Lip Lift: The Modified "Bull's Horn" Incision and Other Refinements
by Dr. Oscar M. Ramirez MD FACS
The upper lip lift is a straightforward procedure that elevates the position of the upper lip with respect to the teeth giving a broader smile. The amount of pink lip (vermillion) that is seen is also increased giving the patient an illusion of plumper lips. In this procedure, abdominal fat can be injected into the lips to also give the lips a fuller appearance. A special procedure designed by Dr. Ramirez also enhances the cupids bow, giving the lips further rejuvenative and beautification effects. The procedure also reverses the “Simian” lip. The overall effect is a more esthetically pleasing mouth with a youthful appearance.
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Why a lip lift? The lip lift procedure is aimed to provide a permanent enhancement to the aesthetics of the lip. Short lips with fuller pink parts are sign of beauty and youth. Augmentation of the pink part with injections or insertion of foreign materials by itself does not provide shortening of the lips. On the contrary, the augmentation technique alone may elongate the lips. The lip lift combined with autologous augmentation of one’s own fat it is probably close to the ideal to obtain beautiful, plump, and sexy lips.
Who benefits most from this procedure? It is common observation that the lips of teenagers are full and slightly pouting. The pink part of the lip can be 1/3 to 1/2 the volume of the moustache area in general. Some of us are born with naturally long upper lips. This procedure is designed to shorten the upper lip allowing people even in their twenties to benefit from this procedure.
As we age, all the bones of the body (including the face) retract and diminish in volume allowing the flesh of the face to hang more. The soft tissue and fat of the face undergo atrophy so the skin itself also falls. The aged upper lip is characterized by a thin or non-existent vermilion (the pink part) and a smile that does not show the teeth. Thus, people experiencing this can also benefit from this procedure.
In many people the elongated lips give the appearance of a “Simian” lip (monkey’s lip) which is very unappealing. The procedure changes that giving the upper lip a “ski slope” shape on the lateral view.
What is involved in the surgery? The procedure is generally done under local anesthesia with minimal discomfort. A modified “bull’s horn” incision is placed directly beneath the nose and partially hidden in the nostrils and a small strip of skin and tissue is removed. The lip is elevated to its new position exposing about 1/8” of teeth and permanently increasing the volume of the pink part of the lip. Abdominal fat can be injected in the lips to also give an overall fuller appearance should the patient desire.
The Cupid’s bow is enhanced as well. The procedure takes about sixty minutes and the sutures are usually removed after four days.
What is the cost? The lip lift is customized for each individual; therefore, the cost varies according to the goals desired by the patient (lip lift alone, fat grafting, cupid’s bow enhancement, simultaneous mucosal shortening etc). For the basic procedure, the amount of money paid for four to five “temporary filler” treatments approximates the cost; however, unlike temporary fillers, the results obtained from Dr. Ramirez’ procedure are permanent.
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