Bullhorn Lip Lift by Dr Micheal Kernohan in Sydney
A bullhorn lip lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that shortens the distance between the upper lip and the base of the nose, altering its appearance to increase fullness.
Many factors lead to loss of upper lip volume that can make it look thin compared to your overall facial features. Genetics, age, hormonal imbalances, and environmental factors can lead to a longer philtrum. The upper lip lift treats volume loss, disproportion, and unevenly shaped upper lip area.
When discussing this surgery, the upper lip refers to the area between the nose’s central pole and the rosy-pink area of the lip. The area is generally between 12 to 15 millimetres. However, if the area is above 15 millimetres, it can be altered with a bullhorn upper lip lift surgery.
Dr Michael Kernohan is a specialist plastic surgeon in Southwest Sydney and Southern Highlands. Find out more about what an upper lip lift procedure involves, the recovery time, the potential benefits and risks of surgery.
Download Dr Michael Kernohan’s Face & Neck Surgery Guide
What is Upper Lip Lift?
An Upper Lip lift can alter the shape of your lips, without the need to undergo repeat lip filler injections. The lip surgery will reduce the size of your philtrum and alter the appearance of your overall facial proportions.
The procedure involves making an incision shaped like a bullhorn just under the nostrils, removing a small strip of skin, and lifting the upper lip. This results in a more prominent “lip flip,” with increased lip height and increased exposure of the upper teeth when smiling.
Are You the Right Candidate for Upper Lip Lift Procedure?
A lip lift procedure is a cosmetic procedure that can change the overall appearance of your lips and face. Before you decide to undergo the procedure, you have to meet certain eligibility criteria. You may be a good candidate for the procedure if you:
- Have an elongated philtrum
- Are in a physically and mentally healthy condition
- Do not smoke or can quit it for a specified duration
- Have realistic expectations from the treatment
- Or, if the space between your nose and upper lip is longer than 1.5 centimeters
Benefits of Upper Lip Lift Surgery
Some of the potential benefits of upper lip lift surgery include:
- The surgery may help reduce the appearance of wrinkled and excess skin below the nostrils
- It can reduce the prominence of your ‘bottom teeth’ when you smile if it is caused by an elongated philtrum
- The lip lift procedure can help reveal more of your upper teeth if they are hidden due to an elongated philtrum
- The surgery can also reduce the impression of having a protruding lower jawline/ lower teeth-line when covered by a excess skin or an elongated philtrum
The Upper Lip Lift Surgical Journey
Consultation with Dr Kernohan
The first step of your lip lift journey, like in the case of any other procedure, is consultation. During this initial consultation, you should be honest with Dr Kernohan about your expectations and goals regarding the surgery. During this time, Dr Kernohan will examine you to see if you meet the eligibility criteria, discuss your options and provide you with a quote.
Lip Lift Procedure
Upper lip lift surgery can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. The procedure will begin with the administration of local anaesthesia that is sometimes coupled with intravenous sedation.
Dr Kernohan will create an incision just below the nose. Then a portion of skin will be removed below the nose to shorten the distance between your nose and upper lip. This will ‘lift’ your lip. The incision will be closed with the help of absorbable sutures and you will be allowed to go home on the same day.
Recovery from Upper Lip Lift
Recovery from an upper lip lift like any surgical procedure requires proper care and attention.
The first few days after surgery may involve some swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the incision site. This is to be expected and typically subsides within a week or two. It’s recommended to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or bending over for at least two weeks post-surgery to reduce the risk of complications and optimise healing. Always follow Dr Kernohan’s specific post-operative instructions.
Avoid opening your mouth too wide and yawning for at least the first two weeks after the surgery as it can complicate the healing process.
Do not consume alcohol for at least 4 weeks post the procedure and avoid eating anything for at least six hours post the procedure. Make sure you attend the follow-up appointment to ensure you are healing at the right pace.
Upper Lip Lift Surgery Before and After Photos
Taking a look at upper lip lift procedures the surgeon has performed can help see the experience and ability of a specific surgeon, and Dr Kernohan is no exception. You can see photos of upper lip lifts when you visit Dr Kernohan’s clinic.
Risks/ Complications of Upper Lip Lift Procedure
Some of the possible risks and complications include allergic reaction to anaesthesia, bleeding, accumulation of blood, nerve damage, visible scarring, and poor wound healing.
Most of the risks/complications can be reduced if you choose the right surgeon and follow all the pre/post-care instructions. Dr Kernohan will discuss the potential risks in detail so that you can weigh the pros and cons of the surgery and determine whether the procedure is right for you or not.
Check the plastic surgery risks page for more details.
Upper Lip Lift Costs Sydney – How much is Upper Lip Lift Surgery in Sydney?
The cost of upper lip lift surgery can vary significantly depending on several factors including the specifics of the procedure and other factors. It must be performed in an accredited hospital theatre under local anaesthesia.
You can book a consultation to get a customised surgery quote. Post the consultation, Dr Kernohan will give you a precise cost with all the charges.
The average cost of the procedure will be around $5,000 to $10,000 based on the hospital and the location.
Learn more about plastic surgery fees on Dr Kernohan’s pricing page. Alternatively, you can contact Dr Kernohan’s team for a price estimate or to set up an appointment.
How to Find the Right Upper Lip Lift Surgeon in Sydney
It is important to choose a facial plastic surgeon who has the right skills and qualification to perform the surgery. Always choose a specialist plastic surgeon who has experience performing your procedure.
Surgeons who have extensive experience in performing bullhorn lip lifts can help optimise your results compared to doctors who have little to no experience performing this procedure.
1. Do Your Own Research
If you have just started your search, it is best to look up the surgeons in your area and visit their websites one by one. The website is like a portfolio for surgeons. You will be able to find all sorts of valuable information about the surgeon’s background.
That will give you something to work with during the consultation. Make sure that the surgeon has private hospital privileges as this speaks volumes about the credibility of the surgeon.
2. Trust Your Instinct
During the consultation, ask all the questions you have and make sure you are fully satisfied with the answers you get. Your gut can tell you a lot about a surgeon.
Upper Lip Lift Surgery FAQs
Here is a list of frequently asked questions about upper lip lift surgery:
