Lip reduction surgery, also known as reduction cheiloplasty, reduces the size and projection of the lips, typically the lower lip. The procedure can address cosmetic concerns, oral function issues like cleft lip, and can be combined with other facial surgeries.
Common reasons for lip reduction include improving aesthetic appearance, addressing enlarged lips due to vascular malformations, or improving lip functionality. Lip reduction is also useful for correcting issues arising from medical conditions such as:
Ideal candidates are those who have enlarged lips, feel self-conscious, and may have difficulty with social communication. Candidates should be in good health, have realistic expectations, and be nonsmokers.
During your consultation, Dr. Sivakumar will discuss your expectations and devise a personalized plan. Dr. Sivakumar is a facial plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience in lip surgeries, including cleft lip correction.
Lip reduction is an outpatient procedure performed under local or general anesthesia. The surgeon makes small incisions in the red part of the lip (vermilion) or, if necessary, a vertical incision for large lips. Scarring is minimal and typically well-hidden.
Yes, scarring will be present, but modern techniques ensure that scars are hidden in the vermilion border, inside the lip, or under the nose for upper lip reductions.
Recovery takes about two weeks, with pain usually subsiding in 4-5 days. Swelling may last 6-8 weeks. Avoid strenuous activities for two weeks. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or Advil. Sutures are removed or dissolve within 1-2 weeks.
Lip reduction surgery carries risks, including:
If you want to learn more about lip reduction surgery or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sivakumar, give us a call at our office. Dr. Sivakumar’s expertise and experience will ensure that your procedure is tailored to your needs and provides optimal results.
Liquid and soft foods, such as soup and pasta, are recommended immediately after surgery. Avoid salty or spicy foods and large bites to prevent stretching of the lips. After 1 week, there are no restrictions on food intake.
Yes, the results are permanent. However, if you wish to increase lip volume later, lip augmentation or non-surgical options like fillers are available.
Postoperative swelling can last 6-8 weeks, with final results visible after 6 months when the swelling fully subsides.
Most patients take 2-3 days off work after surgery. Mild pain, discomfort, and swelling may occur but usually resolve within a few days.
Goals: To diminish the size of the lips, reduce unnatural fullness, and restore lip shape, symmetry, and balance.
Procedure: Lip Reduction
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia or IV sedation
Length: Under 1 hour
After Procedure: Swelling improves within 72 hours, and most activities can resume by day 5.
Recovery: Most patients recover within a week and return to work.
The lips are unique facial features that receive special attention. Lips play a major role in speech and communication, and their appearance can influence overall facial aesthetics. Lip reduction is performed to reduce the size of the lips and balance them with surrounding facial features.
A natural lip appearance is integral to favorable results, with size, shape, symmetry, and proportion all carefully factored in. Dr. Sivakumar's approach ensures precise results and patient satisfaction.
With age, the lips undergo changes in size and shape. The red portion of the lip (vermillion) decreases, and volume is lost from both the red lip and cutaneous (skin) portions. Vertical lines develop due to muscle action over time, resulting in a less youthful appearance.
If your lips are disproportionately large or prominent, lip reduction surgery can help achieve a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Resurfacing the skin around the mouth can improve vertical lines on the cutaneous portions of the lips, enhancing the overall result of lip reduction surgery.
Mild soreness, swelling, and bruising are common after lip reduction surgery. Swelling typically improves within 72 hours and resolves in about a week. Most patients can return to non-exertional activities the next day and resume work after one week.
"I have always been bothered by my upper lip. One side was higher than the other. Dr. Sivakumar came highly recommended, and the results were everything I hoped for. He was skillful, gentle, and reassuring." – Lip Enhancement Patient
