combination with a lip lift.

Regeneration after the bullhorn lip lift

You do not need to be admitted to the clinic as the lip lift is performed in one day. After you have recovered from the procedure, you can leave our clinic on the same day. The fine stitches are removed after a week and you can resume your normal activities. Swelling and bruising will be limited and will quickly improve with regular cooling. Any post-operative pain is short-lived and can be relieved with a painkiller such as paracetamol. The following tips are recommended during recovery:

• Inflammatory and swelling reactions are often part of wound healing.
• The surgical site may be red for a few days.
• The final result can only be expected 6 weeks after the procedure.
• Try to cool the swelling.
• Don't forget to take all the medication and anti-inflammatories prescribed by your doctor.
• It is possible to use stronger medication and/or antibiotics to prevent infections. However, this should only be done in consultation with your doctor.

Visibility of the process

It is usually barely visible that you have had a lip lift. The plastic surgeon will go through the incision lines with you before the procedure. Your physical ability to recover is different, as everyone is different and reacts differently. The doctor will make incisions in strategic places where they will fade or blend in with the natural skin folds of the nostrils or nose.

The operation area is redder than usual for a few days. Small swellings are visible but subside quickly. In healthy men and women, the wounds usually heal without side effects or complications.

Scarring after a lip lift

After a bullhorn lip lift has healed, the incision line or scar is barely visible, the scar is slightly reddened. As the tissue sets in, the brightness of the colour decreases and the scar increasingly takes on the colour of normal skin. The doctor makes the incisions under the nose and in the area of the nostrils, the line follows the existing facial curves and contours. Every person is unique and it is important to realise that all surgical incisions can leave some visible marks. Scars vary depending on skin type, skin tone, skin thickness and healing ability.

Risks and complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are also risks associated with a lip lift. You should be fully aware of these before you decide to have the procedure. It is always better to be cautious about facial surgery. During the consultation, the surgeon will take the time to inform you about the risks and complications. Specific complications that can occur after a lip lift:

• Postoperative bleeding, swelling and skin discolouration.
• Stiffness and numbness of the lip or paraesthesia. Paraesthesia is an abnormal sensation that can best be compared to a pinprick.
• Deformation or lengthening of the lips.
• Speech impediments and barriers to speaking.
• Ugly and visible scars.

There may be some discomfort after the procedure as the mouth feels tight and swells slightly. The swelling will disappear within 4 weeks after the operation. Please contact our clinic if these side effects do not subside.

Smoking
People who smoke during the operation have an increased risk of complications. This can lead to poor wound healing or death of the skin tissue. Smokers, but also people who smoke unintentionally and often unknowingly, are not sufficiently aware of the risks of side effects and complications. The ingredients in tobacco products are harmful to the bloodstream. Doctors recommend that you stop smoking a few weeks before the planned operation and continue to do so after the procedure. Depending on which method you use to quit, health insurance companies will reimburse part of the costs.

Alcohol
In addition to smoking, drugs and alcohol also affect recovery and the outcome of the operation. Not only does the local anaesthetic not work as well as it should, but it can also have a negative effect on the healing process. Do not drink alcohol for 3 days before to 3 days after the lip lift.

Aftercare

The doctor will give you instructions and advice to achieve the best possible result and minimise any possible risks. A lip lift is a relatively safe treatment with a short recovery time. However, it is important to take care of the surgical area for a few days. Avoid getting the area wet. In the first few weeks, it is not advisable to go to the sauna and swimming in chlorinated or salt water is also not advisable. The skin in the operation area is very sensitive to sunlight. Avoid this or choose a high sun protection, SFP 50 and take it easy for a few days. Avoid applying too much pressure to the upper lip, as this can make the wounds heal less well. Do you have any questions or notice that something doesn't feel right after the operation? Then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Result of the bullhorn lip lift

In addition to treating specific cosmetic issues of the lips and mouth, an upper lip lift can improve your facial appearance. The procedure brings focus to your lips so that the lower part of your face is better aligned. The scars take time to recover too well, after some time they will become less and less visible. It is important to protect the scars from the sun and to use a scar cream if necessary.

How does a lip lift improve the appearance?
This relatively simple cosmetic procedure reduces the appearance of facial ageing. In addition, your smile will improve and your upper teeth will be more visible. A bullhorn lip lift evens out the mid, lower and upper areas of your face. The skin above the lip is smoothed and lines and wrinkles are reduced.

