Why Are My Nostrils Wider After A Bullhorn Lip Lift?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have read your informative post about Bullhorn Lip Lift.

My operation was about 7 weeks ago and i think i have the problem with the distortion of the nostril 🙁 The nostrils are much wider than before the surgery. Im very sad about this. 

Can you tell from the pictures and the scar whether this is a residual swelling and whether the nostrils are getting smaller? 

My doctor told me that a Bullhorn lift will not change the nostrils and from the internet i only found your statement in that direction 🙁 

Thank you for your answer and your opinion !

A:Presuming your before and after pictures are taken at the same focal length, measurements do not show any appreciable nostril widening. (see attached) They actually measure identical linear lengths. While they visually appear so that is not what a measurement shows. I believe they appear so because with the vertical lip shortening the linear width of the mouth is now closer to the nasal base….creating the illusion that the nostrils are actually wider.

At 7 weeks after surgery there is no appreciable swelling present nor would I expect the nostrils to shrink down in size.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana