What You Need to Know About the Bullhorn Lip Lift

The definition of beauty changes as new trends appear. This change is also seen in the plastic surgery niche, where unique procedures are always being introduced. One such procedure is the bullhorn lip lift.

“Each day, more innovative procedures that are non-invasive and produce lasting impact emerge, giving patients varied options to choose from,” explains Dr. Sacha Obaid of North Texas Plastic Surgery.

The pandemic brought with it the need for face masks. The privacy that these face masks afford has encouraged many to undergo lip and nasal procedures without disrupting their daily activities.

However, what about the legalities and regulations that you need to keep in mind? Is it an FDA-regulated procedure? What are some of the things that you should keep in mind?

Hi. In today’s blog, these are some of the things that I will be talking about, apart from the entirety of getting a bullhorn lip lift.

So, if that is something you want to know, keep on reading this blog till the end, and thank me later…

What is a Bullhorn Lip Lift?

A bullhorn lip lift (also known as the “lip flip”) is a cosmetic surgery that an experienced cosmetic surgeon will carry out. They do this for shortening the distance between the nose and the upper part of the lips.

This procedure differs from direct lip lift, where the surgeon makes an incision along the margin of the upper lip. Instead, the surgeon makes the incision under the nose in a bullhorn lip lift. 

When properly carried out, it’s not only shortens the gap between the upper lips and the nose but also gives the lips a fuller appearance and generally makes a face more attractive.

The bullhorn lip lift is typically considered an effective and safe procedure and uses local anesthesia to prevent pain. However, just like any other cosmetic procedure, for instance a butt lift, there are certain things that you need to know!

Is Bullhorn Lip Lift Legal?

The shortest answer to this question is YES. A bullhorn lip lift is a completely legal procedure, provided that a licensed doctor is doing it for you.

So, this cosmetic procedure is approved by the FDA?

Well, this is a tricky question. You see, the FDA does not regulate the cosmetic procedure of reshaping the upper lip through this surgery. However, the FDA does regulate the devices as well as the materials that doctors use during this procedure.

Hence, if you are getting this process done by an experienced a certified cosmertoc surgeon, you are good to go!

However, there are a few things that you need to know before you get this surgery. For instance, who can get this surgery and what are the aftercare that you should keep in mind.

Who Can Undergo a Bullhorn Lip Lift?

Not everyone is an ideal candidate for the bullhorn lip lift. However, individuals with thin lips who want a fuller appearance will achieve their desired result.

Additionally, people whose nasal bases are broad can also benefit immensely from one.

If, however, the space between your nose and the upper part of your lips is not up to 1.5 centimeters, having a bullhorn lip lift may be out of the question.

Also, individuals who smoke and are not willing to quit for a few weeks after the procedure to allow for full recovery should not undergo this operation.

It will be ideal to consult with the surgeon if you suffer from any medical condition that prevents fast blood clotting before going ahead with the procedure. 

Benefits of Bullhorn Lip Lift

The bullhorn lip lift has many amazing benefits, which include:

1. It Gives the Lips a Fuller Appearance 

This will make the lips fuller and more voluptuous. Fuller lips can increase one’s attractiveness and enhance other facial features.

2. Invincible Incision

One of the common causes of concern for most patients planning to undergo any surgery is the incision leaving a scar. However, the incision point in a bullhorn lift lip is on the nasal base, which makes it difficult to identify and almost nonexistent

3. It Gives You a More Youthful Appearance

One of the things associated with aging is the thinning of the lips. However, with a bullhorn lip lift, your lips will become fuller, giving you a more youthful appearance

4. A More Attractive Smile

Lifting the upper lip will work magic on your smile, making it more attractive. If you desire a more captivating smile, you should consider a bullhorn lip lift.

How to Prepare for a Bullhorn Lip Lift

This is not a noninvasive cosmetic procedure. Therefore, before going in, your surgeon will explain what you are required to do to ensure the desired outcome.

You can, however, prepare for a bullhorn procedure by doing the following:

• Refrain from eating at least 6 hours before your surgery
• To ensure that the anesthesia works properly, avoid alcohol for at least one week before and after surgery
• Avoid the ingestion of aspirin at least two weeks before your surgery as these act as blood thinners and will increase bleeding during the surgery
• Your surgeon will advise that you stay off smoking a few weeks before and after your surgery. Ensure you adhere to this, as smoking can affect the procedure results. Smoking not only prevents the anesthesia from working effectively but can also considerably slow down the healing process. 

How Much Does a Bullhorn Lip Lift Cost?

The cost of a bullhorn lip lift varies depending on the surgeon and their techniques. However, on average, it ranges between $1,000 and $3,000. The price can vary if other lip enhancement procedures are involved.

Other factors that may influence the cost of the surgery are the surgeon’s skill level and location. A bullhorn lip lift can be more expensive in some states than others. 

Most lip lift surgeries are not covered by insurance as they are not reconstructive in nature but cosmetic. Before having the surgery, discuss with your surgeon the funding options that are available to you. 

Bullhorn Lip Lift After-Surgery Care

What patients do after having a bullhorn lip lift will go a long way in determining the results they get from the surgery.

After the surgery, patients are required to do the following:

• Take out time to rest and limit their level of talking. It may be ideal not to resume normal activities for at least 24 hours after surgery
• Avoid strenuous exercise for at least two weeks
• Avoid opening their lips too wide in order not to tear the sutures
• Keep the lips moisturized adequately with lip balm or vaseline for up to 3 weeks after surgery
• Avoid lying face down but rather lie on their back
• Maintain utmost care while brushing their teeth
• Rinse their mouth thoroughly after each meal
• Avoid hot liquids and foods that require excessive chewing.

Can You File a Lawsuit for Bullhorn Lip Lift?

Yes, you can file a lawsuit based on negligence or even for breach of contract in case the result of the cosmetic surgery is not satisfactory for you. 

If you want to file for malpractice, you need to ensure that the doctor’s or surgeon’s actions did not adhere to the standard of care. And that THIS was the reason for your disfigurement. 

Additionally, you can also file for a breach of contract in case your cosmetic surgeon fails to stick to the promised result.

Here’s what you need to have to file a legal case against your surgeon:

• Testimony: You need to have an expert testimony from another plastic surgeon who can testify the fact that your surgeon really was at fault.
• Statute of Limitation: You cannot just file for a case after years of getting that surgery. Try to know the time limits for filing a claim in your state.
• Documents: Finally, you should try to ensure that you have all the documents ready that will prove the deal that you had with your doctor. This will ultimately help you by providing support to your claim.

Bottom Line

A bullhorn lip lift is an ideal way of achieving fuller lips. However, patients should do their homework and ensure they hire an experienced surgeon to handle this procedure to avoid complications.

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