Lip Reduction

Lip Reduction

Lip reduction is a minor surgery performed to reduce the size and volume of the lips. Lip reduction surgery involves removing excess skin and tissues from the upper or lower lips, or both. The primary aim is to make the lips look slimmer. Lip reduction surgery can also correct abnormal fullness or asymmetry of the lips due to injudicious injection of filler. The recovery time for lip reduction is usually short.

Preparation

1. 1. 1. Inform the doctor of any pre-existing medical conditions and drug allergy. All medical conditions must be treated and stabilized before surgery.

      2. Stop smoking at least one week before surgery. Smoking is harmful to wound healing and increases the risks of other post-operation complications.

      3. Stop the following medications and supplements from one week before surgery until one week after surgery.

         1. All supplements containing vitamin E, ginseng, ginkgo, garlic, fish oil, and other ingredients that increase bleeding during the procedure. Other supplements, traditional medicine, and herbs, in which ingredients are unknown, have to stop as well.

         2. Medicine that increases bleeding during the procedure such as aspirin, NSAIDs, and warfarin. However, you may need to consult your physician who prescribed the medication before you stop them.

      4. On the day of surgery, wear simple and comfortable clothing. Do not wear any makeup. Do not wear any jewelry and metal objects on the face and body.

Surgery

Duration: One to two hours

Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia

Hospitalization: Not required.

Recovery*: Back to work in one to 3 days, light exercise after 3 days, heavy exercise after 2 weeks. * The actual speed of recovery may vary from person to person.

Surgery Technique: The surgical incision is on the inner part of the lip and some of the skin and tissue are removed from the lip. The wound is located on the lip’s inner surface and is not visible externally when the mouth is closed. The wound is closed with absorbable sutures that do not require removal.

Post-operative Care**

1. 1. 1. What to expect:

         1. Swelling usually peaks on the second to third day after surgery and will gradually subside after that. Post-operative pain is usually minimal.

         2. Avoid hot foods and drinks. Take soft diet and drink a lot of water.

      2. General care:

         1. Apply cold pack first 3 days and warm pack after that. Elevate the head during sleep to reduce swelling.

         2. Avoid smoking for at least one month. Smoking increases the risk of wound complications.

         3. Adequate rest and adequate sleep are helpful for a speedy recovery.

         4. Be relaxed and calm. Contact the clinic if there are any queries.

      3. Medicine: Finish the oral antibiotics as prescribed. Take the painkiller as prescribed when necessary.

      4. Wound care: Clean the wound with a clean cotton tip soaked with sterile water/saline. No wound dressings are required.

      5. Physical activity: Avoid heavy physical activity and exercise for at least one month.

      6. Follow-up: Come back one week after surgery for review. Sutures are self-absorbable and do not require removal.

      7. Emergency: If there is heavy bleeding, a rapid increase in swelling or severe pain, immediately contact the clinic/doctor for advice.

** The instructions in this list are only for general guidance. If you have any specific queries or concerns during the post-operative recovery, please contact the clinic for further advice.