Lip reduction surgery is considered safe, but there are some risks and potential complications to consider.
As with all surgery, there’s the potential for infection or excessive bleeding. There’s also the possibility of an asymmetrical result that requires revision surgery.
Dr. Lam says that some patients who’ve had their upper lip reduced may find “that their top lip flips inward when they smile.” This is because of tight stitching on the inner lip, and it may last for a month or two, until the tissue regenerates and the skin becomes more elastic.Â
In about 5% of cases, Dr. Lam says, “patients may feel firmness in the lip that requires an injectable scar dissolver.”
Because this cosmetic surgery procedure is delicate and results are permanent, Los Angeles plastic surgeon Dr. Kenneth Hughes stresses the importance of choosing a surgeon with extensive lip reduction experience. “Find someone who has performed this procedure many times,” he advises.Â
Ask your surgeon if they can create a digital mock-up of what your result should look like, or if you can see lip reduction before and after photos of patients with similar anatomy and results.
RealSelf Tip: In the week prior to surgery, avoid blood-thinning medications (like aspirin or ibuprofen), which can exacerbate bruising. Dr. Lam says he also likes to prescribe an antiviral medication to patients who are prone to cold sores.
