Lip Lift

As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of bleeding or infection, which can be lessened by following aftercare instructions carefully at home. Other risks include unsatisfactory results or an adverse reaction to the anesthesia used during the procedure.

Because each procedure is tailored to the patient, the cost of a lip lift varies. We are happy to provide an estimate for your individual lip lift at your consultation.

A lip lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the upper lip by shortening the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip. This technique makes the upper lip appear fuller, more defined, and more youthful.

During the initial consultation, Dr. Bolourian will assess your facial anatomy, discuss your aesthetic goals, and create a personalized treatment plan. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the lips. In some cases, sedation may be used to help you relax or if it is performed with other procedures.

At the time of surgery, Dr. Bolourian will mark the area where the incision will be made. This is usually along the natural crease just below the nose, resembling the shape of a bullhorn, which is why the procedure is named as such. An incision is made along the marked line. This incision follows the natural contour of the nostrils and is discreetly placed to minimize visible scarring. A small strip of skin and underlying tissue is removed from the area between the nose and the upper lip. This shortens the distance between these two areas, lifting the upper lip and exposing more of the upper teeth creating a youthful look. The incision is then carefully closed with sutures. These sutures are typically removed at 3 and 5 days.

After the procedure, you'll receive specific instructions on how to care for the area, manage pain, and reduce swelling. This may include using ice packs, avoiding certain activities, and taking prescribed medications. The bullhorn lip lift procedure typically takes about 60 minutes. The exact duration can vary depending on the complexity of the surgery and the individual’s specific anatomy.

Non-surgical options generally offer less dramatic and shorter-term results compared to a bullhorn lip lift. There are several non-surgical alternatives to the bullhorn lip lift that can enhance the appearance of the lips, though they may offer different outcomes compared to the surgical procedure. Dermal fillers, fat grafting, lasers and radiofrequency devices are few examples of non-surgical modalities to consider.

Lip lift is designed to offer long-lasting results by permanently altering the position and appearance of the upper lip. While the results are durable, natural aging and lifestyle factors can influence the overall look of your lips as time goes on.

During the initial healing period, you may experience some temporary tightness or discomfort, but this is usually short-lived. The swelling and initial adjustments as the lip heals may affect lip movement slightly, but these effects typically resolve as healing progresses. The bullhorn lip lift primarily involves the removal of a small strip of skin and the underlying SMAS and mostly does not affect the underlying muscle structure responsible for lip movement. The primary muscles involved in lip movement—the orbicularis oris—remain intact, so most patients retain their normal range of motion.

While a complete reversal might not be feasible, a revision surgery could be performed to address specific concerns or adjust the results. This would involve consulting with Dr. Bolourian to evaluate your situation and determine the best course of action. The goals in revision surgery might aim to adjust asymmetries, or refine the appearance rather than fully restoring the pre-surgery state.

The risk of visible scarring from a bullhorn lip lift is generally low, especially with a skilled surgeon and proper post-operative care. The scar is typically well-concealed within the natural crease under the nose and should fade significantly over time. While some individual variability exists, most patients find that any resulting scar is minimal and blends well with the natural contours of their face.

Generally, you can resume light activities within a few days of the procedure, moderate activities after about two weeks, and more vigorous exercises around four to six weeks. Makeup application can begin gently around two weeks, with normal routines resuming by four to six weeks, depending on individual healing progress.

I have been in cosmetic and facial plastic surgery practice for over 20 years and have performed more than 2000 lip lift surgeries.

It is not necessary to perform a corner lift with every bullhorn lip lift. However, it is indicated with conditions such as drooping mouth corners, flat upper lip, unbalanced lip proportions and loss of lip volume. Combining corner lip lift with bullhorn lip lift can provide comprehensive enhancement of the lip area, improving both the central and lateral aspects of the mouth and creating a more youthful, balanced appearance.

The cost of lip lift has a range from $5000 to $8500, depending on various factors such as secondary procedures, corner lift and other necessary corrective surgeries. We will provide you with an exact cost at the time of your consultation.

All cosmetic surgery procedures are performed at our fully accredited surgery center in Orange County, California. We offer a variety of anesthesia options for your comfort. If lip lift is the only procedure being performed, local anesthesia is a reasonable approach to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. If lip lift is being performed in conjunction with other procedures, twilight sedation or deep sedation may be considered. All your options will be discussed with you at the time of consultation.