Bullhorn, corner, and Italian lip lifts.
Biometrics of Perioral Proportions and Aging-Related Elongation
In the very specialized field of facial design and lip lift, the structural relationship between the base of the nose and the upper lip vermilion (the pink border of the lips) is the main factor that determines the youthfulness of the face. From a very strict biometric point of view, a perfect youthfulness upper lip has a subnasal-to-vermilion distance of about 11-13 mm in women. As the facial matrix ages chronologically, a variety of factors cause the skin and the surrounding orbicularis oris muscle to lose their original elasticity, and one of the results of this process is the elongation of this space.
At LIN Europe Clinic, we mention that the dropping down of the lip leads to a loss of the upper lip’s natural pout and a covering of the upper teeth when the mouth is closed, as well as a flattened look. Although dermal fillers are capable of restoring the lost volume for a while, it is impossible to shorten the elongated philtrum with them, and sometimes the use of these products can result in a not very natural appearance of the profile, with lips projecting forward. To regain the structural harmony in the lower third of the face, it is necessary to alter the physical dimensions through surgery.
The Bullhorn Subnasal Lip Lift: The Gold Standard Protocol
Among different types of lip lifts, the one most commonly performed and the most lauded one is the Subnasal Lip Lift, which is also known to most as the Bullhorn Lip Lift because the surgical incision that is made looks like a bull’s horn. If evaluated from a clinical perspective, this method is an example of surgical genius, having the ability to shorten the philtrum, keeping postoperative scars invisible. The operating surgeon marks the outline of a wavy incision line along the natural shadow line, which is where the base of the nose and the skin of the upper lip meet, and then makes the incision.
Next, the removal of the skin and subcutaneous tissues is done in a bullhorn shape, which goes under the nostrils and also the central nasal septum. After the excision of the parts, the edges of the skin from below are raised and fixed directly to the firm periosteum (deep connective tissue) of the anterior nasal spine. The main reasons for this deep-tissue anchoring are:
- Vascular Protection: The outer skin closure is protected against tension, which safeguards local microcirculation and your body’s systemic vitality.
- Philtral Shortening: This opens the space between the nose and mouth, and you get to see the pink vermilion border flipped upward.
- Enhanced Incisal Show: During relaxation of the mouth, exposing 2 to 4 mm of upper central teeth comes as a natural result, completing the renewal matrix of a youthful smile.
The Corner Lip Lift: Elevating the Oral Commissures
A subnasal lift certainly can change the middle part of the mouth well. However, if the mouth corners or oral commissures, which are the areas where the lips join, are selected for the change, they can only be done if a different surgical procedure is used. The outer corners of the mouth can, over time and as a result of the depression of the anguli oris muscle of the mouth and the effect of gravity, become downturned. This all will create an outer mouth droop that forms a sad or tired facial expression even when the face is at rest.
To fix such a condition, a Corner Lip Lift is used, which has been developed with great surgical skill. It usually involves making two tiny triangular cuts in the skin just above the outer borders of the upper lip corners. Then, by removing those small pieces of skin and lifting the edges, the surgeon physically rotates the mouth corners a bit upwards.
At LIN Europe Clinic, our facial experts often perform a corner lip lift in conjunction with a subnasal lift to create an all-around perioral change and make sure that the whole lip frame is smooth, symmetric, and naturally inviting, which is also consistent with the baseline biological balance.
Alternative Techniques: Central and Italian Modifications
For clients who have very specific structural requirements, the surgeon can include a few alternative measures in the surgical plan with the aim of shortening the incision length and respecting the unique anatomical features. One of such modifications is the Italian Lip Lift, which is less extensive than the traditional bullhorn lift and also less invasive. Instead of making an uninterrupted incision along the entire subnasal base, two separate incisions inside the lower rim of each nostril are made. By excising small ellipses of tissue just under the nostrils, the surgeon raises the side peaks of the upper lip (Cupid’s bow) while leaving the central columella untouched, resulting in a subtle, vertical lift with minimal visible scabbing.
On the other hand, the Central Lip Lift is suitable in cases where the vermilion thins only in the central sector. The emphasis of this procedure is on the removal of tissue just underneath the nasal septum without any extension to the nasal wings. Being very meticulous, at LIN Europe Clinic, we view a facial surgery as a work of art and carefully consider the dynamics of your smile prior to choosing a method for you.
Comparison Matrix: Variations of Lip Lift Surgery
| Lip Lift Type | Primary Anatomical Target | Incision Geometry | Ideal Patient Profile |
| Subnasal (Bullhorn) | Comprehensive central philtrum. | Continuous wave under the nose. | Long philtral space; hidden upper teeth. |
| Corner Lip Lift | Drooping oral commissures. | Small triangles at the outer lips. | Persistent sad or downturned mouth expression. |
| Italian Lip Lift | Localized Cupid’s bow peaks. | Two separate, isolated nostril loops. | Minor correction needed; fears a continuous scar. |
| Central Lip Lift | Isolated central upper lip texturing. | Concentrated under the nasal septum. | Adequate lateral lift; thinning central vermilion. |
Lip Lift in Turkey
When you select LIN Europe Clinic, you get access to a global top medical center in which facial microsurgery and high-definition aesthetics are done by the highest level of clinical mastery. We are aware that changing perioral proportions is an extremely sensitive thing and it requires the hand of a great artist to make the result look natural from all sides. Our magnificent location in Turkey is leading internationally in advanced facial rejuvenation. It is an upmarket, fully equipped place where your safety, objectives, and comfort are expertly handled.
When you decide to receive aesthetic procedures at LIN Europe Clinic, you are investing in a medical system that is very well-known worldwide and which always puts the patient’s well-being and safety first. The transformation process is handled fully by our team, and we make sure to use specific suturing techniques that will leave almost invisible scars. Get the ultimate care and change your facial silhouette to a maximum degree of symmetry and beauty in Turkey with LIN Europe Clinic.
FAQ:
At present, the subnasal or “bullhorn” lip lift is the most common one among surgeons. The incision is hidden along the natural shadow of the nose in order to shorten the upper lip and turn the pink vermilion border upward.
The bullhorn lift, the typical one, mainly features the center of the lip so if you want to fix downturned edges, a corner lip lift will be what you need. This focused treatment eliminates small skin triangles above the lip corners to mechanically lift a drooping or sad expression.
Instead of one continuous cut across the base of the nose, the Italian lip lift has two separate, smaller incisions hidden inside each nostril. In doing so, it lifts a little bit the peaks of your Cupid’s bow with less visible scarring.
Definitely, a lip lift is often done together with rhinoplasty, facelift, or fat grafting to improve the entire facial balance. Making all these changes at the same time results in your whole facial structure aging symmetrically and gracefully.
Because a lip lift is a surgical procedure that results in the physical removal of excess skin of the upper lip area, the result of this procedure is permanent. Although your face will naturally continue to age over time, the length of your philtrum will remain shorter than it would have been if you didn’t have the operation.
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Marechek, A., Perenack, J., & Christensen, B. J. (2021). Subnasal Lip Lift and Its Effect on Nasal Esthetics. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 79(4), 895-901.
Perkins, S. W. (2007). The corner of the mouth lift and management of the oral commissure grooves. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America, 15(4), 471-476.
Kim, S. Y. (2020). Surgical Method of a Corner Mouth Lift. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery / PMC, 31(2), e178-e180.
Sarı, E., & Aliyeva, A. (2023). Nasal Sill Flap for Lip Lifting: A Novel Approach to Scar Management. Facial Plastic Surgery / Thieme, 39(4), 412-418.
