Lip reduction is where the lips are reduced to help correct lips which are too prominent for the face.
In lip reduction, the lips are reduced so that they are not the focus of the face and its features. The goal is not to change the ethnic facial features but rather make the lips less prominent.
Lip reduction is an office based procedure with local anesthesia. Lip reduction is typically done with dissolve sutures. It is possible to have procedure performed in the office and drive back or fly back same day. This is based on not receiving any sedative medication.
It usually takes two to three months to assess the results of a lip reduction procedure due to the amount of swelling. Most patients can return to normal activity between two days to one week. After the procedure it is ideal to have a soft diet to avoid pulling on the sutures of the lip.
Why perform a lip reduction?
Lip reduction is performed to reduce an overly prominent lip. Some patients are born with prominent lips that draw too much attention to their appearance. This can be seen in some ethnic patients such as African American, Filipino, Asian, Hispanic. In addition, the lips of some patients who have had permanent filler injected such as silicone or Artefill can leave a very unnatural appearance. Often times lip reduction can help restore the lip to a more normal contour.
How much time is required for recovery?
The final result is really not seen for two to three months. Most people feel comfortable back in public at 3 days but this varies from individual to individual.
What can I do to expedite my healing and swelling? It is important that you do not eat hard foods for the first few days. A soft diet will put less stress on the inside of the mouth. In addition, taking all medications given to you by Dr. Shah is important. Ice to your lips for the first few days is also important.
Related procedures: Lip Augmentation, Chin Augmentation, Buccal Fat Removal.