Is a lip reduction safe?

Question

Hi, I have long desired to reduce the size of my lower lip so that it better coincides with my upper lip. I know lip augmentation occurs frequently, but how common is lip reduction and is it considered a "safe" procedure? By safe, I mean an uncomplicated procedure. I have attached a photo for your review. Thank you all for your help.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The key to lip reduction is to provide the correct amount of reduction with no visible scar and creating a natural result.  A segment of the lip is removed from the inside of the lip so there is no visible scar.  This can also be done for those who have had their lips infected with fillers and want the lip a bit smaller.

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

A lip reduction is a safe and easy procedure, but just like any other surgery there can be minor risks involved. It is done under local anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes to perform. An incision is made on the inside of the lip, a piece of internal lip is removed, and then it is sutured together. Dissolvable sutures are used which should disappear in about or week or two. Swelling can be present for a few weeks depending on the severity of the reduction, and the incision may have some tenderness for a few weeks as well. Ultimately, the result is usually nice. Make sure to consult with a board certified facial plastic or plastic surgeon to discuss any questions you may have.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello,Lips can be reduced in an office setting.  It is done usually under local anesthesia and patients are made quite comfortable.  The sutures are placed on the inside portion of the lip to help conceal a scar.  Final results are between 3-6 months.  
Best,
Anil Shah

Rikesh T. Parikh, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, lip reduction is a safe procedure. It is performed as an outpatient procedure and commonly done under local anesthesia. All procedures do have risks but I would consider this a lower risk procedure. It is not complicated as such but it is a question of eye on how much or how little lip to take out. Thanks.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Lip reduction is a safe surgery performed in a select group of patients with protruding lips or silicone granulomas. I perform the surgery using meticulously placed incisions in the mucosa of the lips

Thomas T. Le, MD · Answer

Lip reduction is a straightforward procedure to reduce the volume and height of your lip in a tailorable fashion using an excision of tissue from the inside of your lip. The scar of the lip may feel tight or potentially sensitive for several months. In general it is a well tolerated procedure performed under either local anesthesia or IV sedation if you prefer more comfort.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

As Dr. Aldea said this is very simple and the method he described. There are very rare complications. the lip will be swollen for several weeks.

Sam Lam, MD, FACS, FISHRS · Answer

Since I perform a lip reduction almost every day to every other day, I feel that in my hands lip reduction is very safe.  I most likely perform more lip reductions than anyone in the world.  If you have questions, please contact my office or review the information below.

Regina Rodman, MD · Answer

Nothing in life is 100% safe, but lip reduction is quite close!

You can have the bottom lip reduced in the office, likely under local anesthesia, and go home the same day.

Best of luck

Dr Rodman

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Lip reduction is a very safe procedure that may be done in the office.  Usually the incisions are placed inside the lip, so scars are not visible. I would suggest meeting with a plastic surgeon to discuss the procedure with you.  Please be aware that the lower lip should be larger than the upper lip.

Is a lip reduction safe?

Answers (14)