Lip lift instead of injections?
By | Karsten Sawatzki |
Date | Thu 12:03 |
News-Body
The lip lift, especially the so-called bullhorn lift, can be a sensible alternative or supplement to lip injections, depending on the aesthetic goals you want to achieve. Both procedures aim to improve the appearance of the lips, but are suitable for different starting situations and needs. Here is a detailed overview: What is a lip lift (bullhorn lift)? The bullhorn lift is a surgical procedure in which a small strip of skin is removed from under the nose. This shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip (philtral distance) and raises the upper lip. The name “bullhorn” comes from the shape of the skin incision, which is reminiscent of a bull’s horn. Result:
– The upper lip appears fuller without adding volume.
– More of the red lip area becomes visible.
– The lip takes on a slightly curved shape (often seen as a “youthfulness feature”).
– The upper lip protrudes slightly more outwards, making the mouth appear more feminine and harmonious. Difference between lip injections and lip lifts Lip injections (with hyaluronic acid)
– Aim: to add volume to make the lips appear fuller.
– Advantages:
– Non-invasive, quick to perform.
– Reversible (hyaluronic acid can be broken down by hyalase).
– Can achieve subtle or obvious results, depending on your preference.
– Limitations:
– The philtral distance (between the nose and upper lip) is not shortened.
– If the philtral distance is very long, the injection can appear unnatural, as more fullness often does not create the desired harmony.
– The effect is temporary (6-12 months).
Lip lift (bullhorn lift)
– Aim: to shorten the philtral distance and emphasize the natural lip shape.
– Advantages:
– Permanent results (surgical procedure).
– Gives the upper lip a naturally emphasized appearance without adding extra volume.
– More of the red lip area becomes visible without overloading the proportions.
– Limitations:
– Invasive (surgical procedure with scarring, even if this is usually well hidden).
– Recovery time of 1-2 weeks.
– Not suitable for adding volume. When does a lip lift make more sense than lip augmentation? A lip lift makes more sense if:
1. The philtral distance is too long:
– A long distance between the nose and upper lip can make the face look older. A lip lift shortens this distance and creates a more youthful harmony.
2. The upper lip is very narrow:
– If the upper lip is naturally very narrow, injecting is often not enough to achieve the desired effect.
A lip lift can make more of the red lip area visible.
3. The goal is a permanent result:
– Hyaluronic acid requires regular touch-ups, while a lip lift is permanent.
4Volume is not desired:
– If you want to emphasize the lips without making them fuller, a lip lift is the better choice.
5. The lip looks unnatural due to injections:
– With a very long philtral distance, the volume from hyaluronic acid can unbalance the face. In such cases, a lip lift provides a more harmonious result. When does lip augmentation make more sense? Lip injections make more sense if:
1. Volume is to be added:
– Hyaluronic acid is ideal for making narrow or asymmetrical lips appear fuller and more harmonious.
2. A temporary result is desired:
– If you are not sure whether you want a permanent change, lip injections are a good option.
3No surgical treatment is desired:
– Hyaluronic acid injections are minimally invasive, while a lip lift is an operation with scarring.
4. Fine corrections are sufficient:
– Injections are perfect for small adjustments to the shape of the lips or to compensate for asymmetries.
Combination of lip lift and injections In some cases, it may make sense to combine both procedures:
– The lip lift shortens the vertical distance and improves the shape of the lips.
– Hyaluronic acid injections can add additional volume if the lips still appear narrow. For whom is which procedure more suitable? – Younger patients: Hyaluronic acid is usually sufficient, as the philtral distance is usually not yet prolonged. – Older patients: With increasing age, the philtral distance often becomes longer, so a lip lift may be more appropriate. Conclusion: The lip lift (bullhorn lift) is ideal if you are looking for a permanent solution, the philtral distance is too long or volume is not the primary goal. Hyaluronic acid is more suitable if you want to add volume or try out a temporary change.