Lip Surgery

Lip Surgery

About the procedure

Lip surgery is a surgical method of correcting the shape, volume, and position of the lips that can provide a more defined yet natural-looking result. Unlike injections, which provide a temporary effect, surgery works with the anatomy itself, changing the structure and proportions of the lips. One of the most common procedures is the bullhorn lip lift, a surgical technique that shortens the distance between the upper lip and the nose, making the upper lip appear more lifted, fuller, and more clearly defined.

With age or due to individual anatomical features, the upper lip may become longer and thinner, while the vermilion border may become less visible. As a result, the lips may look less defined even when they still have sufficient volume. A bullhorn lip lift can address this without adding artificial volume by lifting the upper lip and revealing its natural shape.

Lip surgery may also include reshaping the lips, correcting asymmetry, or refining the contours to make the lips more proportional to the face.

When is it recommended?

• Lip surgery may be recommended when there are anatomical features or age-related changes that cannot be adequately corrected with injectable treatments. For example, when the upper lip appears too long or covers the teeth, and even fillers do not produce a natural-looking result.
• A bullhorn lip lift is often chosen by people who want more defined lips without an overly augmented appearance. It can be suitable both for younger patients with a thin upper lip and for those whose lip shape has changed with age.
• The procedure may also be appropriate for asymmetry, when one side of the lip looks different from the other, or when there is a desire to create a more defined and harmonious contour.

It is an option for those who want a long-lasting result without relying on regular injections.

Why is it important?

The lips are one of the key areas of the face and have a significant influence on facial expression and overall appearance. Even subtle changes in the shape or position of the lips can make the face look fresher, softer, or more expressive.

Lip surgery can help achieve a natural-looking result that preserves the appearance of your own lips while enhancing their proportions, without an artificial look. This can be particularly important for people who do not want injectable treatments or who have found that fillers do not provide the desired appearance.

A bullhorn lip lift, in particular, can reveal more of the upper lip and make the smile appear more expressive, which may enhance the overall appearance of the face.

The procedure can also contribute to greater comfort and self-confidence when facial features look harmonious and align with your expectations.

How is the procedure performed?

• Lip surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, sometimes with additional sedation. The procedure takes approximately one hour, depending on the extent of the correction.
• During a bullhorn lip lift, the surgeon makes a small incision beneath the nose, removes a strip of skin, and lifts the upper lip into a new position. The scar is located within the natural fold beneath the nose and becomes less noticeable over time.
• If another type of lip correction is performed, the surgeon may reshape the tissues or refine the lip contour to achieve greater symmetry and harmony.
• Swelling, sensitivity, or mild discomfort may occur after the procedure. This is a normal response. During the first few days, the lips may appear fuller due to swelling, which gradually subsides.
• The final result is assessed after several weeks, once the tissues have fully healed.

Patient preparation

Preparation begins with a consultation during which the doctor evaluates the shape of the lips, facial proportions, and desired outcome. This helps determine which technique is most appropriate.

Basic tests may be recommended before the procedure to ensure that the intervention can be performed safely. It is important to inform the doctor about any medical conditions and medications you are taking.

Several days before the procedure, it is recommended to avoid alcohol, smoking, and medications that affect blood clotting, if this has been agreed with your doctor.

On the day of the procedure, you should be feeling well. Afterward, follow your doctor’s recommendations, avoid trauma to the treatment area, do not place excessive strain on the lips, and attend follow-up appointments.

This helps ensure proper healing and achieve the most natural and long-lasting result.