| 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 | Alcohol, Poor tissue quality can cause recurrent laxity, Asymmetry cannot be entirely corrected, Too early or excessive mobilisation, Hot and chewy food can lead to unintended bite or burns injuries after surgery, Poor oral hygiene, Wound interference without surgeon's agreement; Contraindications which preclude surgery unless discussed otherwise in the consultation: Smoking / vaping / nicotine / recreational inhalations within 6 weeks before and after surgery, Contraception with estrogens or HRT tablets (if under general anaesthetic), Air travel over 2 hours within 6 weeks before and after surgery (if under general anaesthetic), Air travel under 2 hours within 2 weeks before and after surgery, Overweight (Body Mass Index = BMI of 27 and over), Recent weight changes over 6kg, Pregnancy (if under general anaesthetic), Raised blood pressure (if poorly controlled), Bleeding tendency (Stop herbal products or supplements for two weeks before surgery), Diabetes or immunosuppression (if poorly controlled) |
| Optimising factors | Diet rich in Vitamin C and protein, plenty of fluids, fresh air, sufficient sleep, scar massage, sun protection, silicone gel |
| 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
