What You Need to Know About the Bullhorn Lip Lift

The definition of beauty keeps changing, as new trends appear on the scene. This change is also seen in the plastic surgery niche, where unique procedures are always being introduced. One of the body parts that has recently gained attention is the lips, with more innovative procedures such as 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 along with it the need for face masks. The privacy that these face masks afford has encouraged many to go for lip and nasal procedures without disrupting their daily activities.

What is a Bullhorn Lip Lift?

A bullhorn lip lift (also known as the “lip flip”) is a cosmetic surgical procedure that is carried out to shorten 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 lips. Instead, the surgeon makes the incision under the nose in a bullhorn lip lift. 

When properly carried out, the bullhorn lip lift not only shortens the gap between the upper lips and the nose, it 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.

Who Can Undergo a Bullhorn Lip Lift?

Not everyone is an ideal candidate for the bullhorn lip lift. Individuals with thin lips who want to have that fuller appearance will get their desired result from a bullhorn lip lift. 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 

The bullhorn lip lift 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

Before going in, your surgeon will fill you in on what you are required to do to ensure you get the desired outcome from the surgery. 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, the cost of a lip lift ranges between $1,000 to $3,000. The price can vary based on if other lip enhancement procedures are involved.

Other factors that may play a role in determining the cost of the surgery are the surgeon’s skill level as well as their 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 instead are cosmetic. Before going in for the surgery, discuss with your surgeon on 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

Conclusion

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.