| CPL | Lip Surgery |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Aesthetic plastic surgery to the facial lips is also called cheiloplasty. Lips can be made more or less full (=lip augmentation or lip reduction), lifted or reshaped. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are used for temporary lip augmentation. The effect lasts for 6-18 months. Autologous (=own body) fat transfer is a more permanent solution. Long upper lips can be shortened, using an incision under the nose (also called "subnasal bullhorn" lift). A more defined Cupid bow can be achieved with an incision along the upper vermillion border ("Gullwing" lip lift / direct lip lift). Downwards turned corners of the lips can also be elevated (Corner or commissural lip lift) The wounds are repaired with sutures under the skin which do not require removal and dissolve within four months. |
| Scars | Lift: under nose, Cupid bow: between lip and skin, Commissural lift: near the corners of the lips and in the surrounding skin, Reduction: Inner lips |
| Operation time | 1 hour |
| Anaesthesia | Local |
| Hospital Stay | Day Surgery |
| Benefits | Aesthetic, Psychological |
| Risks | Bleeding, Infection, Scar problems (thick, wide, red, abnormally pigmented, retracted), Skin discoloration, Wound separation, Pain, Discomfort, Numbness, Weakness, Overcorrection, Undercorrection, Asymmetry, Recurrent problem, Distortion, Lip eversion, Incisor show from lip lift, Aesthetic Imperfections, Changes over time, Functional problems, Drooling, Contour irregularities, Need for further treatment, Fat or filler injection: necrosis, blindness, Allergic reactions. N.B. Most complications are unlikely. Serious risks or death are rare |
| Risk factors | Smoking within 6 weeks of surgery, overweight, high blood pressure, bleeding tendency (Stop herbal products or supplements for two weeks before surgery), diabetes, hot and chewy food can lead to unintended bite or burns injuries, poor oral hygiene |
| Optimising factors | Diet rich in Vitamin C and protein, plenty of fluids, fresh air, scar massage, sun protection |
| Discomfort | 1 - 2 weeks |
| Bruising | 2 - 3 weeks |
| Recovery | Light activities 2 weeks, Driving 3 weeks, Physical work & sports 6 weeks |
| Acceptable appearance | 2 - 4 weeks for most patients (This is subjective) |
| Final result | 6 -18 months |
| Alternatives | No Treatment, Make-up |
Anstey Hall
Maris Lane
Cambridge
CB2 9LN
