For some who believe their lips are too big, lip reduction is a treatment used to reduce the overall size of the lips. While adding fat or filler to the lips to make them bigger is more common, some people opt for lip reduction surgery. Any person whose lips are noticeably larger than their other facial features can be a candidate for this procedure. It’s no riskier than hair loss treatments or any other cosmetic procedure.

Lip reduction surgery can be right for you if you're self-conscious about the size and girth of your lips, feel insecure when you smile, or periodically drool due to their size. This kind of surgery can make you look better and boost your self-esteem and confidence in general. The ideal candidates for lip reduction surgery are healthy people who, following a thorough assessment, are realistic about what the procedure can afford.

The Stages of Lip Reduction Procedure

  • Consultation with the surgeon

Your preferences for the shape, size, and duration of your recovery from lip reduction surgery should be discussed in detail during the consultation process. The surgeon's job is to thoroughly describe the procedure, its benefits and drawbacks, and most importantly, the idea of having reasonable expectations for your postoperative outcome.

  • The procedure itself

Both sedation and local anesthesia are options for performing the procedure. On the interior of the lips, incisions are made, and extra tissue is removed. There are no visible scars because the incisions are securely concealed inside the mouth. The operation lasts about an hour, and while the lips swell for two to four days following surgery, the results are visible immediately.

  • Recovery period

You will be given detailed instructions on how to care for your wounds and your scars after surgery before being released. After the surgery, your lips will be swollen for 2-4 days. The majority of patients return to work in 2 to 3 days, and Tylenol or other mild painkillers work well to manage post-operative discomfort. After surgery, sutures are removed 7 to 10 days later. 

Why Do Lips Look Swollen After the Reduction Procedure?

This results from the fact that the blood supply to the lips is so extensive that any injury to them, such as a punch to the mouth or surgery, causes them to swell considerably. The good news is that the wounds can heal more quickly and with less scarring thanks to the increased blood supply. In 2-4 days, the worst of the swelling subsides.

Is There a Lot of Discomfort After Lip Reduction Surgery?

After surgery, there is no pain or discomfort, but there is significant swelling. Because of this, it is a good idea to take two or three days off of work or schedule the procedure for a Friday to start working again on Monday.

When and What Can Be Eaten After the Procedure?

Lip reduction surgery patients can consume anything that can be broken into little pieces immediately following surgery, such as soup or pasta. There are no restrictions after the first couple of days.

When Will It Be Possible to See the Final Results of a Lip Reduction Surgery?

Most patients saw a noticeable change in 2–4 weeks. By six weeks, the majority of the swelling following surgery is gone, but by six months, it is typically completely gone, revealing the desired outcome.

What Is the Main Risk of Lip Reduction Surgery?

Far too many patients undergo procedures where the doctors are overly aggressive and remove excessive lip tissue. Their lips change from being unusually huge to being abnormally little. Those patients are highly unhappy, and the treatment is much more difficult. This is why it is better to find a qualified, experienced surgeon and familiarize yourself with the results and the patients' feedback on their work.