The bullhorn lip lift is the most common type of lip lift where the incision begins on one side of the nose under the nostril and makes its way across the middle. Then the same is done on the other side. The name comes from the fact that the resulting incision is in the shape of a bullhorn. This is most commonly used because it tends to distribute the tension of the lift the best across the entire base of the nose and gives a more natural appearance.Close Up of Dr. Sturm

The gullwing lip lift is an alternative, which is a more centralized lip lift and is based around the columella. It doesn’t extend as far to the sides of the nose compared to a bullhorn lip lift.

How painful is a lip lift? 

According to most patients, a lip lift is not very painful. Even though pain medication is provided, many do not even use it, preferring Tylenol if they do experience any pain at all. The patient may feel tightness in that area for the first week or so after the procedure and then it starts to loosen up.

Interestingly, somewhere around a month, it starts to feel tight again and then loosens up again over the next month or so. At around the six month mark, it all settles.

How long does a bullhorn lip lift last? 

A bullhorn lip lift is a permanent change in your lip. We are physically removing a section of the white part of the lip, between your nose and upper lip, which flips up the red part of the lip. Even though the lift is permanent, it doesn’t mean that you won’t stop aging. The white skin between your nose and upper lip will continue to lengthen with time, but it is a way of rewinding the clock and most people will never have to do it again. It’s not like a facelift, where in 10 to 15 years, you might want to do it again. Most of the time, once it’s done, it lasts a very long time.

Have questions?
Call or email any time. I’d sincerely love to hear from you.
(281) 336-9300

Read More
What Is the Average Cost of a Facelift?
Facelift Before & After Photos
How Long Does a Lip Lift Last?
What Is the Best Facelift Technique?

About Dr. Angela Sturm

Dr. Angela Sturm is a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon with certifications with the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery. Dr. Sturm’s meticulous nature makes for exceptional results and satisfied patients. Dr. Sturm was named Texas Monthly’s Super Doctors Rising Star in 2016-2017, Texas Monthly’s Super Doctor in 2018-2019, H Texas Magazine’s Top Doc in 2013-2018, Top Doc by Houstonia magazine in 2016-2018, Houston Business Journal’s People on the Move and 40 under 40, Blazing Star Award by Texas Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Top Women in Business, one of the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston, Best Female Cosmetic Surgeon in Out Smart, and given the Patients’ Choice Award, On Time Doctor Award and Compassionate Doctor Award by Vitals.com.


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