Advantages of a lip lift

The main benefits of the procedure are an improved smile and a natural relationship between the nose and upper lip. Other advantages are:

• A lip lift helps to reduce the ageing appearance.
• The procedure supports an eye-catching smile and the visibility of your teeth.
• This is a cosmetic procedure to reduce the skin above the lip. The upper teeth are more visible again when smiling.
• For facial rejuvenation, it can be beneficial to combine a bullhorn lip lift with a deep skin peel, facelift, eyelid surgery or laser treatment to refine the skin. Lines, wrinkles and fine lines are reduced.
• Improve your smile.
• Reduction in the appearance of a protruding lower jaw line or lower tooth line.
• Fuller, natural-looking lips.
• A lip lift leads to a significant improvement in appearance. Your face will look younger and fresher.

Disadvantages of a lip lift

A lip lift is a relatively safe surgical procedure. Our doctors have been using the technique successfully for years. However, there can also be disadvantages:

• This is a surgical procedure in which incisions are made on the face. This leaves scars. If the procedure is carried out correctly and by an experienced surgeon, the scars are barely visible after a few months.
• If you don't have perfect teeth or you feel insecure, then dental treatment may be advisable. The visibility of your teeth can greatly improve your appearance.

Difference between lip fillers and a lip lift

Beautiful, full lips and self-confidence. If you don't want to have surgery, filling your lips with fillers is an alternative. Your lips are filled by injections and the basis of these fillers is the body's own hyaluronic acid. The two techniques are not comparable, although the results are similar.

Features of the bullhorn lip lift:

• Surgery.
• Local anaesthesia.
• Lasting results.
• 48 hours downtime.
• By lifting the skin, damaged, unsightly teeth can detract from your appearance.
• Combination with other cosmetic procedures possible.

Lipfiller features:

• Non-surgical procedure.
• No anaesthesia.
• The results are temporary and visible for an average of 3 months to a year.
• No downtime.
• The results vary depending on the ingredients used.
• Treats both the upper and lower lip.

It regularly happens that people initially decide in favour of a Filler treatment and later have a bullhorn lip lift performed.

FAQ - Bullhorn lip lift

There are a number of frequently asked questions about the Bullhorn lip lift. Of course, you can also ask us these questions by e-mail or telephone. However, we think it makes sense to answer a number of questions in this way.

What is a lip lift?

A lip lift is a surgical procedure. It improves the shape and fullness of the upper lip by reducing the distance between the upper lip and the nose. By enlarging the area of the upper lip, you get a wider, more beautiful smile.

How do I know if I need a lip lift?

A lip lift could be an option for you if you have enough skin between your nose and upper lip. Older people favour the procedure because of the anti-ageing effect, while younger people prefer the alternatives such as fuller lips.

When will I be able to laugh normally again after a lip lift?

It is not uncommon for swelling and bruising to occur after a lip lift. It may take a few weeks for your normal smile to return.

Will a lip lift change my smile?

Lifting the upper lip will usually improve your smile. Your mouth will have a more attractive appearance. The face is in better harmony and this can also be seen when you laugh.

Will I look younger after a lip lift?

A lip lift not only makes you look younger, it also restores natural proportions to your face. Your smile will look as radiant and natural as it did when you were younger.

How long are the swellings visible?

After a few days, the swelling begins to subside. It takes about four weeks for the swelling to disappear completely.

What can and should I eat after a lip lift?

You can drink water shortly after the operation. You should start eating slowly the day after the operation. Initially, choose foods that are relatively soft and do not require much effort to chew. After a few days, your lip will feel normal again and you can resume your normal diet.

How long will it take for me to heal?

The healing process usually takes between six and twelve weeks. If you have a lighter skin tone and thinner lips, you will probably heal faster than someone with darker skin and fuller lips. This depends on your physical ability to recover.

Will a bullhorn lip lift make my lips bigger?

A lip lift is a surgical procedure in which the space between the nose and the top of the lip, also known as the philtrum, is shortened. The procedure increases the amount of visible pink tissue, making the lips look fuller and more pronounced.

Does a lip lift leave a scar?

Most operations leave behind scar tissue. Wherever possible, the surgeon makes incisions in natural skin folds. Occasionally, a procedure leaves a larger, visible scar than expected. In most cases, however, the scars are not visible.

