Surgical Lip Augmentation

Fuller, more defined lips can enhance the overall balance and proportions of the face. While dermal fillers are a popular way to temporarily increase lip volume, surgical lip augmentation offers a longer-lasting alternative for patients who are looking for a permanent change in the shape or position of their lips.

Who Is It For?

Surgical lip augmentation may be suitable for women and men who feel that their lips are too thin, lack definition or appear disproportionate to the rest of the face.

Unlike injectable fillers, which are gradually absorbed by the body and therefore require repeated treatments, surgical techniques can provide a long-lasting improvement in lip shape and projection.

The most appropriate technique depends on the patient's anatomy, desired result and the amount of enhancement required. During the consultation, the surgeon will recommend the most suitable option.

How Is It Done?

There are several surgical techniques that can be used to enhance the lips.

Bullhorn Lip Lift

A Bullhorn Lip Lift, also known as a subnasal lip lift, is a minimally invasive surgical technique designed to shorten the distance between the nose and the upper lip and create a more visible red portion of the upper lip.

A small incision is made in the natural crease beneath the nostrils. A strip of skin is removed and the upper lip is gently lifted. The incision is then closed with sutures.

The scar is positioned beneath the nose and is designed to follow the natural contours of the area. Depending on the individual case, both absorbable and non-absorbable sutures may be used. Any sutures that need to be removed are usually removed after approximately 7–10 days.

Red Lip Advancement

Red Lip Advancement, sometimes called a vermilion advancement, is a technique designed to increase the visible red portion of the lips and improve their definition.

The incision is made along the natural border of the lip. A small amount of skin is removed and the red part of the lip is advanced outward.

Non-absorbable sutures are generally used and are removed approximately 7–10 days after surgery.

The surgeon will discuss the advantages, limitations and expected scarring of each technique during your consultation.

Surgery

Surgical lip augmentation is usually performed under local anaesthesia. Intravenous sedation may be available on request for patients who prefer to sleep during the procedure.

The operation typically takes around one hour, although the exact duration depends on the chosen technique and the individual patient.

After Surgery

Some swelling, tenderness and tightness are normal after lip surgery. Swelling is usually most noticeable during the first few days and gradually subsides.

Depending on the procedure, patients may stay at the clinic overnight. In uncomplicated cases, it may also be possible to leave the clinic on the day of surgery.

To support healing, we recommend:

• using cool compresses as advised by your medical team
• eating soft or liquid foods for the first few days
• maintaining careful oral hygiene
• avoiding unnecessary movement or stretching of the lips
• keeping the surgical area clean
• following all postoperative instructions provided by your surgeon

After procedures involving incisions inside the mouth, particular attention should be paid to oral hygiene. Food particles should not remain around the surgical wounds. Teeth should be cleaned carefully with a soft toothbrush, and the mouth may be rinsed as recommended by your medical team.

Back To Normal

Recovery varies from patient to patient and depends on the technique performed.

Many patients can return to work and their usual daily activities within 2–3 days, provided the recovery is uncomplicated. Swelling may still be visible during this period and can take longer to completely disappear.

More strenuous physical activity should be resumed according to your surgeon's recommendations.

Result

The result of surgical lip augmentation is intended to be long-lasting. The final appearance becomes clearer as postoperative swelling gradually subsides.

The type and visibility of any scar depend on the technique used:

• Bullhorn Lip Lift: the scar is located beneath the nose and is designed to follow the natural crease.
• Red Lip Advancement: the scar follows the border between the skin and the red part of the lip.

Although surgeons take care to make scars as discreet as possible, individual healing varies and scars may remain visible to some degree.

Why Choose Mediczech?

At Mediczech, we help international patients arrange cosmetic and plastic surgery in Prague, from the initial consultation and treatment planning to surgery and postoperative care.

Our team coordinates the practical aspects of your treatment and helps make the process as comfortable and straightforward as possible.