Achieving a flawless smile starts with lips that harmonize with the natural proportions of the face, displaying just the right amount of teeth. Lips possess a distinctive allure, commanding attention and emphasis in social interactions, often enhanced with makeup to highlight their appeal. Lip Reduction is a viable option for reducing the size of the upper and/or lower lips. This procedure is commonly chosen to minimize prominent lips, achieve a more aesthetically pleasing lip proportion or restore balance to facial features.

The attainment of a natural appearance for the lips is crucial for achieving desirable outcomes. Factors such as size, shape, symmetry, proportion, and balance are taken into consideration in the planning and execution of Dr. Rani’s approach. Unlike its popular counterpart, lip augmentation or enhancement, lip reduction is less prevalent on social media. It is pursued by individuals who feel that the size of their lips draws unnecessary attention and hampers their overall facial appearance.

Additionally, individuals who sought fuller lips during the late 90s or early 2000s may have received permanent fillers that have resulted in complications over time, such as granulomas, asymmetry, or misshapen lips. Other indications for Lip Reduction include cases where excessively prominent lips interfere with oral function, impeding a proper seal between the upper and lower lips, which can lead to drooling and affect speech patterns and functionality. Moreover, the condition can impact self-perception and confidence, as it can become a target for ridicule and bullying.

Dr. Rani specializes in both Lip Reduction surgery and Lip augmentation surgery, assisting her patients in enhancing their facial aesthetics. Lip Reduction surgery is typically a straightforward and less invasive procedure compared to many other facial cosmetic surgeries, often performed under local anesthesia. The surgery involves the removal of skin tissue from the upper or lower lips, or both. Lip reduction can address both cosmetic and medical concerns associated with lip size reduction.

If you desire a subtler and softer appearance, lip reduction surgery offers an effective and relatively simple solution to achieve the ideal lip shape. By removing a portion of lip tissue, the posture of the lips is modified. Typically performed on an outpatient basis, the recovery time can be as short as one week. In certain cases, it is also possible to reverse the effects of previous augmentation procedures by dissolving fillers or removing previously placed implants.

Indications You May Need Lip Reduction Surgery:

• Dissatisfaction with full and prominent lips in relation to your facial features.
• Men seeking to address perceived femininity associated with lip size.
• Desire for upper teeth to be more visible when smiling.
• Changes in lip appearance due to aging.
• Wish to enhance lip symmetry.
• Need for lip reduction or balance after previous dermal filler treatments.
• Lip abnormalities resulting from conditions like cleft lip and palate.
• Elective cosmetic lip reductions can be performed as long as the individual is in good overall health, can abstain from smoking during the procedure and recovery period, and is prepared for the associated healing process.

When to avoid lip reduction surgery:

• Pseudomacrocheilia: This condition involves lip enlargement caused by abnormality in the teeth and jaw. Lip reduction is not suitable in such cases, as it can result in loss of normal lip volume.
• Heavy smokers: Smoking can impede wound healing and lead to abnormal scarring.
• Ongoing infection and acute inflammation as it can cause complications regarding safety and recovery.
• Individuals with psychological instability.

What does Lip-reduction procedure entail?

Dr. Rani offers personalized lip enhancement procedures tailored to each individual’s specific requirements. The goal of lip reduction surgery is to refine the contours of the lips and achieve a harmonious lip proportion. This is accomplished by removing excess skin from the upper and/or lower lip, depending on the patient’s needs. Lip reduction surgery is typically carried out under IV sedation (twilight sedation) along with local anesthesia. The procedure generally takes approximately one hour to complete, regardless of the chosen approach.

What are the risks associated with the procedure?

While all surgical procedures entail some risks, opting for a board-certified Plastic Surgeon like Dr. Rani guarantees a safe procedure with minimal chances of infection or undesirable scarring. Due to the sensitive nature of the lips, it is normal to experience inflammation, bruising, and temporary discomfort following lip reduction surgery. However, these effects are highly manageable. To mitigate risks, it is essential to carefully adhere to the instructions provided by Dr. Rani concerning proper incision care and activities to avoid. By doing so, you can minimize potential complications and ensure a smooth recovery process.

How long does it take to recover completely?

Dr. Rani advises refraining from taking anti-inflammatory medications one week prior to the surgery. After the procedure, regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Rani will be scheduled to ensure optimal healing and progress. Following your surgery, certain adjustments to your daily routine will be necessary for the initial few days, including:

• Opting for soft foods for a week post-op.
• Avoiding wide mouth opening for two weeks.
• Avoid hot tubs and swimming pools.
• Refrain from aggressive physical contact, contact sports and applying lip makeup over the incision until it has fully healed.
• Avoid engaging in strenuous activities that may increase blood pressure for a duration of four weeks.

While some swelling or redness may persist for a few days, you should be able to speak and move comfortably. Sutures will typically remain in the lips for a period of 7-10 days, allowing for proper healing. The recovery time for Lip Reduction is generally shorter compared to many other cosmetic surgeries. Typically, patients take around 7-10 days off from work to recover comfortably at home.

What makes you a suitable candidate for lip reduction?

If you have a desire to enhance your lips, Dr. Rani welcomes you to arrange a private consultation to discuss your preferences, explore various options, and assess your candidacy for the procedure. Schedule a consultation and take the first step towards achieving the lips you envision.