Some people suffer from large lips that are not in harmony with the rest of their facial features, whether due to excessive size, length, or protrusion. This creates an unpleasant appearance that affects their self-confidence in social interactions, so many resort to lip reduction surgery.
The causes of large lips are varied, perhaps the most prominent being genetic factors and the genes characteristic of certain human groups and ethnicities. It may also result from some developmental problems that occur in the fetus during pregnancy, or it may be caused by certain diseases such as problems with blood vessels or glands, or an increase in tissue thickness in general.
Each of these categories has its own specific causes that must be considered when developing a treatment plan, as these factors influence the choice of the appropriate procedure to address the problem. For example, in the case of the genetic predisposition of some ethnicities or races, there is an enlargement of all the tissues that anatomically make up the lips, whether skin, muscles, fat, or internal soft tissues.
In the case of double lips, a deep groove forms between the outer and inner parts of the lips during embryonic development. This problem is limited to the outer tissues lining the lips and is not related to the muscles or internal tissues. Many women try to overcome this problem, often using makeup and lipstick, but this is not a stable solution as these products can fade at any time, causing embarrassment for some.
1. Surgical lip reduction is performed under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.
2. The surgical procedure takes between half an hour and two hours, depending on the case.
3. Surgical lip reduction can be performed either inside or outside the mouth.
1. A transverse or longitudinal incision is made on the inside of the lips, depending on the desired location and extent of the cosmetic procedure.
2. A portion of fat and soft mucous tissue is then removed, and the incision is closed with sutures.
3. Sutures inside the mouth dissolve naturally within a few weeks after the procedure.
** Surgical lip reduction from outside the mouth:
1. A transverse incision is made at the junction between the nose and lips.
2. Tissue is then removed, muscles are reshaped, skin is tightened, and the incision is closed with sutures.
3. Sutures outside the mouth need to be removed by the surgeon one week after the surgery.
Lip reduction surgery is performed under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.
The patient can return home on the same day as the surgery and resume normal activities. On the first day after the procedure, the patient may experience some pain and sometimes mild swelling that lasts from three to five days. Therefore, the patient may need to apply cold compresses to the surgical site and take pain medication. A soft, elevated pillow should be used to keep the lips raised and the head at rest. In case of severe pain, redness, excessive swelling, or purulent discharge, the doctor should be consulted immediately for necessary treatment. If the surgery is performed outside the mouth, the doctor should be consulted to remove the sutures. In this case, creams may be used to minimize scarring. Final results are usually visible two to three months after the procedure.