Bullhorn lip lift – everything worth knowing about upper lip lifting

Informational article. If you are looking for the price and booking of the procedure in Gdańsk, go directly to the procedure page below.

Bullhorn lip lift is a surgical procedure that subtly lifts the upper lip and shortens the distance between the nose and the mouth — the philtrum. The result is a more visible vermilion border and more harmonious facial proportions — without adding volume as with fillers.

What is a bullhorn lip lift?

The name “bullhorn” comes from the shape of the incision, which resembles bull horns and is made just under the nose — in the natural skin crease, so the scar is well hidden after healing. The surgeon removes a small strip of skin, shortens the philtrum, and gently lifts the lip, exposing more of the vermilion.

Unlike hyaluronic acid, which adds volume, a lip lift changes the position of the lip and improves proportions, and the effect is long-lasting — without the need for regular repeat treatments.

Who is a bullhorn lip lift for?

The procedure may be considered by people who:

• notice elongation of the philtrum — the distance between the nose and the lip — which makes the lips appear thinner,
• want long-lasting improvement without regular fillers,
• have a poorly visible or flat upper lip,
• are concerned about an “overdone” effect after fillers,
• expect a natural change in proportions and have realistic expectations.

The doctor decides during qualification whether the procedure is suitable in a given case.

What does the procedure look like? — in brief

A bullhorn lip lift usually takes 30–60 minutes and is performed under local anaesthesia. In simple terms, it includes:

1. consultation and qualification — assessment of facial proportions and planning the extent of the lift,
2. an incision under the nose and removal of a small strip of skin,
3. lifting the lip by shortening the philtrum,
4. precise suturing and providing recommendations for scar care.

The detailed course of the procedure, qualification, and price are discussed on the procedure page:

See the procedure page and book a consultation →

Recovery

After the procedure, swelling, redness, tenderness, and a feeling of tightness in the upper lip may occur. Initial healing usually takes 1–2 weeks, while the scar matures over the following months. During this time, it is recommended to:

• avoid intense physical activity during the first weeks,
• maintain gentle hygiene and limit excessive facial expressions,
• protect the scar from the sun to avoid discolouration,
• follow the aftercare instructions provided by the doctor.

Is a bullhorn lip lift safe?

Like any surgical procedure, a lip lift involves certain risks, which are minimised by the operator’s experience and by following postoperative instructions.

Lip lift and other methods

If you are not sure whether a lip lift is the right solution for you, it is worth knowing the alternatives:

• hyaluronic acid — temporarily adds volume; a good option if you want to “test” fuller lips,
• laser treatments — improve the texture of the skin around the mouth,
• lifting threads — subtly lift the lip, but the effect is less long-lasting.

The best method is selected individually during consultation.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace a medical consultation. Qualification, scope of the procedure, and possible effects are decided by the doctor during the visit. Results are individual.