Lip Reduction, also called Reduction Cheiloplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that enhances facial appearance by reducing the volume of the lower lip, upper lip, or both lips. The lips are modified through lip size reduction but maintain their normal function. Lip Reduction is achieved by removing some of the excess tissue that makes up the lip volume.
This procedure of lip reduction is popular among those with naturally large lips. However, it is also performed for some medical conditions, such as drooling, poor speech, and labial incompetence. Lip reduction can be performed if large lips result in low self-esteem and social anxiety. Lip reduction is often performed along with other cosmetic surgery procedures, such as jaw augmentation, chin augmentation, and rhinoplasty.
Plastic surgery for lip reduction in India has several benefits, such as the removal of excess tissue or substances that cause lip deformity; the enhancement of facial harmony by balancing the upper and lower lips; the rapidity of the procedure, and the lack of visible scarring.
The cost of lip reduction surgery in India varies depending on factors such as the surgeon’s expertise, the hospital’s facilities, and the extent of the procedure. However, lip reduction surgery in India is generally more affordable compared to other countries.
The ideal candidate for lip reduction surgery is a non-smoker; has good health; does not suffer from mental illness; has stable body weight, and has realistic expectations about what to expect from the procedure.
Before your Lip Reduction Surgery
The most important step in preparing for your lip reduction surgery is choosing the right cosmetic surgeon. Once you have chosen your cosmetic surgeon, you should have an initial consultation with her to ensure that you are the right candidate for lip reduction surgery.
During your Lip Reduction Surgery
Most lip reduction surgeries take only 30 to 60 minutes to perform and are usually conducted using local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Horizontal incisions are made on the inside of the lip(s) being treated. Unwanted fat tissue or augmentation filler is removed and the incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches. Some patients may have other plastic surgery procedures, such as chin implant, eyelid surgery, and so on done at the same time as the lip reduction surgery. If this is the case, your cosmetic surgeon may use general anesthesia.
Precautions and Procedures before and after Lip Reduction Surgery
Apart from stopping certain medications, and avoiding smoking, you should follow all of the instructions given to you by your cosmetic surgeon. Most patients heal from lip reduction surgery for lip fat removal within 1 to 3 weeks. There is very little reported downtime and most people can go back to work the day after the procedure. Most People experience mild pain and swelling that peaks within 3 to 4 days of the surgery.
While there are very little pain and discomfort post-surgery, there is significant swelling. Patients should eat light and soft foods, such as soup and pasta right after surgery. However, after the first couple of days, there are no food restrictions.
You should stay well-hydrated post-surgery and should keep a natural lip moisturizer at hand while healing from lip reduction surgery. The dissolvable sutures will degrade completely within 7 to 15 days. You should avoid contact sports, heavy lifting, and other strenuous physical activities for about 2 weeks after surgery.