A bullhorn lip lift, also known as a subnasal lip lift, is a facial procedure that enhances the appearance of the upper lip by shortening the distance between the nose and the lip (the philtrum). This subtle adjustment lifts the upper lip to reveal more pink tissue, creating a fuller, more defined, and youthful look without the use of fillers.
The procedure gets its name from the shape of the incision, which follows a gentle “bullhorn” curve beneath the nostrils. The scar is discreetly placed and typically hidden under the base of the nose. In addition to enhancing lip fullness, a bullhorn lip lift can also increase the visibility of the upper teeth when smiling, creating improved balance and harmony in the lower face.
With careful surgical technique and natural healing, results are long-lasting and beautifully refine both the lips and overall facial proportions.
Real Patient Results
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Who is a Good Candidate for a Bullhorn Lip Lift?
Good candidates are individuals who wish to achieve a fuller, more lifted upper lip without the use of filler. It’s especially well-suited for people with smaller mouths or broader nasal bases, and for those who have adequate space between the base of the nose and the upper lip (typically around 1.5 cm).
What Can I Expect from My Procedure?
A bullhorn lip lift shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip by removing a small strip of skin beneath the nose. This lifts the lip upward, exposing more pink tissue and enhancing lip fullness and balance.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so fasting is not required. You may be given an oral sedative to help you relax; in this case, a responsible adult must accompany you home afterward. Arrival time for surgery is typically confirmed about 1–2 weeks in advance.
Once the anesthesia takes effect, the area is cleansed and marked, the precise amount of skin is removed, and the incision is closed with fine sutures. The entire procedure usually takes about one hour and provides immediate, natural-looking improvement.
How Long is Recovery from a Bullhorn Lip Lift?
Most patients can resume light activities within a few days. Swelling and bruising peak around 72 hours after surgery and gradually subside over the next one to two weeks. Stitches are removed at approximately one week post-procedure by a post-op RN.
During the first week of healing, you should:
- Avoid strenuous exercise
- Avoid smoking (for 2–4 weeks)
- Avoid sleeping on your face, opening your mouth widely, or chewing gum
- Use a smaller toothbrush and brush carefully
- Keep your lips moisturized with a gentle, approved product
People with naturally fuller lips may take longer to reach full recovery, as more tissue needs to heal. Redness from the incision usually fades over 3–4 months.
Will There Be Visible Scarring After a Bullhorn Lip Lift?
The incision follows the natural contours beneath the nostrils and is discreetly hidden at the base of the nose and typically fades significantly over several months as the tissue heals.
How Long Do Results Last?
With proper care, results from a bullhorn lip lift are considered permanent. Natural aging will continue and may subtly affect the lips over time, but the lifted contour achieved by surgery remains long-lasting.
Patients return for a follow-up appointment at 3–6 months to assess their results, review healing progress, and take updated photographs. If any refinements are desired, your surgeon will discuss options and develop a plan at that time.
Your Questions Answered
Most patients return to non-strenuous work within a few days; some may choose to wait until their sutures are removed after one week. However, mild swelling and bruising may last up to two weeks. Avoid heavy exercise, sleeping on your face, and opening your mouth widely during the first week of healing.
As with any surgical procedure, complications are rare but possible. These may include infection, bleeding, asymmetry, wound healing complications, nerve damage, or scarring. Altered sensations such as numbness, tingling, or hypersensitivity are common during recovery and usually resolve within several weeks or months.
Our healthcare team monitors your healing closely to ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible outcome.
Yes. This procedure can be safely combined with facial rejuvenation surgery, laser treatments and/ or lip filler, depending on your goals.
Improvement is visible immediately after surgery, though swelling may temporarily affect the appearance. Most patients see their refined, settled result within 3–6 months as the tissues heal and scars mature.