YTF Cosmetic Surgery Patient Network  

 
Frequently Asked Questions About Lip Reduction Surgery - Reduction Cheiloplasty

1. What is Lip Reduction?
2. When can Lip Reduction be performed?
3. What does a typical Lip Reduction consultation entail?
4. How is Lip Reduction performed?
5. What should I expect post-operatively?
6. When will the stitches be removed and does this hurt?
7. When will I be able to see the results?
8. What are the risks of Lip Reduction?
9. What is Arnica montana, I have heard that it reduces swelling and bruising? Which is the best kind to take? 
10. Are the results permanent?

1. What is Lip Reduction?
Lip Reduction is the surgery to reduce the appearance of larger or fuller than desirable lips. Although a simple surgery this surgery can make the biggest difference to a patient who dislikes or is insecure regarding very full lips.

2. When can Lip Reduction be performed?
This procedure is usually performed during the mid to late teens on up to any age the patient feels that he or she would like to reduce the lips.

3. What does a typical Lip Reduction consultation entail? 
You will consult with several surgeons to choose one to carry out your procedure. You should view before and after photos, discuss the surgery and what it entails, fully go over the risks and complications and ascertain that you and he/she are in agreement on what looks good. Or at least make sure he or she understands what it is YOU want post-operatively.

4. How is Lip Reduction performed?
After you have been sedated or anesthetized your surgeon will remove a sliver or larger section of tissue from the inside of your lip and suture it with either dissolvable or non-dissolvable type sutures. It is a fairly simple operation but does have its risks and complications.  

Back to Top

5. What should I expect post-operatively? 
Definitively expect swelling. This operation does involve moderate to severe swelling and moderate soreness. You may feel numb for a while as well and find that drinking and eating may be difficult. This will pass. Discuss with your surgeons what post surgical protocol he recommends.

6. When will the stitches be removed and does this hurt?
The sutures are usually removed at day 7-10 if they are non-dissolvable and it may sting a little bit. You can have a shot of anesthetic but it usually hurts more to receive the shot that to have the sutures removed. Just alert your surgeon if he is hurting you.

7. When will I be able to see the results?
Although your swelling should abate within 2 weeks the final result may not be seen until approximately 3-4 months postoperatively. patience is a definite virtue in plastic surgery. 

8. What are the risks of Lip Reduction?
Allergic reactions to the anesthetic are possible, hematoma, seroma, numbness, change in your smile and asymmetry are possible. not to mention the possibility of general dissatisfaction. be sure to go over your desires with your surgeon preoperatively.

also known as: Mountain Tobacco, Leopard's Bane, arnica
parts used: Roots and flowers
description: Arnica montana or Leopard's Bane is a perennial herb, growing close to the ground. The leaves form a flat rosette, from the center of which rises a flower stalk, 1 to 2 feet high, bearing orange-yellow flowers. The rhizome is dark brown, cylindrical, usually curved, and bears brittle wiry rootlets on the under surface.
habitat: Indigenous to Central Europe, in woods and mountain pastures, although it has been found in England and Southern Scotland. 
special notes: this herb should NEVER be taken in raw form. This plant, like many medicinal plants if ingested, can cause intestinal bleeding and sickness. Homeopathy is the medicinal use of tinctures and suspensions using herbs and other plants and should never be consumed without proper preparation.

Back to Top

10. Are the results permanent?
The results are permanent so be sure that this is what you want before committing. Although lip augmentation is in fact a far more common and popular procedure than lip reduction, if you should ever change your mind after your procedure you may be interested in lip augmentation.