Top Benefits of Lower Lip Advancement Surgery
Lower lip advancement surgery is a gentle surgical option that can improve the shape, balance, and fullness of the lower lip without using dermal fillers.
Upper Lip Lift Surgery
in Atlanta
As we age, the distance between the nose and the lip naturally lengthens. This creates a “heavy” lower face and covers your upper teeth, even when you smile.
At Aviva Plastic Surgery in Atlanta, Dr. Inessa Fishman performs the Upper Lip Lift (Bullhorn Technique) to structurally reverse this aging sign. By shortening the philtrum and subtly rotating the lip outward, she restores the youthful “tooth show” and defines the Cupid’s bow, creating a result that fillers simply cannot achieve.
The Bullhorn Lip Lift: Shorten the Philtrum & Reveal Your Smile
Dr. Fishman’s Precision Approach
The Bullhorn Lip Lift is a procedure of millimeters. Dr. Fishman’s technique focuses on structural integrity and invisible scarring to ensure your result looks natural, not “surgical.” Her philosophy is never to overcorrect, but to create subtle, natural improvement that restores youthful harmony while preserving your individuality.
The “Invisible” Incision: Dr. Fishman hides the incision deep within the natural crease where the nose meets the face (the nasal sill). This strategic placement ensures that once healed, the fine line is camouflaged by your natural facial shadows.
Deep Structural Suspension: Unlike simple skin-only lifts that can stretch out over time, Dr. Fishman anchors the underlying deep tissues to the strong ligaments at the base of the nose. This supports the lip’s weight, ensuring the lift is permanent and the scar does not widen.
Natural Lip Eversion: The goal is a subtle, youthful “roll” of the upper lip. Dr. Fishman carefully calibrates the amount of skin removed to reveal just the right amount of tooth show (typically 3–4mm) while maintaining a soft, natural pout.
Let’s talk about what’s possible.
Real Results: The Bullhorn Difference
Benefits of Bullhorn Upper Lip Lift
A Bullhorn Upper Lip Lift is designed to restore youthful facial balance by refining the proportions of the upper lip and smile. This subtle procedure delivers powerful aesthetic benefits, including:
- Permanent Rejuvenation: unlike fillers which dissolve every few months, a lip lift provides a structural, long-lasting improvement to the lower face.
- Restored Tooth Show: By lifting the lip edge, the procedure reveals the upper teeth when smiling or talking—a key marker of a youthful face.
- Enhanced Definition: The procedure accentuates the Cupid’s bow and rolls the red lip outward, creating a fuller look without the “ducky” projection associated with fillers.
- Facial Harmony: Shortening the philtrum (the space between the nose and lip) restores balance to the lower third of the face, making the overall appearance less “long” or drawn.
Dr Fishman is heaven sent! Following my lip lift procedure she checked in on me and answered my countless questions even at late hours. My mouth and lips look and feel amazing and there are no scars to be seen! Highly recommend Dr. Fishman's practice.
Am I a Candidate for a Bullhorn Lip Lift?
There is no single ‘right age’ for a lip lift. Dr. Fishman performs this procedure on patients in their 40s and beyond to reverse aging, as well as younger patients looking to correct a genetically long lip. You may be an ideal candidate if:
- Long Philtrum: The vertical distance between the base of your nose and your upper lip is longer than 15mm (about the width of your pinky finger).
- Hidden Teeth: Your upper teeth are completely covered by your lip when your mouth is slightly open.
- Filler Fatigue: You feel your lips look “heavy” or project outward (duck-like) rather than rolling upward.
- Thin Upper Lip: You have a very thin upper red lip and find yourself over-lining it with makeup to create height.
What to Expect from a Bullhorn Lip Lift
The Surgery
- Technique: Subnasal (Bullhorn) excision
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia (awake but completely numb), or twilight anesthesia if combined with facelift
- Time: 60–90 minutes
The Timeline
- Days 1–3: Swelling is at its peak; ice compresses are recommended
- Days 5–7: Sutures are removed in the office
- Around Day 10: Most patients are “restaurant ready” with light concealer
The Results
- Scar: Hidden beneath the nose; pink initially, fading to a fine white line by 6 months
- Longevity: Permanent structural improvement (natural aging continues)
- Sensation: Temporary numbness is normal and typically resolves within 2–3 months
Bullhorn Lip Lift FAQs
This is the most common concern we hear. When performed correctly, the answer is no. Dr. Fishman uses a “deep suspension” technique, anchoring the lip tissues to the strong ligaments at the base of the nose and not to the nostrils themselves. This prevents the nose from being pulled downward or widened.
The incision is hidden in the natural crease under the nose. It typically appears pink for the first 6–8 weeks, which can be easily covered with makeup after day 10. Over the next 3–6 months, it matures into a fine, faint white line that is virtually imperceptible.
Yes! A lip lift improves the position of the lip, while filler improves volume. Many patients find they need much less filler after surgery to achieve their ideal look, but you can still use it to add hydration or extra plumpness once you are fully healed.
Yes. Upper lip lift surgery is commonly combined with facelift, neck lift, eyelid surgery, or skin rejuvenation treatments to create balanced facial rejuvenation.
Most patients are surprised by how manageable the recovery is. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia (so you feel no pain during surgery). Afterward, most patients manage the mild discomfort with Tylenol or Motrin for just 2–4 days.
You can typically resume wearing lipstick 10–12 days after surgery, once your incisions have fully sealed. While the incision is under your nose, applying lipstick requires stretching the upper lip, which can pull on your fresh sutures. We also recommend using a new tube of lipstick to minimize infection risks during the final healing stages.
An upper lip lift provides permanent structural improvement. While the face will continue to age naturally, the shortening of the upper lip and enhancement of the smile remain long-lasting.
No. When performed conservatively and with attention to facial balance, an upper lip lift enhances your natural smile without creating an artificial or “pulled” appearance.
Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities within 7–10 days. Swelling continues to improve over the following weeks.
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