Lip Lift

Also called a subnasal lip lift or bullhorn lip lift, this technique places an incision under the base of the nose. A small strip of skin is removed and the upper lip is lifted, which can increase upper lip show while keeping the scar in a relatively concealed location. Surgeons tailor the lift to avoid an overcorrected look and to protect nasal and lip function.

A corner lip lift focuses on elevating the outer corners of the mouth. It may be considered when the corners appear downturned. Incisions are small and placed near the mouth corners, which means scar placement and healing quality are important topics to review carefully with the surgeon.

An Italian lip lift uses two small incisions under the nostrils, aiming to lift the central upper lip. It may suit selected facial shapes and goals. Your surgeon should explain how this compares with a standard subnasal lip lift for scar visibility, symmetry control and expected change.

• Face and smile assessment, photos and measurements
• Review of medical history, medications and allergies
• Plan for the incision placement for a subnasal lip lift, bullhorn lip lift or another approach

• Skin marking and cleansing
• Anesthesia (local with sedation is common, sometimes general)
• Incision and controlled skin removal based on the plan
• Lift and securement of tissues, then closure with fine sutures
• Wound care instructions and a first check arranged

• Short observation period depending on anesthesia used
• Swelling and bruising management guidance
• Plan for suture review or removal, often within about a week, depending on technique and surgeon preference

• Share your full medication list and supplements with the clinic
• Ask about blood thinning medicines and anti inflammatory drugs, only stop or change medications with clinician guidance
• Discuss any history of scarring problems, cold sores or wound healing issues

• Avoid smoking and nicotine products before and after surgery as advised by the surgical team
• Limit alcohol in the days leading up to surgery if instructed
• Plan time off work and social commitments for early swelling and bruising

• Arrive at least a day before for assessment and final planning
• Choose accommodation close to the clinic for easy check ups
• Keep flexible return travel plans in case your surgeon recommends extra follow up before flying

• Arrive and rest to reduce stress and swelling risk
• Confirm clinic location, interpreter support if needed and emergency contact details

• In person consultation, photos and consent process
• Review the plan for a lip lift, subnasal lip lift or bullhorn lip lift and discuss scar care

• Procedure and recovery monitoring based on anesthesia used
• Aftercare briefing, prescriptions if needed and first check scheduled

• Check ups to assess swelling, wound healing and symmetry
• Suture review or removal timing depends on surgeon preference
• Travel clearance discussed, flights are usually not recommended until the surgeon confirms it is appropriate

• Swelling, bruising and tightness are common
• Gentle hygiene and wound care as instructed
• Soft foods may be more comfortable

• Swelling often starts to reduce but can fluctuate
• Suture review or removal may occur around this time depending on technique
• Most patients can do light activities but should avoid strenuous exercise

• Bruising typically fades and comfort improves
• Scar may look pink or firm as it matures
• Activity increases gradually with clinician guidance

• Scar softening and fading continues
• Final shape becomes clearer as tissues settle
• Some numbness or sensitivity changes may take longer to resolve

• Clean the incision only as instructed and avoid picking at scabs
• Protect the area from sun exposure and follow scar care guidance
• Avoid smoking and nicotine during healing as advised

• Sleep with head elevation if recommended
• Avoid heavy exercise, saunas and swimming until cleared
• Follow guidance on makeup application near the incision

• Share healing photos at agreed intervals if your clinic offers remote follow up
• Arrange a local clinician visit at home if advised for suture concerns or wound checks
• Know how to reach your surgical team promptly if symptoms change

• Swelling, bruising and temporary tightness
• Visible scarring or scar thickening
• Asymmetry or uneven lift
• Infection or delayed wound healing
• Temporary numbness or altered sensation

• Bleeding or hematoma
• Poor scar position or noticeable scar contour
• Overcorrection or undercorrection
• Persistent numbness or sensitivity changes
• Anesthesia related complications

• Increasing redness, warmth, pus or fever
• Sudden swelling, severe pain or bleeding
• Wound opening or rapidly worsening asymmetry
• Breathing problems or chest pain, seek urgent local care

International patients should have a clear plan for urgent assessment both abroad and after returning home.

Turkey has a large network of plastic and facial aesthetic surgeons and hospitals with high procedural volumes. Many clinics have dedicated services for international patients including coordination support, multilingual teams and standardised post procedure follow ups, which can be important for planning a subnasal lip lift or bullhorn lip lift with safe timing around flights.

Iran has a long history of facial aesthetic surgery and a strong base of specialist training in major cities. For international patients, the key considerations are clear communication, documented clinical standards and reliable follow up arrangements during recovery abroad, especially for scar checks after a lip lift.

Cura coordinates a structured journey including clinic vetting, documentation checks, pre travel planning and post procedure follow up scheduling. Final treatment decisions, technique selection and travel clearance must be confirmed by the treating surgeon.