Lip surgery

Lip surgery is a procedure performed to reshape, enhance, or correct the lips so that they appear more proportionate and balanced. Various techniques are currently available. In addition to cosmetic enhancement and supporting self-confidence, lip surgery may also be performed to correct concerns involving uneven or disproportionate lips. The procedure may be performed on the upper lip, lower lip, or both.

Types of Lip Enhancement and Correction

Lip enhancement and correction may be performed through two main approaches: surgery and dermal filler injections. These can be divided into four types:

1. Cupid’s Bow Lip Surgery

Cupid’s bow lip surgery reshapes the upper lip to create a more defined contour. It may be suitable for individuals who wish to enhance facial balance and feel more confident about their appearance.

Although the Cupid’s bow lip shape is popular, the procedure has certain limitations and may be considered for individuals with the following concerns:

A thick, large, or poorly defined upper lip that may be reshaped into a more distinct Cupid’s bow contour
Downturned lips that can make the facial expression appear stern; surgery may help lift the corners of the mouth and create a softer-looking smile
Lips with sufficient tissue that are not excessively thin, where greater definition of the Cupid’s bow is desired

2. Lip Reduction Surgery

Lip reduction surgery is performed to reduce the size and thickness of prominent lips. It may be suitable for individuals with thick, large, or drooping lips.

The procedure may be performed on the upper lip only, the lower lip only, or both lips during the same operation.

3. Corrective Lip Surgery

Corrective lip surgery may be considered for concerns that have been present since birth, developed following an accident, or resulted from a previous surgical procedure with an unsatisfactory outcome.

Examples include:

Uneven or asymmetrical lips
Drooping corners of the mouth
Downturned lips
Mouth corners positioned at an unsuitable or uneven angle

4. Lip Enhancement With Dermal Filler

Lip filler treatment is a non-surgical method of reshaping and enhancing the lips. A small amount of hyaluronic acid filler is injected into selected areas to create a fuller and more defined appearance.

It may be suitable for individuals with small or very thin lips, uneven lip proportions, poorly defined lip contours, or visible lip lines and grooves.

Preparation Before Lip Surgery

Inform the doctor of any medication allergies and underlying medical conditions. Conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes should be well controlled before surgery. Provide full details of all medicines taken regularly.
Avoid muscle-relaxing injections around the eyes, forehead, and inner brow area, as well as filler injections in the upper face, for at least one month before surgery.
Avoid antiplatelet and anticoagulant medicines for at least two weeks before surgery to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding. Any changes to prescribed medication should be made only according to the doctor’s instructions.
Avoid dietary supplements and herbal products, such as fish oil and vitamins. Stop smoking and avoid alcohol for at least two weeks before surgery.
Should any abnormality occur around the eyelids, such as a stye, swelling, or a rash, within two weeks before the scheduled procedure, contact the medical team immediately.
Prepare sunglasses and prescription glasses, when required, for use after surgery.
Do not wear contact lenses, dental retainers, dentures, or jewellery, and do not bring valuable belongings on the day of surgery.
Do not apply facial makeup, as cosmetic residue that is not thoroughly removed may increase the risk of infection.
Bathe, wash your hair, and cleanse your face thoroughly before surgery.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with front buttons on the day of surgery so that it can be removed easily. Avoid clothing containing conductive metal components.
Arrange for someone to accompany you home after the procedure. Driving yourself home is not recommended.
Plan to take at least three days off work after surgery to support recovery and reduce discomfort.

Care During the First Two Hours After Surgery

Lie on your back with your head elevated approximately 30–40 degrees, or use two pillows. Avoid sleeping on your side.
Apply a cold gel pack immediately around the mouth and cheek area. Do not place it directly on the surgical wound.

Care After Returning Home

Apply a cold gel pack during the first one to three days after surgery to help constrict blood vessels, reduce bleeding, and minimise swelling. Keep the wound dry. Should blood seep from the wound, gently wipe the area with gauze and apply light pressure until the bleeding stops.
During the first week, sleep on your back with your head elevated approximately 30–40 degrees, or use two pillows. Avoid sleeping on your side, particularly during the first one to three days, to help reduce swelling.
Should swelling, bruising, or greenish discolouration appear on the third day, apply a warm—not hot—compress alternately with a cold compress.
From the fourth day onward, apply a warm compress at least four to five times daily to help reduce swelling and promote circulation.
During the first week, avoid prolonged talking and allow the wound to become dry and heal properly.
Avoid coloured lipstick for approximately one month to reduce the risk of irritation from cosmetic ingredients.
Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that may place pressure or impact on the lips for at least one month.

Surgical Wound Care

Soak a cotton bud in saline solution and gently clean around the surgical wound. Do not rub or scrub the area. Should bleeding occur, gently press the wound with a cotton bud for a short period until it stops.

Clean the wound twice daily, in the morning and evening. Gently pat the area dry and apply Terramycin ointment or cream, as prescribed, after each cleaning.
For oral hygiene, brush your teeth using children’s toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use a non-irritating, alcohol-free mouthwash or a diluted mouthwash mixed with saline solution.

Rinse again with plain saline several times daily to help maintain moisture inside the mouth. Should food particles become trapped around the stitches, saline solution may be gently applied using a syringe.
Take the prescribed anti-inflammatory medicine, antibiotics, and medication for swelling as instructed by the doctor. Pain medication may be taken every four to six hours when required. Follow the doctor’s instructions carefully.
Approximately seven days after surgery, the doctor will arrange a follow-up appointment to examine the wound and remove the stitches.

Food and Beverage Recommendations

Avoid dietary supplements and vitamins for approximately two weeks.
Avoid spicy foods, fermented or pickled foods, and alcoholic beverages for approximately one month. Avoid smoking for approximately one week.

These may increase blood flow to the face, contribute to swelling, delay wound healing, and increase the risk of inflammation or infection.
Avoid chewing hard foods and opening the mouth widely.
Choose foods rich in protein and vitamin C, such as eggs, milk, meat, oranges, and lemon juice, to support the healing process.

Expected Recovery

The lips may gradually settle into their intended shape, with the Cupid’s bow contour becoming more clearly defined within approximately one to three months.
Reduced sensation or numbness of the lips may occur. Sensation may gradually return over a period of approximately six months to one year.
Firm or hardened tissue may develop within the lips, particularly after the stitches have been removed. This can occur during the healing process and may take approximately three to six months to soften and gradually return to normal.

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