Your Complete Guide to Lip Lift Surgery 

Lip lift surgery, also known as “bullhorn lip lift” or “subnasal lip lift,” is a cosmetic procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the upper lip by raising it and making it appear fuller. 

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your upper lip, a lip lift procedure may be a good option for you.

Some people feel self-conscious about their lips, whether it’s because they have a short upper lip, an aging upper lip, or a lack of symmetry.

Lip lift surgery can correct these issues, make the upper lip look more youthful and symmetric, and improve your smile. 

Learn more about lip lift surgery, if it’s the correct procedure for you, and how to find a top-rated plastic surgeon.

How does lip lift surgery work?

There are various ways to perform a lip lift, depending on a patient’s wants and needs. 

Bullhorn lip lift

A bullhorn lip lift surgery is typically performed by a plastic surgeon and involves making an incision along the base of the nose, just above the upper lip.

The skin and tissue above the incision are then lifted and repositioned to create a more youthful and attractive appearance and a more prominent upper lip. 

In some cases, Dr. Emmett may remove a small amount of skin to enhance the results even further.

Corner lip lift

This procedure is designed to lift the corners of the mouth, which can help correct a downturned or sad-looking appearance. 

The incision is made in the corner of the mouth, and the skin and tissue are lifted to reposition the corner of the mouth.

Lip advancement

This procedure involves making an incision in the middle of the upper lip and advancing the tissue to create a fuller appearance.

These procedures usually take one to two hours to complete and are performed while you are under twilight IV sedation. 

After the surgery, you’ll have some swelling and bruising in the affected area, which should subside in a few days. 

It’s important to note the results of a lip lift may not be immediately visible and may take several weeks to several months for the final results to be seen.

The procedure is considered permanent and should last for several years.

Why should I get a lip lift?

Before making any commitments, you must consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in lip lift surgery.

You may be a good candidate for a lip lift if you match the following criteria.

Short upper lip 

Some people are born with a short upper lip, which can make the teeth appear more prominent and can make it difficult to achieve a natural-looking smile.

Thin or aging upper lip

As we age, the upper lip can lose volume and definition, making it appear thinner and less youthful. Some people are also just born with thin lips and want to enjoy the look and feel of a more proportionate upper lip. 

Lack of symmetry 

Some people are born with asymmetry in their upper lip, making them feel self-conscious.

Lip lift surgery can enhance the face’s overall appearance by making the upper lip look more youthful, full, and symmetrical with the rest of the face. 

During your consultation, Dr. Emmett will discuss your medical history, health, and expectations to determine if lip lift surgery is a smart choice for you.

Recovery from a lip lift

Recovery from a lip lift procedure typically takes several weeks. 

Immediately after the surgery, you may experience some swelling and bruising, but this will fade away after a few days.

Dr. Emmett will give you instructions on how to care for your incisions, including how to clean them, how to apply ointment, and how to minimize the risk of infection.

During the first few days after surgery, you will need to keep the incision area clean and dry and avoid strenuous activities that could cause bleeding and swelling.

You will also be advised to eat soft foods and avoid smoking or drinking alcohol, as these can cause increased swelling and delay the healing process. 

Lip lift vs lip augmentation 

While both procedures aim to improve the appearance of the lips, a lip lift, and lip augmentation are two different cosmetic procedures.

A lip lift is a surgical procedure that requires incisions to raise the upper lip to make it fuller and more appealing.

A lip augmentation, on the other hand, is a non-surgical procedure that is done to enhance the volume of lips. This is done by injecting fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, into the lips or by using fat transfer. 

Unlike a lip lift surgery, lip augmentation is a temporary procedure, with results lasting from six months to a year. 

Since lip augmentation is a non-surgical procedure, you don’t need to be sedated and may only require a topical anesthetic to numb your lips.

You would benefit from augmentation if you would like a more subtle plump look or want to achieve fuller lips without having surgery. For a more dramatic and corrective change, you’d want to choose a lip lift.

Reach out to a top-rated plastic surgeon 

Dr. Jennifer Emmett, M.D. is a double-board certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. She is located in the greater Denver area but accepts patients from all around the world.

If you’re looking for a plastic surgeon who cares about her patients and has a high satisfaction rate, schedule your free consultation with Dr. Emmett today. 

Her education, training, skills, and experience have led her to become one of the most sought-after plastic surgeons in the country. 

Still not sure about cosmetic procedures? Check out some before and after pictures of her work. 

Dr. Emmett and her team specialize in: 

• Lip lifts
• Lip injections
• Facelift 
• Botox
• Derma fillers
• Rhinoplasty
• Breast augmentation
• Breast reduction 
• Breast lifts 
• Body contouring 
• Mommy makeovers

Contact us or check out our blog to learn more about Dr. Emmett, the services she and her team offers, and financing.