Procedures Menu

Lip Reduction FAQs

What is lip reduction?
Lip reduction, also known as reduction cheiloplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the size of one or both lips through the removal of excess lip tissue.

Who is the best candidate for lip reduction?
The best candidate for lip reduction is a man or woman who is physically healthy, psychologically stable, has realistic expectations and is interested in enhancing their appearance by reducing the size of their lips. It is often recommended that younger patients wait to undergo the procedure until their facial features have matured, typically in the mid to late teens.

Are there any age restrictions for undergoing lip reduction?
It is best for young patients to wait until their mid to late teens in order to allow their facial features to mature.

What can I expect during the consultation before my lip reduction?
Your surgeon should take a full medical history and examine your lips. He or she will discuss your goals and your options for surgery, including the technique to be used, the placement of the incisions, the anesthesia, and the potential risks.

Where is the lip reduction procedure performed?
Lip reduction can be performed in a surgeon's office, an surgical facility, or in a hospital. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 62% of cosmetic surgery procedures performed by their member doctors in 2004 took place in an office, 21% in a hospital, and 17% in a free-standing ambulatory surgical facility.

What type of anesthesia is used for lip reduction?
Lip reduction can be performed using local or regional anesthesia, often combined with sedation, or light sleep anesthesia or general anesthesia.

How is the actual lip reduction procedure performed?
Though there are different techniques for lip reduction, you can generally expect the following: After anesthesia is administered, the surgeon will make an incision. The incision typically runs the length of the lip and is located inside of the mouth, though incisions are sometimes made at the border of the lip. Once the incision is made, the surgeon will remove excess tissue from one or both lips and then close the incisions with sutures. An antibiotic-soaked piece of gauze may be placed between the lips and gums immediately after surgery.

How long does the actual lip reduction procedure last?
Lip reduction typically takes between one and two hours to perform.

Where are the incisions made for lip reduction?
The incisions for lip reduction are typically made on the inside of the lips running the length of the lips, though incisions are sometimes made at the border of the lip.

Are there scars after lip reduction?
The scars following lip reduction are typically not visible as the incisions are typically placed on the inside of the lips. Sometimes, however, incisions may be made at the border of the lip.

Is the lip reduction procedure painful?
Pain is moderate after lip reduction surgery. Your surgeon can prescribe pain medication to help control any discomfort that you experience.

Will I be able to drive myself home after my lip reduction?
Patients typically need someone else to drive them home after the procedure.

Will I need someone to help me out at home after my lip reduction?
It's best to have someone at home for the first day or so during your recover to help out with your care.

What is the recovery like after lip reduction surgery?
Patients may experience some amount of numbness, discomfort and swelling after lip reduction. Prescribed medication can help to control any pain or discomfort that you experience, and the swelling typically subsides within two to three weeks. Some bruising may also occur. You may have difficulty chewing or speaking at first, and your diet may be restricted to avoid bacteria which can cause infection. Sutures are typically removed or dissolve within a week to ten days, and the final results are typically apparent after about three months.

How much time will I need to take off from work after lip reduction?
Patients are typically able to return to work within five to seven days after their lip reduction procedure.

When can I run or lift weights after the lip reduction procedure?
Strenuous activities, such as running, weight lifting and other exercise, should be avoided for the first three weeks. Contact sports should also be avoided for six to eight weeks after the procedure.

When are the stitches removed after lip reduction?
If dissolvable sutures are not used, sutures are typically removed within seven to ten days after the procedure.

What are the risks or complications of lip reduction?
All surgery carries some degree of risk. Some of the potential risks that can occur with lip reduction include adverse anesthesia reaction, asymmetry, hematoma, infection, permanent numbness, scarring, seroma, and dissatisfaction with results.

How much does lip reduction cost?
Lip reduction can cost anywhere from $1000 to $4000.

Does insurance cover lip reduction?
Lip reduction is typically considered a cosmetic surgery and thus not covered by insurance.

Is it possible to get financing for a lip reduction procedure?
Financing is available for facial plastic surgery procedures. Your plastic surgeon should be able to provide you with further information about financing.

What should I look for in a surgeon to perform my lip reduction?
It's important that you do your homework and carefully choose the surgeon to perform your lip reduction procedure. First, make sure that the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS). This ensures that they've completed the proper training to safely conduct your procedure according ABPS standards. You can visit the ABPS's website at www.plasticsurgery.org to locate a certified plastic surgeon in your area. You should also ask any potential surgeon the following questions:

• Does the surgeon have privileges to perform surgery in an accredited hospital and, if so, which hospitals?
• How many lip reduction procedures has the surgeon performed?
• Where and how will the surgery be performed?
• Is the surgical facility accredited by a nation or state-recognized accrediting organization?
• What are the risks of your particular procedure?

Are there any medications that need to be avoided before lip reduction?
With any surgery, it's important that you monitor your medication and vitamin intake beforehand because some medications can interfere with anesthesia, inhibit recovery, or lead to blood loss or other circulation issues. Make sure that you tell your doctor prior to surgery about all medications, vitamins and herbal supplements that you take. Some medications that you may be required to stop taking may include aspirin, MAOIs, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin K, vitamin E, evening primrose oil, St. John's Wort, echinacea, melatonin, and others.

Are the results of lip reduction permanent?
Yes, the results of lip reduction are permanent.