Lip Reduction is a procedure performed to reduce the overall size of the lips in people who feel that their lips are simply too large. While it is more common for us to increase the size of lips with filler products or fat, many individuals seek Lip Reduction surgery. The best candidate is a person whose lips are disproportionately larger than the other structures on their face.
I have been performing Lip Reduction Surgery for over 20 years in New York, and I possess the experience and expertise to achieve the best possible result for you.
LIP REDUCTION CONSULTATION
The consultation process includes an in-depth discussion about your desires with regard to shape, size and recovery from Lip Reduction Surgery. It is the surgeon’s task to explain all aspects of the operation, the pros and cons, and most importantly, the concept of realistic expectations with regard to your postoperative result.
LIP REDUCTION CANDIDATES
If you have concerns about the size and girth of your lips, are bothered by your smile because of your lips, or occasionally drool because of the size of your lips, then Lip Reduction Surgery may be for you. This type of surgery can enhance your appearance and improve your overall self-confidence and self-esteem. The best candidates for Lip Reduction Surgery are healthy individuals who are realistic about what the surgery can afford after a complete consultation.
THE LIP REDUCTION PROCEDURE
Scarring is usually not an issue because of the scar location within the upper inner portion of the lips, and I close the skin with great care and offer advice and support regarding scar care after surgery.
The operation can be done under local anesthesia with or without sedation. It involves incisions on the inside of the lips, with removal of excess tissues. These incisions are well hidden inside the mouth so there are no scars visible. The procedure takes approximately one hour and while the lips are swollen for two to four days after surgery, the result is apparent immediately thereafter.
I approach this procedure with a nod towards a conservative plan because it is far easier to remove a bit more tissue later, as opposed to the opposite over excision scenario.
LIP REDUCTION RECOVERY
After surgery you will be discharged with explicit wound care and subsequent scar care instructions. You will be quite swollen for 2-4 days after surgery, and we will counsel you about caring for that aspect of your recovery. Most of my patients return to work in 2-3 days, and pain after surgery is well controlled with mild pain medication or Tylenol. Sutures are removed 7-10 days after surgery.
The Lip Reduction Surgery is performed in my state of the art, fully certified operative suite in my office located on the Upper East Side in New York. You will be given a follow-up appointment with me in 5-7 days.
I have a great deal of experience with all aspects of Lip Reduction Surgery, and comfortably possess the required expertise to allow me to achieve the best possible results for you. If you have overly large lips that make you feel uncomfortable, then Lip Reduction Surgery may be something for you.
Procedures related: Lip Augmentation, Botox, Brow Lift.
WHY WILL I BE SO SWOLLEN AFTER LIP REDUCTION SURGERY?
Did you ever hear the expression, “I’m going to give you a fat lip?” That came about because any trauma to the lips, a punch in the mouth, or surgery, causes them to swell a lot because the blood supply is so vast. The good news is that extra blood supply allows the wounds to heal faster and with better scarring. The worst of the swelling goes away in 2-4 days.
WHEN CAN I RETURN TO WORK AFTER LIP REDUCTION SURGERY?
While there is little pain and discomfort after Surgery, there is significant swelling. For that reason, many of my patients plan on taking 2 or 3 days off from work, or schedule it on a Friday, and then are able to returnto work by Monday.
WILL I BE ABLE TO EAT AFTER LIP REDUCTION SURGERY?
I advise my Lip Reduction Surgery patients to eat soup, pasta or anything that can be cut up in small pieces right after surgery. After the first day or two, there are no restrictions.
WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO REACH MY FINAL RESULT AFTER LIP REDUCTION SURGERY?
Within 2-4 weeks, my patients notice a significant improvement. Most of the postoperative swelling is gone by 6 weeks, but 100% is usually gone after 6 months, achieving the final result.
WHY DO YOU SAY THAT YOU TAKE A CONSERVATIVE APPROACH TO LIP REDUCTION SURGERY?
Years of experience have taught me to be conservative regarding Lip Reduction Surgery because I have seen too many patients operated on by other doctors who were too aggressive, removing too much lip tissue! They go from having lips that were abnormally large, to lips that are abnormally small. It is much harder to fix those patients and they are very unhappy!