Bullhorn lip lift

[Carmen]

Oh god, what have I done.

Okay, so a little about me.  I am 22, and in the midst of transtioning, I am currently taking male hormone blockers, I had my appointment with my endo yesterday, and I am doing laser/ electrolysis on my face, it has already had some effect.  So sounds like I am making good headway on my transtion right?

Well on Monday afternoon I got a Bullhorn Lip Lift.  This procedure shortens the length of the philrum (gap between nose and upper lip) and creates a poutier upper lip showing more red lip tissue.  Well the thing is, I had two consultations and multiple emails leading up to this.  I basically specified that I wanted to have a mouth similar to that of Katy Perry. I felt she was a good source of inspriation interms of my looks as we have some similar features face shape, chin dimple, etc and I have always admired her beauty.

My upper lip was relatively pouty before but my godamn philtrum was so long!  Now I know it is only three days after and it is still really swollen, and the stitches don't come out until next week.  But I am absolutley terrified that she has made my upper lip too big, and the philtrum too short!  Right now my upper lip also seems slightly asymmetrical and it also seems fatter than my lower lip.

Should I be concerned?  Or should I just chill out and wait until monday and thursday next week when the stiches are all out?

[Devlyn]

I think you should wait. I'll be blunt, expecting a surgeon to give you features selected from other women is a red flag. The surgeon should shape what you have to suit you. Give yourself time to heal, hugs, Devlyn

[Carmen]

What do you mean by "red flag" that sounds scary!

I think i could have had a similar upper lip but it seem sort of Napolean Dynamiteish at the moment, all pulled up and toothy, I really hope it is just the swelling!  I could even deal with the slight asymmetry if so.

[Devlyn]

I meant that the surgery enhances the look you have already. Asking to be made to look like someone else as in a celebrity is, in my opinion, an odd request. But it's not my decision or business to determine how you and your doctor meet your needs.

I don't imagine you'll really have a good idea until the swelling and stitches are gone. Hugs, Devlyn

[Carmen]

Thankyou!  Yeah most people are saying the same thing, I just sort of fly into pani mode right away.

[Carol2000]

I had mine done April 16, 2012 and, like you, I thought 'what have I done?'

It looked horribly unnatural and I was really worried. I was going to have two months off work after the op, and it took at least two months for the swelling to go down. So be patient. Then, after about four months, I started to worry it was going to end up like it was before the op!!! 

Now, almost exactly 12 months on, I am very happy with it. A trans friend of mine now wants her lip done too after seeing mine.

Just keep calm.

Caroline 

[Jamie D]

Yep, swelling needs to go down first.

[Jennygirl]

Supplement with bromelain to help with the swelling. Of course, ask your surgeon about it before you do so

[Kiwi4Eva]

I too had a bullhorn lip-lift about 2 months ago.  My upper lip and nose is quite numb and the scar quite big (but hidden under my nose) All sorts of changes have already occurred.  In the beginning my lip was really tight and I thought my God what have I done!  Now it is much more relaxed and it's going to improve and change even more...

Stop worrying and let the process take it's course.  You'll be fine, just as I will be.