Full lips with Bullhorn Lip Lift (Frankfurt)
Many people find full and voluminous lips with a sensually curved lip arch (arm arch) and a short distance between the upper lip and nose attractive and appealing. However, the natural shape of the lips does not always correspond to this ideal of beauty. In addition, the skin’s elasticity decreases with age, causing the lip bow to sink and the distance between the upper lip and nose to increase. If small wrinkles are added around the mouth, the face quickly appears older and more severe, which many patients do not feel comfortable with.
Fortunately, today’s plastic and aesthetic surgery options make it possible to significantly reduce this undesirable effect and reshape the lips with a so-called bullhorn lip lift. This makes the red of the lips more prominent again, the lips appear fuller and more sensual and the face looks younger. As a specialist and expert in facial aesthetics, Dr Nichlos specializes in optical lip augmentation and rejuvenation and will be happy to advise you on the possibilities of lip treatment in a personal consultation.
Reviewed by the author
Dr. Emmanouil Nichlos is a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery and hand surgery with over 16 years of clinical experience. After working as a senior physician and head of a surgical department at Markus Hospital in Frankfurt, he founded his own practice in Frankfurt in 2025.
The content on this page has been personally reviewed by Dr. Nichlos. It is based on his many years of medical experience and is in line with current specialist standards.
The Bullhorn Lip Lift:
At a glance
Financing
Table of contents
Introduction
What is a bullhorn lip lift?
A bullhorn lip lift (or bullhorn lift or lip lift) is a special method of lip correction used in aesthetic surgery. This is a minor surgical procedure in which a narrow strip of skin is removed between the upper lip and nose. This is shaped like bull horns – hence the name of the treatment.
By removing the strip of skin, the distance between the upper lip and the nose is shortened and the lip bow is automatically raised. A procedure with a special effect: the lip shape still appears natural, but the lips appear fuller and the smile more open and radiant, as the upper lip covers the teeth less. Thanks to this effect, a bullhorn lift can be an alternative method to classic lip augmentation.
What are the reasons for a lip lift?
There are aesthetic reasons why a bullhorn lift is in demand. Shortening the distance between the nose and the red of the lips has various effects on appearance and radiance. The technique works like a lip augmentation: more lip red is visible, the lips appear fuller and more teeth are visible when smiling. All of this is considered extremely attractive and makes the face appear more likeable and younger.
However, the procedure is also suitable for correcting a naturally particularly long philtrum (the distance between the upper lip and nose) or a “hidden” upper lip. Slight asymmetries of the lips can also be corrected with a bullhorn lift.
Preparation
What happens before the lip lift?
Before the procedure, you will have a personal consultation with Dr. Nichlos in our private practice in Frankfurt. He will ask you what led you to decide to have your lips lifted. He would like to know why you want new lips and how you envision your new appearance in order to achieve the best possible result for you.
He will then advise you on the most suitable form of lip correction to achieve your desired results (for example, fuller lips). He will explain the procedure of a bullhorn lift to you in detail and will also inform you about possible risks during the consultation and give you advice on what you should look out for after the procedure.
No special preparation for the Bullhorn Lift is required. However, you should avoid alcohol and nicotine before and after the procedure to minimize the risk of complications during treatment and wound healing.
If you regularly take blood-thinning medication, please inform us of this at an early stage. It may be necessary to temporarily discontinue these in consultation with Dr. Nichlos. Please note: Unfortunately, treatment is not possible for acute skin diseases and infections.
Procedure
How does a bullhorn lift work?
Dr. Nichlos performs the bullhorn lift under local anaesthetic in the operating rooms of the Berger Klinik. During the procedure, he applies an anesthetic cream around the mouth so that you do not feel any pain. If desired, treatment in twilight sleep is also possible, but general anesthesia is not necessary. Dr. Nichlos will discuss the anaesthetic options with you in advance.
