Lip Reduction (LR)
Lip Reduction (LR): Procedure and Clinical Overview
Overview
Lip reduction surgery (LR), also known as cheiloplasty, is a cosmetic procedure aimed at reducing the size and volume of the lips to achieve better facial balance and proportion. It is particularly useful for patients with overly large or hypertrophic lips that may be out of harmony with their other facial features.
Procedure Steps
Preoperative Planning and Marking
- Precise markings are made along the inner aspect of the upper and/or lower lips, typically near the vermillion border or dry-wet junction, to guide tissue removal.
- The size and shape of the excision are customized based on individual lip anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Anesthesia
- The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia with or without sedation, depending on patient and surgeon preference.
Incision and Tissue Removal
- A horizontal elliptical or “bikini-shaped” incision is made inside the lip to avoid visible scars.
- Excess skin, mucosa, and submucosal tissue (including fat and muscle sometimes) are carefully excised to reduce volume and reshape the lips.
- Techniques like the “bikini lip reduction” consider both upper and lower lips with tailored excisions for balanced results.
Closure
- The incision is meticulously sutured in layers, ensuring minimal tension and precise alignment for optimal contour and aesthetics.
- Dissolvable or fine non-absorbable sutures are commonly used.
Postoperative Care
- Mild swelling, discomfort, and bruising are expected and typically resolve within 1–2 weeks.
- Patients are advised to perform gentle oral hygiene and follow a soft diet initially to avoid stress on sutures.
- Follow-up visits monitor healing and address any complications.
Clinical Considerations
- Lip reduction effectively improves lip size and proportion while maintaining natural lip function.
- Careful surgical planning reduces risks of asymmetry, scarring, and functional deficits (e.g., speech, oral competence).
- Results are permanent but may require minor touch-ups in rare cases.
- Ideal candidates include individuals with disproportionate lip volume or dissatisfaction with lip aesthetics, including congenital or acquired lip hypertrophy.
Summary
Lip reduction cosmetic surgery offers a reliable solution to reduce excessive lip volume and restore facial harmony with minimal scarring and an emphasis on natural appearance. Modern techniques, such as the bikini lip reduction, enhance contouring with patient-specific customization.
Consult with Our Team of Experts Now!
For individualized lip reduction evaluation and surgical planning, consult board-certified plastic surgeons experienced in cheiloplasty and facial aesthetics.
References
- PMC. The ‘Bikini Lip Reduction’: A Detailed Approach. 2006.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih
- Sedgh Plastic Surgery. Lip Reduction Procedure. 2025.sedghplasticsurgery
- Facial Plastic Surgery Miami. Cheiloplasty Lip Reduction Overview. 2024.facialplasticsurgerymiami
- Sunder Plastic Surgery. Lip Reduction Beverly Hills. 2025.sunderplasticsurgery
- Dr. Panossian. Lip Reduction Surgery Pasadena, CA. 2025.drpanossian
- Cleveland Clinic. Lip Reduction Surgery: Procedure, Recovery & Healing. 2025.clevelandclinic
