Lip Reduction

Abstract

This study discusses the surgical technique and the ideal candidates for lip reduction as well as highlights the low-risk, yet efficacious nature of this in-office procedure.Lip augmentation procedures such as hyaluronic acid fillers and lip lift surgery are the most common cosmetic lip treatments; however, lip reduction is growing in popularity.The lips are highly vascularized and sensitive tissue supplied by the superior and inferior labial arteries and innervated by the trigeminal nerve.Patients may be ideal candidates for lip reduction surgery if they possess a large upper and/or lower lip and desire decreased lip volume and projection.The senior author's surgical technique entails marking an elliptical incision along the wet-dry border, excising the mucosal tissue en bloc, and closing the wounds following the rule of halves.Patients are instructed to follow a soft diet for 1 week and activity restrictions for 2 weeks as well as to frequently apply Aquaphor or Vaseline to the wounds.Lip reduction surgery is a cosmetic procedure intended to decrease lip size and projection. Lip reduction is a safe and relatively quick in-office procedure that is associated with minimal downtime.