CHEILOPLASTY (BULLHORN)

Cheiloplasty is a surgical operation that aims to improve the shape of the lips, eliminate their asymmetry and increase the volume. One of the methods of cheiloplasty is called bullhorn. This name appeared due to the shape of the incision, which is performed above the upper lip and resembles a bull horn in shape.

Indications

The main indications for cheiloplasty according to the bullhorn technique are:

• strong asymmetry of the mouth;
• subtle and inexpressive features of the upper lip;
• age-related sagging of the upper lip;
• injuries and congenital deformities of the lower part of the face.

The main contraindications

Cheiloplasty bullhorn is not suitable for everyone. If a person’s upper gum is visible with a smile, plastic surgery will only strengthen the defect. Also, it is better to avoid the procedure for people with a snub nose and a short distance between the nose and upper lip.In addition to aesthetic, there are other contraindications.These include:

• exacerbations of herpes;
• relapse of chronic diseases;
• acute infectious diseases;
• systemic diseases (lupus, dermatomyositis, scleroderma);
• during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Consultation about the presence or absence of contraindications can be received during the first visit to a plastic surgeon.

Preparation for cheiloplasty (Bullhorn method)

Before the procedure, you must visit a plastic surgeon. He will perform an examination, will tell about the features of the procedure and the rehabilitation period. You will also need to pass a package of tests.It includes:

• general analysis of blood and urine;
• blood chemistry;
• ECG;
• chest x-ray.

3-4 days before the procedure, you cannot perform any cosmetic procedures. In the morning before the operation, it is better not to apply makeup, since it will still have to be washed off.

Description of the process of cheiloplasty

Before the operation, the doctor applies markings on the skin and performs antiseptic measures. The procedure is usually carried out under local anesthesia, but in some cases, general anesthesia is also possible. After that, the plastic surgeon performs an incision. In total, 2 types of sections are distinguished:

• along the edge of the upper lip.
• under the nose.

The first option is more preferable since it is less traumatic for the body. During the operation, the doctor excises a small area of the skin and sutures the edges of the wound. Thus, it is possible to tighten the lips, increase their volume and correct the asymmetry. At the end of the operation, a special intradermal suture is applied to the skin, which allows you to hide the scar after the operation.

Duration and Results

The procedure lasts about 50-70 minutes. Immediately after surgery, the patient can return home (it makes no sense to be in the hospital for a long time). The day after the procedure, tissue swelling occurs, pain and discomfort in the lips may appear. This is a normal reaction of the body to the operation. To reduce pain and swelling, you can take painkillers. The final result of the procedure is visible after 4-5 weeks.

Rehabilitation period

The rehabilitation period after cheiloplasty is 1-2 weeks. 7 days after the procedure, the doctor removes the stitches. In this place remains a small scar, which disappears without a trace in a few weeks. For the period of rehabilitation, doctors are advised to adhere to the following rules:

• do not apply makeup on the face; avoid creams and alcohol-containing lotions;
• do not perform cosmetic procedures;
• avoid visiting saunas, pools and baths;
• do not perform heavy physical procedures.

Bullhorn cheiloplasty prices

The cost of correcting the upper lip according to the bullhorn technique is usually fixed in each medical institution. The Gold Laser Clinic offers the following prices for this procedure:

Name of procedure	Head physician	Plastic surgeon
Lower third facelift	2500 euros	2500 euros
Lower third facelift + chin	2800 euros	2800 euros
Lower third facelift + chin + neck	3500 euros	3500 euros
Eyebrow lift, temporal areas with lipofilling	1700 euros	–
Neck lift	1500-1700 euros	–
Forehead lift	1500-2000 euros	–
Tightening Eyebrow	800 euros	800 euros
Cheiloplasty (Bullhorn)	–	1000 euros
Removing the biopolymer from the lips (one side)	–	500 euros
Chin prosthetics (implant cost not included, 300-500 euros)	1000 euros	1000 euros
Laser chin lipolysis	260 euros	200 euros
Laser Chin Liposuction	390 euros	300 euros

* payment is made in UAH at the exchange rate at the time of payment