Will my nose look different after the operation?

The lip lift is not intended to change or deform the shape of the nose.

Is the bullhorn lip lift permanent?

The results of a lip lift are permanent. As a result of natural ageing, the skin can lose elasticity after years and sag slightly.

Can the lip lift be reversed?

No, it cannot be reversed. The doctor cuts away a piece of your skin and it cannot be replaced.

Am I a good candidate for a lip lift?

In the past, it was mainly people over the age of 55 who had a bullhorn lip lift. Nowadays, the procedure is performed on adults of different ages. As long as your state of health allows it and there are no contraindications, you are suitable for the procedure.

What is the perfect lip ratio?

Several factors influence the ideal lip proportions. There is therefore no such thing as the perfect proportion and it varies from person to person. It is better to look at the relationship between the white lip line and the rest of the face. The bone structure, the shape of your face and the length of your teeth influence the ideal proportion.

Is the bullhorn lip lift a popular procedure?

The procedure is being used more and more frequently in the Netherlands. People between the ages of 20 and 40 in particular are opting to have their upper lip lifted. The results are excellent and this gives others the confidence to undergo the procedure.

Can anyone get a lip lift?

No, unfortunately there are some people who are not suitable for the procedure. One of the most common reasons for unsuitability is that the lip lift makes the teeth more visible. Especially if you have very long teeth or damaged teeth, this can affect the result. People who are known to have certain chronic conditions may also receive a negative treatment recommendation.

How much skin is removed?

The amount of skin removed depends on your needs. On average, the doctor removes about 5 mm to 7 mm of skin. The doctor will take your personal situation and facial proportions into account. Thanks to years of experience, no more skin is removed than is cosmetically necessary.

How long does it take until the results are visible?

You will see the first improvements around three weeks after the operation. You will see the final result after three to four months.

Why does the intervention only show improvements after a longer period of time?

The reason why the results develop slowly in the months following the lip lift is the softening of the skin tissue and scar tissue. Due to the precise placement of the incisions in natural skin folds, the scars fade over time. Post-operative treatment is not required.

What are the risks of a lip lift?

The general medical and surgical risks apply to the bullhorn lip lift. However, these risks are reduced by the experience of the cosmetic doctor. Risks generally include infection of the lip, excessive scarring and fluid accumulation after the procedure. Swelling and any bruising will gradually subside in the days and weeks following the operation.

How much does a bullhorn lip lift cost?

Before the operation, the doctor will carry out a thorough assessment of your lips and listen to your expectations. A care and treatment plan will then be drawn up and the costs will be determined. The costs include consultation, surgery, aftercare and check-ups.

Will the costs be reimbursed?

No, the costs of cosmetic surgery are not reimbursable. Reimbursement is only possible in the event of medical necessity. Some health insurance companies offer limited reimbursement amounts in supplementary care packages.

Can I pay for the operation in instalments?

The Acura Clinic can refer you to Cosmetic Finance. Depending on your financial obligations, your life and family situation and your credit history, taking out a revolving loan or a personal loan may be discussed.

Can I cool the swelling?

To counteract the swelling, cooling may be used and the doctor can provide cooling advice. Always cool for a few minutes. Cooling also has a refreshing effect on possible afterpains and a sore feeling.

Why a lip lift and not lip fillers?

Some people opt for a lip lift instead of lip fillers. Instead of a lift, the lips are enlarged with fillers. Both procedures create larger lips. The results of a lip lift are more natural than with fillers.

Is a lip lift painful?

You may feel some pain for a while after the procedure. The procedure itself is not painful due to the anaesthetic. Side effects and mild pain can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

How long do I have to stay in the clinic?

The bullhorn lip lift is a relatively simple procedure for which you will not be admitted to the clinic. You can leave the clinic after a short recovery period once the operation is complete. If necessary, you will be given a follow-up appointment and the doctor will explain what you should or should not do during your recovery.

Is there a minimum age for the procedure?

No, adults of all ages are eligible for the Bullhorn lip lift. Treatment options will depend on your medical condition, medical history and familiarity with chronic disease and/or autoimmune disorders. During your consultation, a doctor will assess your suitability and discuss everything with you.

Further questions about the bullhorn lip lift?
Do you have any questions that are not listed here? You are welcome to contact us Contact us.

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