LIP REDUCTION
Lips are a very noticeable part of the human anatomy. Any changes from the normal attract attention. It is commonplace and acceptable to enhance the appearance of lips with cosmetics.
Unlike the nose, there is a relative paucity of ideal proportions as described with the help of angles and distances. However, there are still certain parameters that describe ideal upper and lower lip proportions. The volume of lips can be altered with the help of surgical and non-surgical techniques.
Lip reduction or cheiloplasty is a surgical technique for the reduction in the size of lips. Suitable candidates for lip reduction include those who are bothered about the disproportionately large size of the lips when compared to the rest of the face. The large size of the lips is usually not associated with any named pathology. Large lips may result in individuals being very conscious of their appearance.
Lip reduction is usually carried out under local anesthesia as a minor procedure. It does not require an inpatient stay. A wedge of tissue is removed from the part of the lip mucosa. This is usually centered at the junction of the wet and dry mucosa. The amount of tissue that is removed is determined after pre-surgical markings. This is done with inputs from the individual. It is usually possible to have an idea of the post-op appearance by manipulating the lips with the help of a mirror. It is also important for individuals to realize that lip reduction is primarily a technique to reduce the volume of the lips. It does not alter the relationship of the lip to underlying teeth or jaws in a significant manner.
We approximate the surgical wounds with the help of sutures. After the procedure individuals are instructed to keep the surgical site clean. Topical medications are applied for a few days. Care should be taken while brushing teeth for the first week. Hot and spicy feeds should be avoided for the first few days. Usually, the wounds heal by the end of the first week. Work can be resumed after two or three days. The swelling of the operated part reduces with time. Even though most of the swelling is gone by one week, and the appearance is socially presentable, it may take as much as a few months for the final shape to become apparent.
Recovery from lip reduction is usually uneventful. However, in some individuals, small cysts can occur at the surgical site. These are usually managed with the help of deroofing with the help of a hypodermic needle at the clinic.
Individuals who are considering lip reduction should feel free to clear all their concerns with the surgeon. Lip reduction should also be considered as an irreversible procedure. Hence it is important for individuals to have realistic expectations about the procedure. A good outcome associated with lip reduction is improved body image.
Unlike the nose, there is a relative paucity of ideal proportions as described with the help of angles and distances. However, there are still certain parameters that describe ideal upper and lower lip proportions. The volume of lips can be altered with the help of surgical and non-surgical techniques.
Lip reduction or cheiloplasty is a surgical technique for the reduction in the size of lips. Suitable candidates for lip reduction include those who are bothered about the disproportionately large size of the lips when compared to the rest of the face. The large size of the lips is usually not associated with any named pathology. Large lips may result in individuals being very conscious of their appearance.
Lip reduction is usually carried out under local anesthesia as a minor procedure. It does not require an inpatient stay. A wedge of tissue is removed from the part of the lip mucosa. This is usually centered at the junction of the wet and dry mucosa. The amount of tissue that is removed is determined after pre-surgical markings. This is done with inputs from the individual. It is usually possible to have an idea of the post-op appearance by manipulating the lips with the help of a mirror. It is also important for individuals to realize that lip reduction is primarily a technique to reduce the volume of the lips. It does not alter the relationship of the lip to underlying teeth or jaws in a significant manner.
We approximate the surgical wounds with the help of sutures. After the procedure individuals are instructed to keep the surgical site clean. Topical medications are applied for a few days. Care should be taken while brushing teeth for the first week. Hot and spicy feeds should be avoided for the first few days. Usually, the wounds heal by the end of the first week. Work can be resumed after two or three days. The swelling of the operated part reduces with time. Even though most of the swelling is gone by one week, and the appearance is socially presentable, it may take as much as a few months for the final shape to become apparent.
Recovery from lip reduction is usually uneventful. However, in some individuals, small cysts can occur at the surgical site. These are usually managed with the help of deroofing with the help of a hypodermic needle at the clinic.
Individuals who are considering lip reduction should feel free to clear all their concerns with the surgeon. Lip reduction should also be considered as an irreversible procedure. Hence it is important for individuals to have realistic expectations about the procedure. A good outcome associated with lip reduction is improved body image.
Before upper and lower lip reduction
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After upper and lower lip reduction
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Before lower lip reduction
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After lower lip reduction
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Before upper and lower lip reduction
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Early postoperative image after upper and lower lip reduction
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