Lip Reduction

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What Is Lip Reduction?

Lip reduction surgery involves removing a piece of skin from either the upper lip, lower lip, or both so that the lip or lips will decrease in size. Lip reduction surgery can reduce the size of either a portion of the lip or the entire lip itself.

What Are the Reasons for Lip Reduction?

There are many reasons people desire lip reduction surgery. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2018, just over 1000 lip resizing surgeries were performed in the United States. While this is much less than the 30,000 lip augmentation surgeries performed, it represents an important part of the population with which lip reduction doctors must be familiar.

Ethnic variability

Certain ethnic groups, such as African Americans and Asians, tend to have larger lips; therefore, they seek African American lip reduction options. The term “macrocheilia” refers to large lips. While the larger lips may complement other facial features, some people feel that they are disproportionately large and desire a decrease in lip size.

Dentofacial deformities

Certain variations or deformities in the bony structures of the face and mouth can result in an exaggerated appearance of the lips. In particular, lack of chin prominence can give an enlarged appearance of the lip. When the lips appear larger than they are, it is referred to as “pseudomacrocheilia.”

Vascular malformations

Vascular malformations such as issues arising from the lymphatic system and overgrowth of blood vessels (known as hemangiomas) can also cause an enlarged appearance of the lips. These malformations may be either acquired or congenital.

Rare syndromes

There are sporadic syndromes that are associated with lip enlargement. Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by prolonged swelling of the face and, in particular, the lips. Ascher syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by swelling of the lips, eyelids, and goiter formation.

Scarring

Scarring from prior injury or surgery can also result in an enlarged lip. After a trauma or laceration, some people are predisposed to hypertrophic scar formation, a type of raised, firm scar. Scar tissue can cause the lip to appear asymmetric, with one side larger than the other and various lumps and bumps.

Filler

While most lip filler is temporary, repeated injections can lead to scarring and lump formation in the lips. Over time, the scarring and abnormal regrowth of new tissue can cause a protrusion and enlargement in the lips disrupting the normal lip architecture and giving a “duck lip” appearance, which may not be amenable to dissolving. Also, permanent types of fillers, such as silicone, can migrate and cause irregularities in the lips. The silicone is typically not visible during surgery, but the lip contour can be restored.

Lower lip ptosis

Lower lip ptosis is a drooping of the lower lip. Ptosis is caused by weakness of the muscles surrounding the lip, which may be due to muscular disorders or problems with the central nervous system, such as stroke.

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