Some individuals suffer from an anomaly called macrocheilia- the unappealing large lips. This causes them to have impaired oral function. The improper seal between the upper and lower lips may cause drooling and other complications. There could be an impact on speech patterns and functionality that can cause individuals to lose their confidence.
Various factors that can cause this condition include hemangiomas, dentofacial deformities, inflammatory or lymphedematous infiltration, and glandular hypertrophy. Some people may even experience changes in their lip appearance as a result of natural ageing or weight fluctuations.
Thankfully, Lip Reduction Surgery can best address macrocheilia and help maintain the desired lip size and shape. Here in this article the famous cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Shilpi Bhadani at SB Aesthetics, will discuss lip reduction surgery in Delhi, and how this surgery can enhance facial aesthetics.
What is Lip Reduction Surgery?
Lip reduction, medically referred to as reduction cheiloplasty is an aesthetic invasive procedure designed to reduce exceptionally large, fatty, or protruding lips that are out of proportion with the rest of the facial features. It helps make the upper and lower lips harmonious with one another and eventually improves facial aesthetics aiding in the recovery of lost self-esteem and confidence.
Preparation for Lip Reduction Surgery
The very first step to prepare well for lip reduction surgery is to ensure choosing the best, certified plastic surgeon. While selecting the plastic surgeon, the candidates must look into the surgeon’s experience in performing lip reduction surgery, be mindful of how the surgeon makes them feel during the treatment, and inquire about the surgeon’s credentials. The aesthetic surgeon provides some instructions to follow before the scheduled surgery to ensure safe and effective, long-lasting desired results. The pre-treatment instructions include:
Discontinue the intake of certain anti-inflammatory drugs and supplements and even alcohol that thins the blood and could delay recovery or cause surgical complications.
Avoid smoking as it can impair the healing process.
How is Lip Reduction Surgery Performed?
Generally, lip reduction surgery is carried out under local or general anaesthesia. In some cases, oral sedation may be used. It is an outpatient procedure performed at a plastic surgeon’s office or the hospital. If performed solely, it can get over in an hour or so. When done along with other procedures, the surgery may require more time.
The procedure involves making a horizontal incision on the inside of the lip and removal of extra fat and tissues lying beneath. This helps reduce the lip size. When lip reduction is performed on both upper and lower lips, it can help balance out the facial features and help improve the overall appearance of an individual. The surgery ends with the closing of the lip incision using dissolvable sutures.
Suitable candidates for lip reduction surgery
The good candidates for lip reduction surgery are:
Any adult with large, protruding lips impeding their oral functions
Anyone having issues with their speech and suffering from any complications resulting from the presence of large lips
Men or women who want to improve their lip appearance or they had obtained poor results resulting from a lip augmentation procedure
Healthy individuals with a positive outlook and who harbour realistic expectations of the surgery outcome
Non-smokers
People with stable, healthy body weight.
The surgeon will carefully assess the candidate and check on his/her medical records during the initial consultation to confirm candidacy for the procedure. Non-suitable candidates are people who have more than 3mm interlabial space, those who are unable to retract their lower lips, and those who drool due to poor facial muscle tone.
Is Lip Reduction Surgery Safe?
Lip reduction surgery is an extremely safe minor operation designed to reduce lip size and volume only if performed by a qualified and experienced, reputable plastic surgeon on an individual holding candidacy for the surgery. The surgeon at SB Aesthetics, the best cosmetic surgery clinic in Delhi holds proven records of success in lip reduction surgery.
However, just as with any other surgery, lips reduction surgery comes with some risks and complications. Some potential risks of lip reduction surgery include pain, bruising, redness, scarring, infection, bleeding, numbness or loss of sensation in the lips, and asymmetrical or uneven lips appearance. There are also possible allergic reactions to anaesthesia or side effects of medications. If the candidates see any serious or persistent side effects developing, they must consult the surgeon immediately after lip reduction surgery.
During the initial consultation with the surgeon for lip reduction surgery at SB Aesthetics, the candidate will be evaluated for general health and medical history to ensure suitability for the lip reduction surgery. If a suitable candidate, the surgeon will discuss the surgery with the benefits and risks in detail.
Does Lip Reduction Surgery Provide Permanent Results?
The results of lip reduction surgery are noticeable within a week of the procedure. However, the desired results are usually visible in 2-3 months following surgery and generally last for a lifetime. As the swelling subsides, the lips are transformed into a more defined shape and volume. The procedure helps people with large, fatty, and protruding lips to look and feel better and even overcome any oral health complications. The lips do not return to their previous size, once the surgery has successfully reduced the lip size. Smaller lips stay for ages.
How to Take Care of the Lips After Lip Reduction Surgery?
Most candidates heal in 1-3 weeks after lip reduction surgery. Aftercare is of utmost importance during the recovery period to ensure smooth, proper healing of the lips and receive and maintain the desired lip appearance. The surgeon recommends the candidates follow some post-surgery instructions. This includes:
Sit with your head raised for about 4-6 hours to reduce post-surgical pain and swelling.
Keep the lips clean as much as possible.
Take prescribed antibiotic, anti-inflammatory medication, or analgesic medication to help experience reduced infection, swelling, or pain.
Avoid food and drinks dropping over the lips.
Stay well hydrated by drinking adequate water every day and applying natural lip moisturiser.
Refrain from kissing for at least 2 weeks, until the lips heal.
Do regular mouthwash after every meal.
Avoid getting indulged in contact sports, strenuous physical activities, or heavy weight lifting for a minimum of 2 weeks after the surgery.
Avoid intake of too hot or cold food and drinks.
Many people prefer lip reduction surgery for both medical and aesthetic factors. Get in touch with Dr. Shilpi Bhadani for more details on lip reduction surgery costs in Delhi.
The procedure is performed by her strategically making sure that the incisions are hidden, and the patient is able to obtain natural results. Get in touch with her at SB Aesthetics for more details!