Bullhorn Lip Lift: Technique, Results, Scarring & Ideal Candidates

According to Verywell Mind, there are numerous benefits to smiling, including reduced pain, lowered blood pressure, and most importantly, a longer lifespan. But if you don’t feel comfortable with your smile, you may be robbing yourself of these benefits.

Isn’t it about time to feel truly confident? After all, everyone deserves to smile and laugh whenever they wish, without worry about how they look.

A boosted self-esteem can be achieved with a bullhorn lip lift, especially for those who have a long philtrum. But this procedure isn’t optimal for every person, so read on to see what this surgery entails, who the ideal candidates are, and what you can expect during recovery and afterward.

What Is a Bullhorn Lip Lift?

A bullhorn lip lift (also called a subnasal lip lift) is a type of surgery that shortens the distance between the nose and the upper lip; this area is known as the philtrum. In addition, the procedure subtly rolls the upper lip outward, which creates a fuller and more youthful appearance.

This surgery gets its name from the shape of the incision. As you’d expect, it resembles a bull’s horns, and it’s placed just beneath the base of your nose.

Fillers may add volume to your lips, but the results are only temporary. A bullhorn lip lift can change the position of the lip itself for a permanent enhancement.

As the name implies, the surgery lifts the upper lip so that more of the pink lip tissue is visible. This improves the lip shape and balance with the rest of your face. Plus, it often increases upper tooth visibility, which can add to a more youthful smile.

How the Bullhorn Technique Works

Before surgery is done, you’ll be given either topical or local anesthesia. Then, your plastic surgeon will carefully remove a measured strip of skin from just under your nose, using a curved, bullhorn-shaped pattern.

Once the skin is removed, they’ll lift and secure the upper lip to a higher position. This shortens the philtrum and gently rolls your upper lip outward. This results in a fuller appearance without adding volume, as well as increased tooth show, especially when smiling or speaking.

The surgeon will then finish up by using stitches or sutures to close the incision. The total surgery time should only be a few hours, tops.

Bullhorn vs Other Lip Lift Techniques

As far as lip lifts go, the bullhorn technique isn’t the only one used. But it is the most popular since most patients want a global lift of the entire upper lip. Those who want alternative results have options though.

For example, there’s the Italian lip lift. This technique uses two small incisions under the nostrils instead of one continuous incision, and it results in a subtler change and less overall lift.

There’s also the corner lip lift, which focuses only on raising the outer corners of the mouth. It’s mainly used to correct a downturned or sad-looking expression.

The above are all lip shortening techniques, but in general, the bullhorn method will give you the most balanced and predictable improvement regarding tooth show and lip shape. In addition, it also gives you the most dramatic and comprehensive rejuvenation of the upper lip area.

Ideal Candidates for a Bullhorn Lip Lift

The ideal candidate for a bullhorn lip lift should have the following:

• A long philtrum
• A thin or flat upper lip
• Poor upper tooth show when smiling

Many older patients are good candidates too, as their upper lip has elongated with age. This can make their faces look older or less expressive.

People who want a more permanent alternative to fillers are also great candidates. So if you feel like fillers have made your lips heavier but not more youthful in shape, a bullhorn lip lift can give you what you need!

Do note that ideal patients should be in good overall health. They should also have realistic expectations; this surgery will give subtle but meaningful changes.

Bullhorn Lip Lift Scarring

The bullhorn lip lift scar is very discreet. It sits along the base of your nose and follows the natural curves of the nostrils. Since it’s hidden in a natural crease, the scar is usually very difficult to notice once it’s fully healed.

Initially, the scar may appear pink or slightly raised. But typically, it’ll fade significantly over several months. With proper scar care and sun protection, the incision line should become barely visible.

Bullhorn Lip Lift Recovery

Fortunately, bullhorn lip lift recovery is very straightforward and relatively quick. Swelling and tightness will be noticeable during the first 7-10 days, and your surgeon may remove the stitches within a week.

Most patients feel comfortable being out in public after just 10-14 days, but the swelling will keep decreasing over a few weeks. The good news is that you can do light travel after about a week; longer trips will usually be more comfortable after two weeks.

You should see the final results after a few months, when the tissues have fully healed, and the scar has matured.

Bullhorn Lip Lift Cost in Mexico

In the US, the bullhorn lip lift cost can be between $2,400 and over $6,000. But you can save a significant amount of money if you go to Mexico instead.

Here, the cost of plastic surgery is usually 50-80% lower than in the US. If you choose a reputable surgeon and clinic, then you can get excellent work done for a fraction of the cost.

Shorten Your Philtrum With a Bullhorn Lip Lift

After you’ve gotten a bullhorn lip lift, your philtrum will be shortened to an acceptable length. And as a result, you’ll be able to smile with confidence, something you may not have been able to do for a long time.

So say goodbye to your insecurities and welcome a new you. This quick procedure and its relatively fast recovery time will be completely worth it! 

Get in touch with us today if you’re interested in a bullhorn lip lift. Dr. Valdez is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 17 years of experience, so you can count on him to deliver exceptional results.