Lip reduction

What are the reasons for wanting a lip reduction?

Lip reduction is a procedure that is performed much less frequently than lip augmentation. However, there are also cases of very large lips. This affects the lower lip more frequently than the upper lip. Oversized lips are more common in Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and other syndromes. Very often, however, the cause is the ethnicity of those affected. People of African origin in particular often complain about their large lips and seek out plastic surgeons for lip reduction.

How is lip reduction performed?

Lip reduction can be performed under local anesthesia. An accompanying twilight sleep is often more comfortable.

The usual operation consists of removing a spindle-shaped piece of mucous membrane with connective tissue from the inside of the lip. The dimensions of this strip of mucosa depend on the size and shape of the lip. If it is enlarged up to the corners of the mouth, i.e. too long horizontally, additional wedges are removed here. Visible scars do not remain after lip reduction surgery.
A wedge-shaped removal of part of the lower lip center in the midline should only be considered in exceptional cases, as a visible scar remains.

Lip reduction after correction with hyaluronic acid.

A special form of lip reduction is the correction of a lip filled with hyaluronic acid. If patients are dissatisfied with the result, it is possible to reverse this with an ‘antidote’. This is an enzyme (hylase) which breaks down the injected hyaluronic acid. However, this correction should only be carried out once the lips are completely swollen, otherwise it is possible that nothing of the desired effect will remain in the end.

What does the aftercare of lip reduction look like?

The aftercare for lip reduction depends on the extent of the operation. Immediately after the operation, cooling is very important, otherwise massive swelling can occur. As the lips are very mobile, speaking should be reduced to a minimum in the first few days. It is also advisable to build up the diet slowly: liquid – porridge – light food – normal food. The stitches can be removed after 10-14 days.

What complications can occur during lip reduction?

Surgical wisdom says that there are only 2 types of surgeons who don’t know any complications:
Some don’t operate and others are liars.

Your plastic surgeon should inform you in detail about complications and their warning signs in order to be able to recognize them
in good time and treat them adequately so that worse can be prevented.

The most important complications that can occur during lip reduction are briefly described below:

• Bleeding after lip reduction:
  This can usually be avoided by careful hemostasis and final compression.
• Swelling and bruising:
  Swelling and slight bruising are normal in the first few days. The soft lips can sometimes swell quite a lot, which can be reduced by cooling them thoroughly and taking decongestant medication after the lip reduction.
• Skin sensation disorders after lip reduction:
  A deterioration in skin sensation may remain, particularly with large corrections. However, the changes are usually reversible.
• Scarring disorders:
  So-called hypertrophic scars (or, in worse cases, keloids) are unusual in the area of the mucous membranes.
• Injury to neighboring structures:
  The orbicularis oris muscle (oral sphincter) should not be significantly affected during lip reduction – unless it is an extreme case. In this case, an incision must also be made in the midline to achieve a significant reduction.
• Infections after lip reduction surgery:
  Careful standard hygiene must be observed to avoid infection. No pieces of food should get into the unhealed wound. Therefore, liquid food is recommended for the first few days after lip reduction.
• Tearing of the wound:
  This is possible if the mouth region is used too early and too much after lip reduction, but is generally rare.
• The risk of anesthesia / anesthesia is not discussed here.

Further topics

• Lip augmentation
  In contrast to lip reduction, lip augmentation does not necessarily require surgery. Lip contouring and/or filling can be achieved with fillers such as hyaluronic acid. However, depending on the preparation, the effect only lasts for around 12 months.