Our Approach to Surgical Lip Rejuvenation via Bullhorn Lip Lift

Hello, my name is Dr. Thomas Knackstedt, and I’m a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon at Peak Skin Center. In this video, I want to talk a little bit about a lip lift, also called a bull horn lip lift, which is a procedure designed to increase upper lip show and improve lip shape.

A bull horn lip lift is most commonly performed when the space between the base of the nose and the upper lip becomes longer with age or genetics. That longer distance can make the upper lip look thinner, reduce how much pink lip is visible, and sometimes make the smile look less balanced. Unlike filler, which adds volume, a bull horn lip lift works by shortening the upper lip skin length, which can increase the amount of visible upper pink lip, improve the definition of the Cupid’s bow, and create a more youthful lip position.

The incision is placed at the base of the nose in a pattern that resembles a “bull horn,” which allows the scar to be well hidden along the natural contours of the nostrils and nasal base. After local anesthesia, a measured strip of skin is removed, and the upper lip is gently elevated and secured with layered closure. Careful planning is important to maintain symmetry, preserve natural facial proportions, and avoid an over-lifted appearance.

Recovery usually includes swelling and tightness of the upper lip for the first week, with gradual improvement over the next several weeks. Bruising can occur, and patients are typically advised to limit strenuous activity, avoid excessive lip stretching, and follow wound-care instructions closely. Sutures are usually removed within about a week, and the incision continues to mature and fade over time. Most patients can return to normal social activities fairly quickly, although subtle swelling can persist for several weeks.

Compared with fillers, a bull horn lip lift can be superior when the main issue is a long upper lip and reduced lip show, because it improves lip position and shape without creating the heaviness, outward projection, or repeated maintenance that can come with adding volume.

I hope this information is helpful, and thank you for watching.

For those seeking a refreshed, rejuvenated appearance to the upper lip, a lip lift is an ideal procedure. Available in Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, and beyond, our cosmetic dermatology experts are here for expert guidance on enhancing your natural lip shape. At Peak Skin Center in Fuquay-Varina, we specialize in natural facial aesthetics and offer personalized evaluations to ensure you achieve balanced, beautiful results.