Lip surgery is a procedure to reshape the lips to correct abnormally thick lips, making them thinner. Most people who seek this surgery have excessively thick or protruding lips, and the doctor will assess what fits best with the patient’s face
There are two popular types of lip surgery
1. Cupid’s Bow Surgery
This surgery is only for the upper lip and is suitable for those with thick, droopy lips and a significant amount of lip tissue.
2. Lip Thinning Surgery
This procedure aims to achieve a beautifully proportioned lip. It is suitable for those with excessively thick lips and can be performed on both the upper and lower lips.
Steps for Cupid’s Bow/Lip Thinning Surgery
Cupid’s Bow Surgery
1. The doctor will administer a sedative to ease anxiety, along with a local anesthetic.
2. The desired lip shape will be drawn based on the agreement with the patient.
3. The skin of the upper lip and excess muscle tissue will be cut away.
4. The incision will be sutured from the inside of the lip to create a central indentation.
Lip Thinning Surgery
1. The doctor will administer a sedative to ease anxiety, along with a local anesthetic.
2. The desired lip shape will be drawn based on the agreement with the patient.
3. The inner lip and mucous membrane in the same area will be cut away.
4. The edges will be pulled together and stitched with dissolvable sutures, reducing the height and thickness of the lips.
Post-Operative Care
After surgery, patients may experience difficulty closing their lips properly as they adjust to the new lip size. However, once the incision heals, they will be able to close their lips completely as before. The lips will be significantly swollen during the first five days but will gradually subside and begin to settle within two weeks, returning to normal within 1-3 months. During the recovery period, it is important to follow these guidelines
1. Sleep with your head elevated and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.
2. The doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment for seven days after the surgery.
3. Avoid alcohol, spicy foods, and smoking for the first two weeks.
4. Do not brush your teeth for the first three days after surgery; rinse your mouth with mouthwash after every meal to prevent infection.
5. Apply ointment or petroleum jelly to keep the lips moisturized.
6. Drink clean water using a straw.
7. Be careful not to move your lips or smile widely in the initial phase, as this can stress the incision.
8. Take medications and adhere strictly to the doctor’s advice.
