Lip Reduction Surgery: Considerations and Costs
To achieve a more delicate and charming smile, many women choose Lip Reduction Surgery to refine the thickness of their lips. However, many still wonder: "Is lip aesthetic surgery dangerous?" and "Where should I undergo the procedure to ensure maximum safety and the best possible outcome?" Below are the essential considerations that you should not overlook if you are planning to enhance the beauty of your lips.
Essential Facts About Lip Aesthetic Surgery.
Lip contouring through aesthetic surgery is currently a leading beauty trend, especially for those who have concerns about excessively thick lips, scarring, or a lack of defined shape. This is a minor surgery which removes excessive tissue and adjusts lip muscles to restore a natural, harmonious, and balanced lips.
This method helps women to achieve their ideal lip shape or reduce lip volume as desired. For those seeking specific aesthetics, the procedure can create a Heart-Shaped Lips (Cupid’s Bow) or achieve the Golden Ratio (where the upper lip is approximately 2/3 the size of the lower lip, with a gentle wave-like contour on the upper vermilion border).
The process of reducing lip thickness is relatively quick and typically requires only one session. On average, a lip reduction procedure lasts between 40 to 60 minutes, or slightly longer if combined with other techniques such as fat grafting or lip firming. Furthermore, because the procedure only involves the inner mucosal lining of the lips, you do not have to worry about visible scarring.
Who is suitable for Lip Aesthetic Surgery?.
- Individuals with naturally thick or protruding (pouty/everted) lips.
- Those who wish for more attractive and well-defined lips.
- Individuals who have experienced trauma or accidents that alter their lip shape (the doctor will assess to determine the best approach).
This procedure is highly trusted and chosen by many clients across reputable plastic surgery hospitals in Vietnam.
Before and after undergoing lip reduction.
Advantages of Lip Reduction Surgery.
1. Achieving beautiful “Golden Ratio” lips
According to aesthetic experts, the ideal ratio between the upper and lower lip is 2:3. When viewed from left to right, the 1/4 and 3/4 points of the lips should align vertically with the nostrils and the inner corners of the eyes, while the upper vermilion border features a subtle, wave-like contour. Modern lip contouring surgery is designed to provide alluring, attractive lips that follow this “Golden Ratio”.
After lip surgery, women will possess beautiful lips as desired.
2. Achieving naturally plump lips
Removing excess tissue helps naturally lift and tighten the lip skin without altering the natural pigmentation. As a result, the lips appear plumper, making it much easier to apply lipstick for a more vibrant and captivating look.
3. No visible scarring
Prior to lip reduction, the doctor will precisely measure and mark the transition zone between the dry and wet mucosal tissues. This ensures an accurate excision ratio while minimizing invasiveness and trauma. The incision is hidden within the inner lining of the lip, resulting in no visible scarring.
4. Fast recovery time
The patient can return home immediately following the surgery without a hospital stay.
The Procedure of Lip Reduction Surgery
Although lip reduction surgery is a well-established procedure, many patients are still unaware of this procedure. The doctor generally follows these 4 essential steps:
Step 1: Examination and Consultation
A general oral health assessment and basic biochemical blood test are performed. The doctor measures both upper and lower lip, calculates standard deviations and observes lip pigmentation to devise the most suitable corrective plan. The patient and doctor will discuss and select the desired surgical method. The blood tests must include red blood cell counts, blood viscosity, and other related screening. Surgery only proceeds once all health indicators meet the required safety standards.
Step 2: Applying Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is administered since the lips are highly sensitive to invasive traumas. The anesthetic injection is typically placed 2 cm above the left corner of the lip. Subsequently, the entire perioral area is disinfected with a specialized antiseptic solution. While the patient rests on the operating table, the treatment area will begin to lose sensation.
Step 3: Performing the Lip Reduction
The doctor marks the primary and secondary incision lines and excision lines. Next, the doctor dissects the lip tissue to remove excess fat or accumulated fluid (if there are injection complications). Excess epithelium tissue is extracted until the desired thickness is achieved. Finally, the doctor realigns the lip muscle to contour the new shape. If the patient requests lip reddening, additional anesthesia may be applied for laser treatment at the stage.
Step 4: Suturing and Post-Operative Care
After completing the mucosal resection and muscle stabilization, the doctor closes the incision using dissolvable sutures. Specialized suture used for oral environment such as PolyDioxanone (PDO) or PCL are used for their ideal thinness and durability. Finally, the area is disinfected and protected with a thin layer of gauze. The patient will rest and be monitored for 2 hours before being discharged for home care.
Post-Operative Home Care.
To ensure a quick recovery, diligent post-operative care is essential. During the first month following your lip reduction surgery, please strictly adhere to the following guidelines:
- During the first week: DO NOT attempt to remove the surgical dressing or pull at the oral sutures.
- Oral Hygiene: Be extremely gentle when cleaning your teeth and mouth. Rinse with saline solution 3 times daily and perform a basic cleaning after every meal.
- Diet: Soft, easy-to-consume foods are recommended, such as: porridge, vegetable soups, minced pork, and fruit smoothies.
- Avoid harmful drinks: DO NOT drink soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, coffee, or milk tea.
- Food allergens: Avoid glutinous rice, spicy dishes, excessively salty or heavily seasoned foods.
- Sleeping position and makeup: DO NOT sleep on your belly and temporarily suspend the use of lipstick.
- Prescribed medications: Use painkillers and topical ointments exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
More on the topic:
+ Plastic surgery price list
* The final result also depends on each individual's physiology.
