Lip reduction

The 2 types of lip reduction are as follows:

Lip reduction to reduce prominence or excessive bulk of lips. In some cases the bulkiness of lips, could be due to excessive forward projection of the teeth and associated bone. Once dental causes are ruled out, and it is established that the lip prominence is due to increased fleshiness of lips or muscle hypertrophy then this procedure can be undertaken to improve the lip aesthetics. Both upper and lower lip reduction can be performed at the same time.
Pre-operatively, your doctor will ask you to pull back on your lips using your teeth to demonstrate the desired lip volume. The teeth impressions are used as a guideline to determine the extent of reduction to be performed. The proposed area of excision is marked on the inner aspect of the lip just behind the visible red portion of your lips (so that the final scar is not visible). The surgery is commonly performed under local anaesthesia. The mucosa, underlying submucosal tissue and a wedge of the bulky muscle are excised. The area is the closed with self-absorbing sutures.
You will be advised to apply cold compresses and to keep your head end elevated to reduce swelling. You must maintain proper oral hygiene post-operatively. The associated swelling and bruising will settle in 10-14 days and the final result will be evident by 6 to 8 weeks.

Lip reduction to reduce the height of upper lip, also called a bull-horn lip reduction. Here a “bull-horn” shaped area of skin and underlying tissue is removed at the level of nostril sill (junction between nose and upper lip). The resulting gap is closed meticulously with sutures.
This technique not only reduces the upper lip height but also enhances the lip pout mildly. The sutures are removed after 7-8 days.