What is bunny face after a lip lift?
Bunny face after a lip lift is a term used to describe a look where the upper lip is lifted so much that the mouth no longer closes naturally. Some people also develop what's called a whistle deformity, where the lips remain slightly open even at rest.
This doesn't happen to everyone, but it's one of the most talked-about lip lift risks—and one that's rarely shown in before-and-after photos.
Why bunny face happens
A bullhorn lip lift permanently removes skin beneath the nose to shorten the distance between the nose and upper lip.
The goal is a more youthful appearance with more upper tooth show and a fuller-looking upper lip. But if too much skin is removed—or healing doesn't go as planned—the lips may not close normally, creating the "bunny face" appearance.
The lip lift risks people overlook
A lip lift can look beautiful in a posed photo, but faces are meant to move.
Some of the biggest lip lift risks include:
- Bunny face or whistle deformity
- Visible scarring beneath the nose
- Changes in smiling, speaking, and kissing
- Increased tooth or gummy smile
- Scars that can become more noticeable with age
Why before-and-after photos don't tell the whole story
One of the biggest mistakes I see is judging a lip lift from a still photo.
A result may look great when the face is relaxed but completely different when the person smiles or talks. Facial movement matters just as much as facial proportions, and that's something social media rarely shows.
Consider non-surgical options first
Before permanently removing skin, I would consider less invasive options first.
Depending on your anatomy, strategic lip filler, a conservative Botox lip flip, collagen-stimulating treatments, skin tightening, or even makeup can often improve facial balance without surgery.
The bottom line
Bunny face after a lip lift is one of the reasons I encourage patients to think carefully before surgery.
A lip lift can absolutely be the right procedure for the right patient. But it should never be done because it's trending online. The best cosmetic result is one that still looks natural when your face smiles, talks, and ages—not just in a before-and-after photo.
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