As soon as the anaesthetic takes effect, Dr. Nichlos makes a small incision below the nose, along the nasal fold or bridge. He then removes a narrow strip of skin in the marked shape (“bullhorn excision”) and then sutures the edges of the remaining skin.
You can see the results of the procedure immediately, although swelling will occur immediately afterwards. This is a normal reaction to the procedure. They usually subside after a few days and then the final result of the treatment is visible.
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Aftercare
What happens after the lip lift?
Allow yourself some rest in the first few days after lip augmentation. By carefully cooling the surgical area, you will help your body to heal, speed up the reduction of swelling and help to achieve the result you want.
Avoid physical exertion of any kind for approx. 2 weeks and protect your face from direct sunlight.
Risks
What are the risks associated with a lip lift?
Despite its special incision, the Bullhorn Lip Lift is considered a low-risk treatment method. However, the general risks associated with any operation, such as post-operative bleeding or wound healing disorders, cannot be ruled out. Infections are also possible, but extremely rare thanks to our strict hygiene guidelines. Swelling often occurs in the treatment area after a Bullhorn Lip Lift. Slight redness and minor bruising are also temporarily possible, as are sensory disturbances on and around the lips.
Consultation appointment
Bullhorn Lip Lift with Dr. Nichlos – your specialist for plastic and aesthetic surgery
Have your lips lost volume due to age, become thinner and sagged? Dr. Nichlos in Frankfurt is the right address for you if you want to have full lips again and attach great importance to experience and gentle treatment to the highest quality standards. Make an appointment now for a no-obligation consultation!
Practice location & directions – Frankfurt Westend
You can easily plan your route to our practice at Grüneburgweg 95, 60323 Frankfurt am Main using the integrated Google Maps map. If you are arriving by car, we recommend the Palmengarten parking garage in the immediate vicinity.
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Frequently asked questions
about the Bullhorn Lip Lift:
- Who is a Bullhorn Lip Lift suitable for?
The upper lip lift is suitable for women and men who want a shorter distance between the nose and upper lip, more defined lip contours and an optical lip augmentation without fillers.
- What is the difference to lip injections with hyaluronic acid?
With an injection, volume is temporarily achieved using hyaluronic acid. The Bullhorn Lip Lift, on the other hand, creates a permanent optical enlargement of the lips by surgically shortening the area of skin between the nose and upper lip.
- How does the procedure work?
The procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia. Dr. Nichlos removes a small strip of skin below the nose and lifts the upper lip slightly to achieve a more harmonious lip shape.
- Is a bullhorn lift painful?
No, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia. After the procedure, there may be slight pain or feelings of tension, which can be easily treated with standard painkillers.
- How long does it take to heal?
As a rule, the healing phase takes about 7 to 10 days. The stitches are removed after about a week. Sports activities should be avoided for around two weeks.
- Will visible scars remain?
The fine scar runs directly below the nose and is placed along the natural contour. Once healing is complete, it is barely visible.
- At what age is a bullhorn lip lift possible?
As a rule, treatment is possible from the age of 20 – provided that the growth of the face has been completed.
- How long does the result last?
The result is permanent. As excess skin is removed, a repeat procedure is not usually necessary.
- What are the risks of the Bullhorn Lift?
As with any operation, there are general risks such as swelling, hematomas or infections. However, complications are rare if the procedure is carried out professionally by an experienced specialist such as Dr. Nichlos.
- Can the Bullhorn Lip Lift be combined with other procedures?
Yes, depending on the individual initial situation, a combination with hyaluronic acid injections, a lip lift or other facial treatments may make sense.
- How much does a bullhorn lip lift cost in Frankfurt?
The costs start from 2,000 euros, plus anesthesia and any clinic costs. You will receive a detailed cost estimate during your personal consultation.
- Does the health insurance company cover the treatment costs?
No, the Bullhorn Lip Lift is a purely aesthetic procedure. The statutory health insurance companies do not cover the costs. Dr. med. Nichlos is also not licensed by health insurance companies.